Is it Guaranteed to Get the Import and Export License within 3 Days? Beware of Losing Both Your Money and Goods!

Mr. Zhang recently received an overseas order, but got stuck when applying for the import and export license - the materials were returned even after being revised three times repeatedly; Ms. Li's cross-border e-commerce company wasted two months of business opportunities due to unfamiliarity with the process. Is the import and export license really a "stumbling block" for entrepreneurs? Today, we'll take you to dissect the entire process in 10 minutes and avoid those "hidden pits"!

Simply put, without this "pass", your goods can't even enter the customs gate. According to the current regulations, enterprises engaged in import and export business must complete:

• Obtain a 10-digit code through customs registration
• File the E-Port IC card
• Register on the list of the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau

Taking the customers served by Zhongshitong as an example, 90% of the delays are due to insufficient preparation of preliminary materials. For example, the business scope of "import and export" in the business license has not been updated, or the bank account opening permit has expired.

Step 1: Industrial and Commercial Modification
First, go to the market supervision department to add the business scope of "goods import and export" or "technology import and export". Here, two common pitfalls are often encountered:

• Some regions require the paid-in registered capital (it is recommended to confirm in advance)
• If it involves special categories such as food/medical devices, additional qualifications are required

Step 2: Filing for Foreign Trade Operators
Log in to the website of the Ministry of Commerce to submit the application, and you will receive the filing form within three working days. Once, a customer was returned due to unclear copy of the legal person's ID card. It is recommended to use a scanned copy instead of taking a photo with a mobile phone.

Step 3: Customs Registration
Now the whole process is handled electronically, but note:

• The special seal for customs declaration must be exactly the same as the filed name
• Confirm the enterprise credit rating in advance (it affects the customs clearance efficiency)

Step 4: Access to the E-Port Network
This step is most likely to get stuck. It is recommended that the legal person handle it in person because:

• The fingerprints of the legal person need to be collected on the spot
• The activation of the IC card requires binding to the legal person's mobile phone number

Step 5: Filing with the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau
Only after completing the registration on the list can foreign exchange be received and paid normally. A cross-border e-commerce customer once had omitted reporting of the overseas receiving account, resulting in the freezing of the payment for goods for 45 days.

Some agents in the market claim to "issue the license within 3 days on an urgent basis", but in fact, there may be big risks:

• Forging official seals (facing criminal liability)
• Falsely reporting the office address (affecting subsequent tax refunds)

It is recommended to choose regular institutions such as Zhongshitong. Although it takes 7 - 15 working days, it can ensure that the whole process is legal and compliant.

Getting the license is just the beginning. There are still the following things to do:

• Monthly data submission to the E-Port
• Annual customs report submission
• Regular declaration of foreign exchange receipts and payments

Ms. Wang's company was downgraded to a discredited enterprise due to omitted reporting of the annual report, and 100% of the exported goods were inspected by opening the boxes, and the logistics cost soared three times.

Now it's your turn: What unexpected problems have you encountered when applying for the import and export license? Welcome to share your experiences in the comment area, and we will randomly select 3 readers to provide a compliance review checklist for free!