Is the Import and Export Right the Lifeline of Foreign Trade Enterprises?

Mr. Zhang has been very distressed recently. His factory has produced a batch of high-quality furniture, and overseas customers have been inquiring frequently. However, due to the inability to export independently, he could only watch helplessly as the orders slipped away. Ms. Li's cross-border e-commerce store also encountered a similar problem - without the import and export right, she couldn't even send out samples. Is this really an insurmountable threshold, or a misunderstood "paper tiger"? Today, let's lift the mysterious veil of applying for the import and export right.

Simply put, the import and export right is the "pass" for enterprises to obtain the recognition of the customs and independently carry out international trade. Having it means:

• Being able to directly sign contracts with foreign businessmen
• Independently handling procedures such as customs declaration and tax rebate
• No longer relying on third-party agents and saving costs

It is worth noting that since the reform of the commercial system in 2019, the right to engage in import and export operations has been changed from the approval system to the recordation system, and the process has been greatly simplified.

The whole application process can be divided into four key steps:

• Step 1: Adding Items to the Business License - Adding "Import and Export of Goods" or "Import and Export of Technology" to the business scope
• Step 2: Foreign Trade Recordation - Submitting enterprise information through the business system of the Ministry of Commerce
• Step 3: Customs Registration - Obtaining the customs code and the electronic port card
• Step 4: Recordation with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange - Opening the payment and receipt functions of foreign currency accounts

The whole process usually takes 15 to 20 working days, and professional service institutions such as Zhongshitong can assist in accelerating the handling.

During the service process, we have found that many enterprises have cognitive biases:

• Misunderstanding 1: Only manufacturing enterprises can apply (in fact, trading companies can also apply)
• Misunderstanding 2: Requiring a huge registered capital (the capital registration limit has been cancelled now)
• Misunderstanding 3: Business must be carried out immediately after handling (the recordation is valid for a long time)

Special reminder: Cross-border e-commerce enterprises also need to handle the recordation of the types of cross-border e-commerce enterprises, which is different from the traditional import and export right.

Although the import and export right can bring many conveniences, the actual situation should also be considered:

• For enterprises with an annual export volume of less than 500,000, agency export may be more cost-effective
• Enterprises that occasionally import samples can go through express customs declaration
• Special commodities (such as medical devices) require additional qualifications

It is recommended to do a cost calculation first: agency fees vs. expenses of the self-operated team vs. potential business growth space.

If you decide to take this step, please confirm:

• Whether the scanned copy of the business license is clear
• Whether the front and back sides of the legal person's ID card are within the validity period
• Whether the company's official seal and the legal person's seal are properly prepared
• Whether the office address is consistent with the registered address

Now, it's time to re-evaluate your business territory. Those overseas orders that were once given up due to procedural problems may be waiting for you to awaken them with a correct decision. Are you ready to let your enterprise truly "go global"?