Import/Export Registration Process

The Complete Guide to Obtaining Import/Export Rights

Clients often ask me: “Do you offer foreign trade agency services?”

Yes, we absolutely do! But I usually advise clients to apply for import/export rights themselves, and I’ll teach them how — free of charge. Why? Because doing so saves a significant amount in agency fees, avoids the pitfalls of “purchasing export declarations” and trapped funds, and most importantly, protects your client information from being leaked!

Today, I’ll walk you through the entire process in just 2 minutes. Foreign trade newcomers can follow along and obtain all the necessary qualifications in about a week — no detours!

Step 1: Obtain or amend your business license. Go to the Market Regulation Bureau. The key point to remember: your business scope must include “import and export of goods” or “import and export of technology.” This is your entry ticket — without it, every subsequent step is a waste of time!

Step 2: Register as a Customs consignee/shipper. Previously, you had to first obtain a “Foreign Trade Operator Filing Registration” from the Commerce Bureau before you could register with Customs. Since late 2022, this step has been eliminated — you can now go directly to Customs registration after amending your business license.

Log into the “China International Trade Single Window,” find the “Enterprise Qualifications” module, select “Import/Export Cargo Consignee/Shipper” registration, and submit your application directly. After approval, download the “Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate” and verify your generated 10-digit Customs code on the “China Customs Enterprise Import/Export Credit Information Publicity Platform.”

Step 3: Obtain the Electronic Port Card. This is essentially your electronic company seal. Apply for the IC card through the Single Window or the Electronic Port website — without it, you cannot do paperless customs declaration. The process: first register an account as a “no-card user,” log in, find the “Card Issuance and Digital Certificate Service System,” fill in the relevant information, wait for approval, then collect the card at a designated card-issuing center or China Construction Bank branch. There are 2 port cards: one legal representative card and one operator card.

Step 4: Open a foreign currency account + foreign exchange directory registration. When opening a corporate foreign currency bank account, you must simultaneously complete the “Goods Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Enterprise Directory Registration.” Good news: since June 1, 2024, this registration no longer requires a trip to the foreign exchange bureau — you can do it directly at the bank!

Step 5: Export tax rebate filing (essential reading for exporters who want tax rebates). Log into the Electronic Tax Bureau and complete the “Export Tax Exemption/Rebate Filing.” If you only do imports, you can skip this step entirely. For exporters, even if you don’t plan to claim rebates right away, we recommend completing the filing first to avoid scrambling when you need it later. Here’s a key decision point: if you are a small-scale taxpayer, exports can only be tax-exempt, not tax-rebatable. To receive actual tax rebate payments, you must first apply to become a general taxpayer.

In summary, the five steps are interconnected — remember this order: Obtain/amend business license → Customs registration → Get Electronic Port Card → Open foreign currency account with foreign exchange registration → (optional) Complete tax filing. Follow this sequence and you can get everything done in about a week. Having your own import/export rights saves money and gives you peace of mind! For more details, feel free to leave a comment.

Detailed Analysis

This article provides a deeper analysis based on the video content.

The Complete Guide to Obtaining Import/Export Rights

Clients often ask me: “Do you offer foreign trade agency services?”

Yes, we absolutely do! But I usually advise clients to apply for import/export rights themselves, and I’ll teach them how — free of charge. Why? Because doing so saves a significant amount in agency fees, avoids the pitfalls of “purchasing export declarations” and trapped funds, and most importantly, protects your client information from being leaked!

Today, I’ll walk you through the entire process in just 2 minutes. Foreign trade newcomers can follow along and obtain all the necessary qualifications in about a week — no detours!

Step 1: Obtain or amend your business license. Go to the Market Regulation Bureau. The key point to remember: your business scope must include “import and export of goods” or “import and export of technology.” This is your entry ticket — without it, every subsequent step is a waste of time!

Step 2: Register as a Customs consignee/shipper. Previously, you had to first obtain a “Foreign Trade Operator Filing Registration” from the Commerce Bureau before you could register with Customs. Since late 2022, this step has been eliminated — you can now go directly to Customs registration after amending your business license.

Log into the “China International Trade Single Window,” find the “Enterprise Qualifications” module, select “Import/Export Cargo Consignee/Shipper” registration, and submit your application directly. After approval, download the “Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate” and verify your generated 10-digit Customs code on the “China Customs Enterprise Import/Export Credit Information Publicity Platform.”

Step 3: Obtain the Electronic Port Card. This is essentially your electronic company seal. Apply for the IC card through the Single Window or the Electronic Port website — without it, you cannot do paperless customs declaration. The process: first register an account as a “no-card user,” log in, find the “Card Issuance and Digital Certificate Service System,” fill in the relevant information, wait for approval, then collect the card at a designated card-issuing center or China Construction Bank branch. There are 2 port cards: one legal representative card and one operator card.

Step 4: Open a foreign currency account + foreign exchange directory registration. When opening a corporate foreign currency bank account, you must simultaneously complete the “Goods Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Enterprise Directory Registration.” Good news: since June 1, 2024, this registration no longer requires a trip to the foreign exchange bureau — you can do it directly at the bank!

Step 5: Export tax rebate filing (essential reading for exporters who want tax rebates). Log into the Electronic Tax Bureau and complete the “Export Tax Exemption/Rebate Filing.” If you only do imports, you can skip this step entirely. For exporters, even if you don’t plan to claim rebates right away, we recommend completing the filing first to avoid scrambling when you need it later. Here’s a key decision point: if you are a small-scale taxpayer, exports can only be tax-exempt, not tax-rebatable. To receive actual tax rebate payments, you must first apply to become a general taxpayer.

In summary, the five steps are interconnected — remember this order: Obtain/amend business license → Customs registration → Get Electronic Port Card → Open foreign currency account with foreign exchange registration → (optional) Complete tax filing. Follow this sequence and you can get everything done in about a week. Having your own import/export rights saves money and gives you peace of mind! For more details, feel free to leave a comment.

Summary

The above is a detailed introduction to the import/export rights registration process. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Vortrich International Freight for consultation.