How Can Foreign-Funded Enterprises Apply for China's Import and Export Licenses?

Import and export license is a document issued by the government authorizing enterprises to import or export specific goods and commodities to or from China.

The import and export license involves complex documents and procedures, covering licenses from departments such as customs, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and the customs electronic port card center.

In China, there are two types of import and export licenses, namely general license and special license. The general license is issued to trading companies dealing with "normal" goods. For the trade of "restricted" goods, since these goods are subject to strict quality or quantity control, a special import and export license is required.

The following products require special licenses: food, cosmetics, medical products, meat, fish, pet food, infant formula milk powder, drugs, and "dangerous" goods, etc.

After obtaining the import and export license, enterprises can conduct import and export business. If exporting goods from China, you may be concerned about export value-added tax rebates. We can also provide you with relevant help. To handle import and export operation rights, a business license needs to be obtained first, and the business scope should include import and export business. If there is already a qualified business license, an application can be made directly.

Customs formation: Conduct the formation of import and export enterprises at Customs, which includes inspection and quarantine recordation. Enterprises need to provide business licenses, identity certificates of legal representatives and other documents.

Foreign exchange filing: Go to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to foreign exchange filing, then the company can receive and pay foreign exchange.

Electronic port recordation: Solution at the China Electronic Port and handle network access licenses to conduct electronic customs declaration and other businesses.

Subsequent steps: Apply for issuing import and export invoices. According to business needs, apply to the tax bureau for issuing invoices related to import and export.

After completing the above procedures, enterprises can legally conduct import and export business.