Do You Really Know How to Apply for the Import and Export Business License?

Under the wave of economic globalization, more and more enterprises are eager to step into the field of international trade and expand overseas markets. And having the import and export business license is undoubtedly a crucial key for enterprises to open the door to international business. Today, let's take a deep dive into the application and handling process of the import and export business license to boost the international journey of enterprises.

First of all, enterprises should ensure that they have been established in accordance with the law, obtained the business license, and the business scope includes relevant expressions such as "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology". If not, they need to go to the administrative department for industry and commerce to handle the change registration of the business scope first. For example, Mr. Zhang's enterprise initially had a business scope limited to domestic business. After deciding to conduct import and export trade, he promptly went to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to add the relevant business scope.

After completing the preliminary preparations, enterprises need to go to the local competent commerce department to handle the record-filing and registration formalities for foreign trade operators. The following materials need to be prepared:

• The Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators, which can be filled out and printed on the unified platform of the business system of the Ministry of Commerce and stamped with the official seal of the enterprise.
• The original and photocopy of the duplicate of the business license, and the photocopy needs to be stamped with the official seal of the enterprise.
• The original and photocopy of the identity card of the legal representative, and the photocopy needs to be stamped with the official seal of the enterprise.

Submit the above materials to the window of the competent commerce department. After passing the review, you can receive the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators. When Ms. Li's enterprise submitted the materials, due to an incorrect filling of the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators, she was required to refill it, thus consuming some time. This also reminds everyone to be extremely careful when filling it out.

After obtaining the record-filing and registration with the Commerce Bureau, enterprises need to go to the local customs to handle the record-filing formalities. Enterprises need to log in to the Single Window of China's International Trade, enter the "Enterprise Qualifications" section, fill in the customs record-filing information online, and upload the scanned copies of the following materials:

• The Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators.
• The duplicate of the business license.
• The impression of the official seal of the enterprise.
• The Registration Form for the Situation of the Customs Declaration Unit.

After the customs review is passed, the enterprise has completed the customs record-filing and has the qualification for customs declaration.

If the goods imported and exported by the enterprise are involved in the catalogue of legal inspection and quarantine, they also need to go to the local entry-exit inspection and quarantine department to handle the record-filing. The application can also be made through the Single Window of China's International Trade by filling in relevant information and submitting necessary materials such as the business license, the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators, etc.

Enterprises also need to go to the Foreign Exchange Administration to handle the registration of the name list so that they can conduct foreign exchange receipt and payment business. Enterprises can log in to the Digital Foreign Exchange Administration Platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, fill in relevant information and submit required materials such as the duplicate of the business license, the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators, etc. After the review by the Foreign Exchange Administration is passed, the enterprise has completed the registration of the name list.

Finally, enterprises need to handle the formalities of accessing the E-Port network to realize functions such as online customs declaration and inspection application. Enterprises need to go to the local E-Port data sub-center, submit relevant materials such as the duplicate of the business license, the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators, the receipt of customs record-filing, etc., apply to purchase equipment such as the E-Port IC card, and complete the access to the E-Port network.

Although the application and handling process of the import and export business license has many steps, as long as enterprises follow the steps and prepare all kinds of materials well, they can successfully obtain it. It is hoped that enterprises that intend to conduct import and export business will take active actions, step onto the broad stage of the international market, and create more business value.