Does Not Applying for Import and Export Rights Mean Throwing Money Away?

Mr. Zhang has been running a clothing factory for three years. Recently, he received an overseas order through cross-border e-commerce, but was forced to give it up because he couldn't handle the customs declaration independently; Ms. Li's ceramic handicrafts became popular on overseas social media, but due to qualification issues, she could only sell them through third-party consignment, and the profits were taken away layer by layer... Import and Export Rights, this seemingly distant concept, is becoming the "clearance document" that more and more enterprises must face. Today, we will break down the whole application process in the simplest language.

Why Do You Need Import and Export Rights?

When the following three signals appear in your enterprise, it's time to consider applying:

• Receiving direct inquiries from overseas customers
• The platform requires the provision of independent customs declaration certificates
• The cost of agency operation exceeds 20% of the profit

Having import and export rights not only means reducing intermediate costs, but also enables you to take the initiative in transactions. Taking the customers served by Zhongshitong as an example, the average profit margin of enterprises that export independently is 37% higher than that of the consignment sales model.

Five-step Clearance Guide

Step One: "Upgrading" the Business License

Check whether the business scope of the business license includes "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology". If not, you need to go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to handle the modification first. Usually, you need:

• Shareholders' Resolution
• Amendment to the Articles of Association
• Application Form for Modification

The whole process takes about 3 - 5 working days, and the cost is within 500 yuan.

Step Two: Customs Record-filing to "Get an Identity Card"

Log in to the "China International Trade Single Window" to register an enterprise account and submit:

• Unified Social Credit Code Certificate
• Scanned Copy of the Legal Person's ID Card
• Bank Account Opening Permit

After passing, you will obtain a 10-digit Customs Code, which is the lifelong ID for the enterprise's foreign trade and will be used for subsequent electronic port cards, foreign exchange management, etc.

Step Three: "Opening Permissions" at the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau

Carry the customs record-filing receipt to the local foreign exchange bureau to handle the registration in the directory. Key points to note:

• Confirm the type of bank foreign exchange account in advance
• Keep the impression of the special seal for customs declaration
• Receive the Certificate of the Directory of Enterprises for Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments in Trade

Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Traps That 90% of Enterprises Have Fallen Into

1. Activation of the Electronic Port Card: Many enterprises get stuck in the process of binding the legal person card/operator card. It is recommended to complete it directly in the customs card-making hall.
2. Application for Tax Refund Qualification: You need to separately file with the tax bureau. Don't wait until half a year later to find out that you are not qualified.
3. Training of Customs Brokers: Train at least 2 employees to obtain the Customs Broker Competency Test Certificate to avoid the business being bound by individuals.

Act Now and Seize the Initiative

With the implementation of agreements such as RCEP, the scale of cross-border e-commerce is expected to exceed 3 trillion in 2024. You might as well do a self-test:

• Calculate the amount of orders lost due to lack of qualifications in the past year
• Compare the cost differences between independent customs declaration and agency operation
• Evaluate the overseas market plans for the next 3 years

If two of the three items meet the standards, you should start preparing materials today. Leave your industry in the comment section to get the exclusive application checklist!