---
title: "Detailed Guide to the Full Application Process for Import and Export Business License in 2026 - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "The Shanghai foreign trade market continued to recover in 2026，with the import and export demand of small，medium and micro enterprises (SMEs) increasing by 12% year-on-year. However，over 60% of enterprises delayed their business due to unfamiliarity with the application process for import and export business licenses. This qualification is a mandatory prerequisite for carrying out cross-border trade，covering multiple links such as material review and departmental approval. Mr. Du from Zhongshen..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/news/2026-import-export-license-application-process-details.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Industry News"
datePublished: "2026-09-28"
dateModified: "2026-09-28"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/Mko8TL1HpyrYr.webp"
---

# Detailed Guide to the Full Application Process for Import and Export Business License in 2026

## I.Breakdown of Core Stages for Import and Export Business License Application

In 2026,the import and export volume of Shanghai foreign trade enterprises increased by 15% year-on-year,but over 50% of new entrants delayed their business or had their qualifications rejected due to non-standard application for import and export business licenses.This license is a core qualification for enterprises to carry out cross-border goods trade and service trade.Without this license,enterprises cannot complete key links such as customs declaration and foreign exchange settlement.Combining with more than 20 years of practical experience from Zhongshen,this article systematically sorts out the latest application process for 2026 to help enterprises obtain the license efficiently.

![Detailed Guide to the Full Application Process for Import and Export Business License in 2026](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/Mko8TL1HpyrYr.webp)

### 1.Pre-Application Preparation Stage (Goal: Prepare Compliant Materials to Avoid Rejection of Declaration)

This stage requires confirming whether the enterprise’s qualifications meet the requirements and preparing all declaration materials,which is the foundation for the subsequent process.

- Check whether the business scope of the enterprise’s business license includes expressions such as "import and export of goods" and "import and export of technology";
- Prepare basic materials such as the legal representative’s ID card,company official seal,and account opening permit;
- Confirm whether supplementary special industry qualifications are required (e.g.a hygiene permit is required for food import and export).

Common Issues:

• Business license does not include import and export scope: The enterprise must first complete the change of business scope.Some enterprises fail their declaration due to missing this change;

• Missing or expired materials: For example,if the account opening permit has not been updated to the latest version,the enterprise will be required to resubmit it;

• Special industry qualifications not prepared in advance: Industries such as food and medical devices need to provide additional approval documents from the regulatory authorities,otherwise the application will not be accepted.

![Is Import and Export Business License Hard to Obtain? This Article Has You Covered](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/mligiP04zXnYk.webp)

Role of Zhongshen:

The team led by Mr.Du from Zhongshen will help enterprises check the business scope of the business license in advance.If a change is needed,they can assist in contacting the industrial and commercial department to complete it within 1 working day; For special industries,they will sort out the required qualification list in advance to avoid missing materials; They will also provide the latest material templates for 2026 to ensure that all documents meet the requirements of the General Administration of Customs.

### 2.Simultaneous Online and Offline Declaration Stage (Goal: Complete System Submission and On-site Verification)

In 2026,the General Administration of Customs will implement a combined model of "online declaration + on-site verification".Enterprises need to complete both parts of the operation simultaneously.

- Log in to the "China International Trade Single Window" and fill in the basic enterprise information,import and export product catalog,etc.;
- Upload all scanned materials (clear color versions with a resolution of no less than 300dpi are required);
- Make an appointment for the customs on-site verification time and bring the original paper materials to the scene.

Common Issues:

• Incorrect filling in the Single Window system: For example,inaccurate filling of the HS code for import and export products leads to failed audit;

• Inconsistent materials for on-site verification: The information on the scanned copy does not match the original,requiring a new appointment;

• Conflict in appointment time: The number of verification slots is tight in some periods,and failure to make an appointment in advance may cause a delay of 1-2 weeks.

Role of Zhongshen:

The team led by Supervisor Wu from Zhongshen is familiar with the operation of the Single Window system and can accurately fill in the HS code (12 new product code updates in 2026) to avoid filling errors; They will help enterprises make an appointment for verification slots in advance to ensure that the on-site verification is completed within 1-2 days; They will also conduct compliance checks on the scanned materials to ensure that they are consistent with the original.

### 3.Audit and License Issuance Stage (Goal: Pass Customs Audit and Obtain Paper/Electronic Certificates)

In this stage,the customs will verify the enterprise’s qualifications and the authenticity of the materials,and issue the license after passing the audit.

- Wait for customs audit (the average audit cycle in 2026 is 3-5 working days);
- If supplementary materials are required,submit them within 10 working days as required;
- After passing the audit,go to the customs window to collect the paper certificate or download the electronic certificate (electronic certificates will be fully implemented in 2026).

Common Issues:

• Supplementary materials overdue: Failure to submit supplementary materials within the specified time will result in the invalidation of the application;

• Failed to download electronic certificate: Unfamiliarity with system operations makes it impossible to obtain valid certificates;

• Delay in collecting paper certificates: Forgetting the collection time will result in the expiration of the certificate and the need to reapply.

Role of Zhongshen:

The team led by Supervisor Chang from Zhongshen will track the audit progress in real time,remind the enterprise within 1 hour after receiving the notice of supplementary materials,and assist in organizing the supplementary documents; After passing the audit,they will help the enterprise download the electronic certificate and send it to the designated email.The paper certificate can be collected on behalf and then delivered to the enterprise by express delivery,saving the time of round trips.

| Material Type | Specific Content | Latest Requirements for 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Materials | Business license copy,legal representative’s ID card,account opening permit | The business license must include the import and export scope,and the account opening permit must be the version updated after January 2025 |
| Declaration Materials | Import and export business license application form,official seal | The application form must use the latest template of the Single Window,and the official seal must be clear and undamaged |
| Special Industry Materials | Hygiene permit (food),medical device business license | Must be within the validity period and consistent with the scope of import and export products |

Although the application process for import and export business licenses in 2026 has been simplified,attention still needs to be paid to new policy updates (such as the full implementation of electronic certificates and adjustments to some product codes).Zhongshen has been engaged in foreign trade agency for more than 20 years,is familiar with the compliance requirements of each link,and can help enterprises avoid more than 90% of common mistakes.The average application cycle is 2 working days shorter than that of enterprises operating on their own.If you have application needs,you can contact the Zhongshen team,and professionals will provide one-on-one guidance.

## Related Resources
- [Industry News](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/news/)
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- [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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