Import/Export Registration Process

Complete Guide to Import/Export Rights Registration

Clients often ask me: “Do you handle foreign trade agency services?” We absolutely do! But I usually recommend that clients apply for their own import/export rights, and I’ll teach you how to do it step by step — for free. Why? Because it saves you a fortune in agency fees, helps you avoid the pitfalls of “buying export documents” and stranded funds, and most importantly, protects your client information from being leaked!

Today I’ll walk you through the entire process in about 2 minutes. New foreign trade professionals can follow along and get all your qualifications in about a week. No detours needed!

Step 1: Obtain or update your business license. Go to the Market Supervision Administration. The key point: your business scope must include “import and export of goods” or “import and export of technology.” This is your entry ticket — without it, all subsequent steps are a waste of time!

Step 2: Register as a Customs consignee/consignor. Previously, you had to first register with the Commerce Bureau as a foreign trade operator before you could apply for customs consignee/consignor registration. Since the end of 2022, this step has been eliminated. After adding the business scope to your license, you can go directly to customs registration. Log in to the “China International Trade Single Window,” find the “Enterprise Qualifications” module, select “Import/Export Cargo Consignee/Consignor” registration, and submit your application. Once approved, 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: Apply for your electronic port card. This is essentially your electronic company seal. Apply for an IC card through the Single Window or the electronic port website. With this card, you can do paperless customs declarations. The process: first register an account as a non-card user, log in, find the “Card Issuance and Digital Certificate Service System,” fill in the relevant information, wait for approval, then pick up the card at a designated card center or a China Construction Bank branch. You’ll receive two 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, make sure to simultaneously complete the “Goods Trade Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Enterprise Directory Registration.” Here’s the good news: starting June 1, 2024, you no longer need to visit the State Administration of Foreign Exchange — you can complete this registration directly at your bank!

Step 5: Export tax rebate filing (must-read for exporters who want tax rebates). Log in to the Electronic Tax Bureau and complete the “Export Tax Refund (Exemption) 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, I recommend filing anyway to avoid scrambling when you need it later. Here’s a key distinction: if you’re a small-scale taxpayer, your exports can only be tax-exempt, not tax-refundable. To receive actual tax refunds, you need to apply to become a general taxpayer first.

To summarize, the five steps are interconnected. Remember this sequence: Obtain/update business license → Register with customs → Get electronic port card → Open foreign currency account and complete FX registration → (If needed) Complete tax filing. Follow this and you’ll be 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.