Is Applying for Import and Export Rights Simpler Than Applying for a Passport?

Mr. Zhang runs a small electronic parts factory. Recently, he received an overseas order but had to give it up due to the lack of import and export rights. Ms. Li's clothing brand became popular on social media, and overseas fans wanted to buy it, but they got stuck in the customs declaration process... Import and Export Rights, this seemingly distant qualification, is becoming the golden key for small and medium-sized enterprises to open up the global market. Today, we will break down the entire process of enterprises applying for import and export rights.

Having import and export rights means that enterprises can trade directly with overseas customers without going through third-party agents. According to statistics from Zhongshitong, the average profit margin of enterprises with self-operated import and export is 23% higher than that of the OEM model.

• Cost Control: Save on middleman commissions and agency fees
• Efficiency Improvement: Independently arrange logistics and settlement cycles
• Brand Premium: Directly contact end customers to enhance bargaining power

Step 1: Confirm the Basic Qualifications of the Enterprise
The business license must include the business scope of "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology". If not, a change must be made first. Although there is no hard requirement for the registered capital, it is recommended to keep it above 1 million to meet the customs deposit requirements.

Step 2: Build a Professional Team
At least one certified customs declarant should be equipped (who can be trained through institutions such as Zhongshitong), and financial personnel should be familiar with the foreign exchange verification process. It is recommended to start personnel reserve three months in advance.

Step 3: Hardware Configuration
An independent customs declaration office, customs electronic port IC card equipment, and an international trade document management system are three essential items. The application cycle for electronic port equipment is about 15 working days.

1. Business Bureau Filing
Submit materials such as the Record-filing Form for Foreign Trade Operators and a copy of the business license. The record-filing form can be obtained within 3 working days.

2. Customs Registration
Apply for the Registration Certificate of the Declaration Unit with the record-filing form. The office premises need to be inspected on-site. The key point is to prepare a pre-classification plan for imported and exported goods in advance.

3. Entry into the Electronic Port Network
Apply for the legal person card and operator card simultaneously. Pay special attention to the validity management of the digital certificate. It is recommended to assign a dedicated person to be responsible for the annual review.

4. Filing with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
Open the enterprise list for foreign exchange receipts and payments. A bank account opening certificate needs to be provided. It is easy to get stuck in the filling specifications of the Application Form for Registration of Enterprises in the List of Trade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments.

5. Change of Tax Registration
Add the qualification for export tax refund (exemption) recognition. Focus on checking whether the cross-border business module is opened in the VAT invoice management system.

• Incorrect declaration of the commodity HS code leads to difficulties in subsequent tax refunds
• Foreign exchange receipts and payments not through a dedicated account trigger regulatory warnings
• Failure to report the customs annual report results in being downgraded to a dishonest enterprise
It is recommended that enterprises applying for the first time reserve a 6-month buffer period and can entrust professional institutions such as Zhongshitong to conduct pre-compliance review.

When Ms. Li's company obtained the import and export rights certificate, she wrote in her WeChat Moments: "It turns out that the world is only 5 official seals away from us." Now it's your turn - Continue to fight in the red ocean market, or use import and export rights to open up a new continent? Welcome to share your cross-border business experience in the comment section.