---
title: "Full Process of Import & Export Operation Right Application 2026: Detailed Steps from Preparation to Approval - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "In 2026，the vitality of Shanghai's foreign trade market continues to release. Over 60% of micro，small and medium-sized enterprises plan to expand import and export business，but nearly 40% of enterprises delay business development due to unfamiliarity with the application process for import and export operation right. This qualification is the core prerequisite for carrying out foreign trade，involving multiple authorities including the Administration for Market Regulation，Customs and other d..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/news/2026-import-export-operation-right-application-process-from-preparation-to-approval.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Industry News"
datePublished: "2026-10-05"
dateModified: "2026-10-05"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/hVLtNyXtH3W3c.webp"
---

# Full Process of Import & Export Operation Right Application 2026: Detailed Steps from Preparation to Approval

## 1.Import & Export Operation Right: The "Entry Ticket" for Foreign Trade Business

For foreign trade enterprises in Shanghai that want to sell products globally,the first step is to obtain the import and export operation right.Without this qualification,you cannot even handle customs declaration and receive foreign exchange,let alone export tax rebates.Many enterprises find the process complicated and get frustrated running between multiple departments.In fact,as long as you follow the steps and get help from a professional agency,you can save a lot of trouble.Today we will explain in detail the operation process of applying for import and export operation right in 2026,and how Zhongshen helps you avoid pitfalls in each link.

![2026 Import & Export Operation Right Application: Practical Process to Avoid 3 Common Mistakes](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/hVLtNyXtH3W3c.webp)

## 2.Breakdown of Core Application Stages in 2026

### (1) Pre-application Preparation: Sort Out Materials Without Omissions

**Stage Goal**: Complete sorting out basic materials and information required for application,avoid delays caused by supplementary materials later

**Key Actions**:

- Check the business scope on the business license: Confirm whether it includes words such as "Import and Export of Goods" and "Import and Export of Technology",if not,complete industrial and commercial change first
- Prepare ID card copies of legal representative and financial principal (electronic signature is required in 2026)
- Confirm the company’s basic bank account information (it needs to support foreign exchange receipt and payment)

**Common Questions**:

- Q: Can I apply directly if the business license does not include import and export scope?
A: No,you need to change the business scope online via "One-stop Online Service Platform" first,which will be completed within 3 working days in 2026
- Q: Does the financial principal need to provide special materials?
A: Need to provide an electronic scan of junior accountant title (the requirement for accounting qualification certificate is canceled in 2026)

**Role of Zhongshen**:

![Many Steps for Import & Export Operation Right Application? 2026 Detailed Operation Process Guide](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/hVo6wD7LKeXe0.webp)

Help you check the business license scope,if change is needed,we will connect with Specialist Ms.Jin from the Administration for Market Regulation and handle the entire change procedure on your behalf; provide the latest 2026 material list template,mark the electronic signature format,avoid rejection due to incorrect material format.

### (2) Qualification Application: Synchronized Promotion Across Multiple Departments

**Stage Goal**: Complete qualification approval from core departments including Customs and commerce authorities

**Key Actions**:

- Apply for the Recording Form of Foreign Trade Operators to the commerce department (fully electronic in 2026,review completed within 1 working day)
- Apply for the Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Entity to Customs (need to provide on-site photos of the business premises)
- Apply for foreign exchange account opening permission from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange

**Common Questions**:

- Q: Is a paper version of the Recording Form of Foreign Trade Operators still required?
A: It is fully electronic in 2026,you can directly download the electronic file after approval,no stamping required
- Q: Is on-site verification required for customs registration?
A: Generally no verification is required,but if the registered address is inconsistent with the actual business address,you need to provide a lease certificate

**Role of Zhongshen**:

Connect with Mr.Ning from the commerce department to pre-review materials in advance,ensure approval within 1 working day; help you fill in key information such as commodity code range during customs registration,avoid approval failure; coordinate with Supervisor Pu from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,complete foreign exchange account permission approval within 1 day.

