---
title: "Full Process Breakdown and Key Notes for Company Import and Export Permit Application - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "In 2026，Shanghai's foreign trade market continues to recover，and many enterprises plan to expand their international business. However，the complicated process and tedious documentation of import and export permit application often cause enterprises to hit setbacks. This article sorts out the full process of company import and export permit application，and breaks down key links based on 20 years of practical experience. Manager Guo from Zhongshen reminds that preparing materials in advance c..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/foreign-trade-knowledge/company-import-export-permit-process-analysis-and-notes.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Foreign Trade Knowledge"
datePublished: "2026-06-21"
dateModified: "2026-06-21"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/BXl82Ty0GC7wU.webp"
---

# Full Process Breakdown and Key Notes for Company Import and Export Permit Application

## Company Import and Export Permit Application: The "Access Threshold" for Foreign Trade Business

In 2026,Shanghai’s foreign trade market remains active,and many local enterprises plan to expand their international business.However,many enterprise leaders have encountered a common problem: they want to take foreign trade orders,but get stuck at the import and export permit application stage.Without the permit,subsequent customs declaration,inspection quarantine,international transportation and even foreign exchange receipt and payment cannot be carried out,which directly affects order delivery.This article systematically sorts out the full process of company import and export permit application based on 20 years of practical foreign trade experience,helping enterprises avoid common pitfalls.

![Full Process Breakdown and Key Notes for Company Import and Export Permit Application](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/BXl82Ty0GC7wU.webp)

## I.Pre-application Qualification Preparation: Lay a Solid Foundation for Application

The core goal of this stage is to confirm whether the enterprise meets the basic requirements for import and export permit application,and avoid rework caused by qualification issues.

### 1.Key Actions

Enterprises need to first self-check two core conditions: first,whether the business scope of the business license includes relevant expressions such as "Import and Export of Goods" and "Import and Export of Technology"; second,whether the registered address is the actual operating address (or an address that meets customs supervision requirements).Meanwhile,enterprises need to prepare the basic material list (see the table below for details).

| Material Name | Original Document Required | Assistance Provided by Zhongshen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Duplicate of Business License | Yes | Verify compliance of business scope,guide business scope addition process |
| Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operator | Yes | Assist in form filling,ensure information is consistent with system records |
| Filings Receipt for Customs Consignee/Consignor of Import and Export Goods | No (electronic copy) | Complete filing simultaneously,avoid repeated document submission |
| Copy of Legal Representative’s ID Card | No | Check signature clarity,remind legal representative of signature requirements |
| Proof of Business Premises | Yes (lease agreement required for rented premises) | Confirm whether the address is included in the customs filing directory |

### 2.Common Problems and the Role of Zhongshen

- **Question: The business scope does not include import and export,how long does it take to add the relevant item?** Manager Guo from Zhongshen said that for local enterprises in Shanghai adding items to business scope,if all materials are complete,it can be completed within 3 working days through the full electronic process.We will prepare materials such as change application and shareholder resolution in advance,and liaise with market supervision window staff,avoiding delays caused by non-compliant material formats.
- **Question: Can the permit be applied for with a park virtual registered address?** Some park virtual addresses are acceptable for application,but it is necessary to confirm whether the address is included in the customs filing directory.Zhongshen will check address compliance in advance through the internal system.If the address does not meet requirements,we will assist the enterprise to coordinate with the park to adjust the address,avoiding rejection in subsequent inspections.

## II.Document Submission and Online Review: Accurate Coordination to Reduce Rejections

The goal of this stage is to ensure complete documents and correct format,and pass the initial online review smoothly.In 2026,Shanghai Customs implements "one-network online processing",most materials need to be submitted through the online system,and the review cycle is generally 5-7 working days.However,non-compliant materials will lead to rejection and extend the processing time.

![Full Process Breakdown and Key Notes for Company Import and Export Permit Application](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/bxpryZebkiMMH.webp)

### 1.Key Actions

Enterprises need to log in to the "Shanghai International Trade Single Window",upload scanned copies of all materials,and ensure that the format of each material (such as PDF size,clarity) meets system requirements.Meanwhile,fill in basic enterprise information,import and export commodity categories and other content.

### 2.Common Problems and the Role of Zhongshen

- **Question: What if the document scan is rejected due to insufficient clarity?** Supervisor Zheng from Zhongshen will provide standardized scanning requirements in advance (e.g.resolution above 300dpi,file size no more than 5MB),and assist the enterprise to scan materials to ensure compliance with system requirements after upload.If rejected,we will contact the enterprise immediately to supplement clear materials,avoiding repeated rework.
- **Question: How to modify incorrect information filled in the online system?** Some information can be modified within 24 hours after submission.If the time limit is exceeded,you need to contact the customs window for correction.Zhongshen will arrange special personnel to check all filled information,including enterprise credit code,legal representative contact information,etc.to ensure accuracy and reduce the number of modifications.

## III.On-site Inspection and Permit Collection: Complete the Final Step

The goal of this stage is to pass the customs on-site inspection and obtain the import and export permit.In 2026,Shanghai Customs implements "random inspection" for some enterprises,and selected enterprises need to accept on-site inspection,with focus on business premises,storage conditions,personnel allocation and other aspects.

### 1.Key Actions

Enterprises need to prepare inspection materials (such as photos of business premises,employee social security payment certificates,samples of import and export commodities,etc.),and cooperate with customs officers for on-site inspection.After passing the inspection,the permit can be collected within 3 working days.

### 2.Common Problems and the Role of Zhongshen

- **Question: What is the focus of on-site inspection?How to prepare?** Supervisor Jiang from Zhongshen will simulate the inspection scenario in advance,and assist the enterprise to organize inspection materials: for example,enterprise logo should be posted at the business premises,and the storage area should be divided into a special zone for import and export goods; if the enterprise does not have its own warehouse,it needs to provide the cooperation agreement and address proof of the partnered warehouse.We will also arrange special personnel to accompany the inspection,answer questions from customs officers on site,and ensure a smooth passing of the inspection.
- **Question: Do I need to go through other formalities after collecting the permit?** After obtaining the permit,enterprises still need to complete formalities such as electronic port IC card application and foreign exchange directory registration.Zhongshen will initiate these subsequent processes simultaneously,no extra application from the enterprise is required.All formalities are generally completed within 7 working days after permit collection,allowing enterprises to start foreign trade business as soon as possible.

## IV.Core Value of Zhongshen: Make Permit Application More Efficient

Compared with self-application by enterprises,Zhongshen’s service can help enterprises save more than 30% of time,and reduce the document rejection rate by 50%.We have been deeply engaged in Shanghai’s foreign trade industry for 20 years,and are familiar with local policy changes (such as the simplified inspection process for some small and micro enterprises launched by customs in 2026).Each link has a dedicated person in charge,we follow up the whole process from preliminary qualification check to subsequent formalities handling,avoiding enterprises delaying orders due to unfamiliarity with the process.

Many enterprise leaders in Shanghai feedback that they spent more than 20 days applying for import and export permit by themselves before,and got rejected twice; after choosing Zhongshen,they got the permit in only 12 working days and successfully secured the foreign trade order.

If enterprises encounter problems during the application process,you can contact Zhongshen’s professional team.We will provide customized solutions according to the actual situation of the enterprise,helping enterprises quickly cross the "access threshold" of foreign trade business.

## Related Resources
- [Foreign Trade Knowledge](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/foreign-trade-knowledge/)
- [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/)
- [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/)
- [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/)
- [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/)
- [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/)
- [Trade Q&A Hub](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/)

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