Is handling import and export business even simpler than ordering takeout?

Mr. Zhang has been very troubled recently. His company plans to expand overseas markets, but when facing unfamiliar terms like "customs code", "electronic port", and "certificate of origin", he feels like a lost primary school student. Don't worry! Today, we will use 10 minutes to help you clarify the key steps of import and export business, enabling enterprises to avoid detours in cross-border trade.

Just as driving requires a driver's license, enterprises must handle the following when carrying out import and export business:

• Customs filing: Submit materials such as the business license through the "China International Trade Single Window", and you can obtain the customs code within 3 working days.
• Electronic port card: It is equivalent to the enterprise's "digital identity card" and is used for online operations such as customs declaration and tax rebate.
• Foreign exchange account: Apply to the bank to open the foreign exchange receipt and payment function. It is recommended to choose a bank with international settlement experience.

Ms. Li once failed to handle the electronic port card, resulting in a batch of urgent goods being stranded at the port for 5 days, generating tens of thousands of yuan in container detention fees per day. This lesson is worth being vigilant about.

The customs code (HS Code) is the "international passport" for commodities. Incorrect classification may lead to:

• High - value deposits (e.g., misdeclaring toys as electronic devices)
• Goods return (e.g., electronic products without 3C certification)

It is recommended to use the pre - classification service of professional institutions such as Zhongshitong. One enterprise shortened the customs clearance time from 7 days to 8 hours through pre - classification.

Pitfalls that are easy to encounter in actual transportation:

• Special goods require additional documents (food requires a hygiene certificate, and chemicals require an MSDS report)
• The difference between FOB and CIF price terms may affect the freight cost by more than 20%
• The ASEAN Certificate of Origin can reduce the tariff to 0, but it must meet the 60% regional value content

During last year's Double Eleven, a company's exhibition equipment worth millions was detained because it did not handle the ATA carnet, missing the business opportunity of an international exhibition.

Import and export business involves three major financial and tax key points:

• Export tax rebate (for commodities with a VAT rate of 13%, the maximum tax rebate can be 9%)
• Foreign exchange verification (after receiving foreign exchange, it is necessary to complete the declaration through the bank within 90 days)
• Transfer pricing (related party transactions must comply with the arm's - length principle)

When using financial software such as Kingdee or UFIDA, be sure to enable the cross - border trade module. The case of an enterprise losing 370,000 yuan in tax rebates due to manual entry errors is regrettable.

Now, through the "Single Window", 15 services such as customs declaration, tax payment, and application for the certificate of origin can be completed in one go. It is recommended for small and medium - sized enterprises:

• Choose an ERP system with a "customs affairs robot"
• Pay attention to tariff reduction policies of free trade agreements such as RCEP
• Regularly participate in AEO certification training organized by the customs

After reading this guide, do you find that import and export business is not as complicated as you thought? Take action now: Leave the section you care most about in the comment area, and we will select 3 readers to provide free customs affairs consultation! Enterprises that have already carried out foreign trade business are welcome to share your practical experience.