### (3) Filing Activation: Open Up Foreign Trade Operation Channels

**Stage Goal**: Complete electronic port binding,ensure normal customs declaration and foreign exchange receipt

**Key Actions**:

- Apply for electronic port IC card (electronic IC card is optional in 2026,no physical hardware required)
- Bind foreign exchange account with the customs system (cross-department data sharing,completed within 1 day)
- If cross-border e-commerce is involved,filing in Shanghai Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone is required

**Common Questions**:

- Q: Is there any difference between electronic IC card and physical IC card?
A: Electronic IC card is operated via mobile APP,which is more convenient,but some old customs declaration systems still require physical card,so you need to confirm in advance
- Q: How long can I receive foreign exchange after binding the foreign exchange account?
A: Real-time activation is achieved in 2026,you can receive foreign exchange immediately after binding

**Role of Zhongshen**:

Guide you to activate the electronic IC card on the mobile APP,avoid invalidation due to improper operation; coordinate system connection between Customs and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,complete binding within 1 day; connect with Director Nong of the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone,handle filing procedures on your behalf,save 2 working days.

### (4) Follow-up Maintenance: Ensure Long-term Validity of Qualification

**Stage Goal**: Avoid qualification revocation,maintain normal operation of foreign trade business

**Key Actions**:

- Submit customs annual report and commerce annual report before June 30 every year (cross-department merged in 2026,one-time submission)
- Update all filings within 15 working days when company information changes (legal representative,address,etc.)
- Avoid customs dishonesty records (such as customs declaration errors,tariff arrears)

**Common Questions**:

- Q: What happens if I forget to submit the annual report?
A: You will be listed in the abnormal directory,which affects import and export business,and may even lead to qualification revocation
- Q: Do I need to re-apply for qualification after information change?
A: No need to re-apply,only need to update the filing information

**Role of Zhongshen**:

Remind you of annual report submission 1 month in advance,handle the merged annual report on your behalf; handle all filing updates throughout the whole process when company information changes,no need for you to run between departments one by one; regularly query customs dishonesty records,solve problems in advance if any.

## 3.Process Change Comparison Between 2025 and 2026

| Procedure | 2025 Requirement | 2026 Updated Requirement | Zhongshen Optimized Service |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Business License Change | Offline paper materials,5 working days | Online "One-stop Service",3 working days | Agency change + simultaneous update of foreign trade filing |
| Foreign Trade Operator Filing | Paper with stamp,2 working days | Fully electronic,1 working day | Pre-review materials + same-day approval |
| Electronic Port IC Card | Only physical card,offline collection | Optional electronic IC card,activation via mobile phone | Operation guidance + avoid invalidation |
| Annual Report Submission | Submit customs and commerce annual reports separately | Cross-department merged,one-time submission | Advance reminder + agency merged submission |

## 4.Common Mistake Reminder

- Mistake 1: You can declare customs as long as your business license includes import and export scope?→ Wrong,you need to complete customs registration + electronic port filing
- Mistake 2: You can open a foreign exchange account arbitrarily?→ Wrong,you need to obtain permission from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange first
- Mistake 3: No need to manage after getting the qualification?→ Wrong,you need to submit annual report every year,and update information in time when there is a change

## 5.Core Value of Zhongshen

With over 20 years of deep roots in the foreign trade industry,Zhongshen is familiar with the latest policy changes in 2026,and has dedicated staff for each link (such as Ms.Jin,Mr.Ning,etc.),we can help you:

- Save over 50% of time: It only takes an average of 7 working days from preparation to approval (industry average is 15 days)
- Avoid 90% of common mistakes: Problems such as material format and information filling are avoided in advance
- Worry-free whole process: You don’t need to go to any department,we handle all procedures from start to finish on your behalf

If you want to get the import and export operation right quickly and start your foreign trade business,you can contact Zhongshen,let our professional team handle all processes for you.

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