Import & Export License Application in China

Finerise assists companies in obtaining full import and export rights. Our services cover foreign trade operator registration, customs declaration registration, electronic port card application, and foreign exchange filing — enabling your business to engage in international trade legally and efficiently.

Foreign Trade Operator Registration

The foundational registration required for any company wishing to engage in import or export activities in China.

Filed with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)
Online registration via MOFCOM's foreign trade system
Registration valid for life (no annual renewal required)

Apply for Registration >

Customs Registration & Electronic Port Card

Required for submitting customs declarations and accessing China's single window system for international trade.

Customs declaration registration (Haiguan Code)
Electronic port card (IC card or USB key) for online operations
Enables online declaration, query, and payment

Apply for Customs Registration >

SAFE Foreign Exchange Filing

Registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for cross-border receipts and payments.

Foreign exchange account opening filing
Enables foreign currency receipts from overseas buyers
Required for trade settlement and verification

Apply for SAFE Filing >

Why Obtain Import & Export Rights?

[1]

Direct Import/Export

Import and export directly without using a third-party agent.

[2]

VAT Refund Eligibility

Qualify for export VAT refund on qualifying goods.

[3]

Foreign Currency Receipt

Receive foreign currency directly into corporate bank account.

[4]

Customs Clearance Control

Manage customs declarations independently.

≡ Who Needs Import & Export Rights?

- Manufacturing companies that export finished goods or import raw materials
- Trading companies engaged in cross-border trade
- E-commerce companies operating cross-border online sales
- Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) that import equipment or export products
- Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs) with import/export business scope

≡ Prerequisites for Application

- Valid Business License with "import and export" in the business scope
- The company must be a general VAT taxpayer (recommended, though not strictly required for all cases)
- Completed basic tax registration
- Bank account opened in China

Note: If your business license does not include import/export as a permitted activity, Finerise can assist with a business license amendment before proceeding with the import/export registration.

≡ Step-by-Step Application Process

Foreign Trade Operator Registration

Apply online via MOFCOM system. Registration is effective immediately upon completion. (Approx. 1-2 business days)

Customs Declaration Registration

Submit application to local customs office. Obtain 10-digit Customs Code. (Approx. 3-5 business days)

Electronic Port Card Application

Apply for IC card or USB key for online customs operations. (Approx. 5-7 business days)

SAFE Foreign Exchange Filing

Required Documents for Import & Export License Application

Business License: Copy of the company's business license (with import/export scope).
Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form: Completed online application through MOFCOM system.
Customs Registration Application Form: Form filled out via China Customs Single Window system.
Company seal and legal representative seal: Required for physical application submissions.
Legal representative identification: Copy of ID card or passport of the legal representative.
Bank account information: RMB basic bank account details for tax refund purposes.
Premises certificate: Lease agreement or property ownership certificate for the registered address.

≡ Post-Approval Compliance Obligations

- Annual customs declaration – Companies must submit an annual customs declaration to maintain active customs registration.
- Export VAT refund filing – Qualifying companies must file export tax refund applications with the tax authority.
- Foreign exchange declaration – Cross-border receipts and payments must be declared to SAFE through the bank within the prescribed timeframes.
- Record keeping – Maintain import/export contracts, customs declarations, shipping documents, and payment receipts for at least five years.
- Update changes – Any change to company name, legal representative, registered address, or business scope must be reported to customs and MOFCOM.

≡ SPECIAL NOTE: Foreign Trade Operator Registration No Longer Requires Filing Certificate

Effective 1 January 2023, the State Council abolished the requirement for the "Foreign Trade Operator Filing and Registration Certificate." The registration is now completed entirely online via the MOFCOM Foreign Trade Operator Registration system. After online registration, the company obtains a registration number, but no physical certificate is issued. Separate registration with customs remains mandatory.

Why Choose Finerise for Import & Export License Application?

[A]

End-to-End Service

From scope amendment to full license package – we manage the entire process.

[B]

Timely Updates

We track application progress and coordinate with authorities to minimise delays.

[C]

Integration with Company Registration

Coordinate with company formation, tax registration, and customs registration simultaneously.

[D]

Compliance Support

Ongoing advice on import/export compliance, VAT refund, and foreign exchange rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign-invested company apply for import and export rights? +

Yes. FIEs and WFOEs with import/export included in their business scope are eligible to apply for full import and export rights. If import/export is not yet in the business scope, Finerise can assist with a business license amendment first.

How long does the entire application process take? +

For a company that already has import/export in its business scope, the full process typically takes 2-4 weeks. This includes foreign trade operator registration (1-2 days), customs registration (3-5 days), electronic port card (5-7 days), and SAFE filing (2-3 days). If a business scope amendment is required, add an additional 5-10 working days.

Is the Foreign Trade Operator Registration Certificate still required? +

No. As of 1 January 2023, the physical certificate has been abolished. Registration is completed online, and a registration number is issued. However, customs registration remains mandatory separately.

What is the cost of obtaining import and export rights? +

Official fees include the electronic port card fee (paid to the customs authority). Customs registration and SAFE filing have no official fees. Additional professional service fees apply if using an agent. Finerise provides a fixed quotation before commencing work.

What happens if my company does not use the import/export rights for a long period? +

Customs registration remains valid even if no import/export activities occur. However, the company must still submit the annual customs declaration. Failure to submit the annual declaration may result in the customs registration being deactivated.

Ready to Start Your Import/Export Business?

Contact Finerise for a free consultation and tailored quotation for your import and export license application.

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