Is the process of obtaining the Import and Export Rights too complicated? This pit-avoidance guide is worth $100,000

Mr. Zhang has been running a clothing factory for three years. Recently, he received an overseas order but was forced to give it up due to the lack of Import and Export Rights; Ms. Li's cross-border e-commerce team has to pay tens of thousands of yuan more in agency fees every month because of incomplete qualifications... Is the Import and Export Rights an unattainable "elite license" or a standard tool within reach for entrepreneurs? Today, we will break the information gap with a comprehensive guide.

1. Why Do 90% of Enterprises Need to Obtain the Import and Export Rights?

Even if there is no foreign trade business for the time being, having the Import and Export Rights enables you to:

• Directly receive foreign exchange payments for goods, saving 3%-5% of agency commissions
• Enjoy the export tax rebate policy, and the profits of some industries can be increased by more than 8%
• Avoid the risk of affiliating with other entities' qualifications when entering international platforms such as Amazon

An expert from Zhongshitong Foreign Trade revealed: "Among the enterprises we served last year, 32% developed new customers within six months after obtaining the qualifications."

2. Illustrated Guide to the Four-step Customs Clearance Process

Step 1: Adding Items to the Business License
Go to the Administration for Industry and Commerce to add the business scope of "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology". You need to prepare:

• Amendment to the Articles of Association
• Resolution of the Shareholders' Meeting
• The latest original and duplicate copies of the business license

The whole process takes about 3 working days, and the cost is 0 yuan.

Step 2: Filing for Foreign Trade
Submit through the business system of the Ministry of Commerce:

• Scanned copy of the enterprise legal person's business license
• Photocopy of the legal representative's ID card
• English version of the company name/address

The filing form will be issued within 3 working days and is valid nationwide.

Step 3: Handling the Customs "Passport"
Apply to the local customs for the Registration Certificate of the Declaration Unit. Special attention should be paid to:

• The qualification of the importer and exporter of goods is permanently valid
• The qualification of the customs declaration enterprise needs to be audited annually

The process will be completed within 5 working days after submitting the materials on site.

Step 4: Filing with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
After completing the opening of the foreign exchange account, the bank will synchronously complete the registration in the directory. Since 2023, the on-site review process has been cancelled, realizing "unconscious filing".

3. Three Major Pitfalls That 90% of Enterprises Have Fallen Into

1. Trap of Registered Capital: Although there is no legal limit on the amount, it is recommended that trading enterprises maintain a registered capital of more than 1 million yuan, otherwise it may affect the trust of customers
2. Address Minefield: Virtual offices cannot pass the on-site verification by the customs. Ensure that there is an actual office space
3. Misunderstanding of Time Limit: The whole set of processes normally takes 15-20 days, and the so-called "urgent handling completed in 3 days" is mostly a scam

4. Three Key Actions for Maintaining Qualifications

Obtaining the qualifications is just the beginning. It is recommended that:

• Complete the annual industrial and commercial report before June 30th each year
• Log in to the electronic port to do data maintenance every quarter
• Retain all import and export documents for at least 5 years

The case library of Zhongshitong shows that the passing rate of customs certification for enterprises with standardized maintenance has increased by 70%.

Take Action Now: Which Path Should Your Enterprise Take?

If the monthly export volume is less than $20,000, you can temporarily use the "Integrated Foreign Trade Service" model for transition; if you plan to develop international business in the long term, it is recommended to start the handling process within this month. Leave a message in the comment section with "Industry + Annual Turnover", and you can obtain a customized list of suggestions.