---
title: "Full Process Explanation and Operation Guide for Enterprises Applying for Import and Export Qualification - Zhongshen Trading China"
description: "The foreign trade environment continues to evolve in 2026，and obtaining import and export qualification is the access threshold for enterprises to carry out cross-border trade. This article systematically sorts out the key operation points of the whole process from customs filing to subsequent foreign exchange verification，and provides enterprises with compliant and efficient qualification application solutions combined with senior industry experience，to effectively avoid potential administrativ..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/news/enterprise-import-export-license-process-guide-v9pblo.html"
language: "en"
type: "Article"
category: "Industry News"
datePublished: "2026-07-23"
dateModified: "2026-07-23"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
image: "https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/SEAfJf9o5itXE.webp"
---

# Full Process Explanation and Operation Guide for Enterprises Applying for Import and Export Qualification

## Key Significance of Enterprises Obtaining Import and Export Qualification

For enterprises that have just entered the international market,having legal import and export qualification is the pass for carrying out cross-border business.Without this "entry ticket",enterprises cannot declare goods at customs,cannot receive and pay foreign exchange in compliance with regulations,let alone enjoy the national export tax rebate policy.Many novice foreign trade practitioners like Ms.Liu often realize the urgency of qualification application only when they receive their first overseas order.In fact,this process is not only a requirement of administrative compliance,but also the foundation for enterprises to build a foreign trade supply chain system.Based on the latest policy environment in 2026,this article systematically sorts out the whole process of import and export qualification application for enterprises,to help you clarify your ideas and avoid unnecessary detours.

![Fast Obtain Import and Export Qualification to Launch Foreign Trade Business Easily](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/SEAfJf9o5itXE.webp)

## Stage 1: Customs Consignor and Consignee Filing

Under the foreign trade supervision system in 2026,customs consignor and consignee filing is the core link for enterprises to obtain import and export operation rights.The goal of this stage is to enter the basic information of the enterprise into the customs system,so that it has the legal identity of customs declaration subject.

### Objectives and Core Actions

Enterprises need to submit application materials through the "International Trade Single Window".The key actions of this step include filling in the enterprise’s English name (must be consistent with the contracts and invoices signed with foreign parties),customs code,business scope of the enterprise,and uploading documents such as business license and identity certificate of the legal representative.After the filing is successful,the customs will assign a unique 10-digit customs code to the enterprise,which is the identity identifier for all subsequent customs declaration operations.

### Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

In actual operation,enterprises often have their applications rejected due to non-standard translation of English names or vague filling of business scope.For example,Mr.Lin’s company was once required by the customs to provide supplementary explanations because the business scope on the business license did not include the relevant goods description,which delayed the shipping schedule.At this stage,Zhongshen will pre-review all declaration elements of the enterprise to ensure that the English name conforms to international practices and the business scope accurately matches the actual export goods.Through our professional pre-review,the first-time pass rate of filing can be raised to a very high level,avoiding the waste of valuable time cost caused by repeated modifications.

## Stage 2: Electronic Port Card and Foreign Exchange Directory Registration

![Solve Qualification Application Difficulties to Help Enterprises Enter International Market Smoothly](https://cndpic.sh-zhongshen.com/uploads/tradepics/Sec3alNaX4PJx.webp)

Obtaining the customs code is only the first step.To ensure smooth transportation of goods and safe collection of funds,enterprises must complete electronic port card issuance and foreign exchange receipt and payment enterprise directory registration.

### Objectives and Core Actions

The electronic port card is a data medium connecting customs,taxation,foreign exchange and other departments,and is divided into legal person card and operator card.Enterprises need to bring relevant certificates to the data sub-center to apply for the card.At the same time,enterprises also need to complete the registration in the foreign exchange receipt and payment directory for goods trade at the bank,which is a necessary prerequisite for enterprises to carry out cross-border foreign exchange collection.Only after completing the directory registration can the bank handle foreign exchange receipt and settlement business for the enterprise.

### Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

The biggest pain point at this stage lies in inter-departmental coordination.During the application process,Ms.Fan once encountered problems such as long queuing time at the card issuance center and inconsistent document requirements for bank foreign exchange directory registration,which delayed the whole process for nearly half a month.With the resource network accumulated over 20 years of deep engagement in the industry,Zhongshen can assist customers to quickly complete the card issuance appointment and guide the compliant operation of directory registration at the bank.We are familiar with the latest review standards of various banks in 2026,and can prepare a full set of compliant documents in advance to ensure that enterprises can seamlessly connect electronic port and foreign exchange permissions after obtaining the customs code,realizing "smooth cargo flow and safe capital".

## Stage 3: Qualification Confirmation for Export Tax Refund (Exemption)

For most export enterprises,whether they can successfully obtain export tax refund is the key to determining their profit margin.Therefore,the activation of tax qualification cannot be ignored.

### Objectives and Core Actions

Enterprises need to apply for export tax refund (exemption) filing with the competent tax authority.This requires the enterprise to have the qualification of "general taxpayer",and to be equipped with professional financial personnel or financial software to handle subsequent tax refund declarations.The core actions include filling in the Export Tax Refund (Exemption) Filing Form,and upgrading the invoicing system according to regulations to support the issuance of special export invoices.

### Common Problems and Solutions from Zhongshen

The compliance requirements of the tax link are very high,and any small mistake may trigger tax inspection or lead to tax refund failure.Ms.Xiang’s company once had its first tax refund declaration intercepted by the system for automatic doubt due to unclear classification of commodity codes,which affected capital withdrawal.At the tax qualification stage,Zhongshen not only assists customers to complete the filing,but also provides in-depth tax compliance consultation.We will confirm the tax refund rate and supervision conditions in advance according to the HS code of the enterprise’s products,and in the process of agency tax refund,through a strict document review mechanism,ensure that each customs declaration form and each invoice has strict logic and complete elements,so as to maximize the protection of customers’ tax refund interests.

## Performance Comparison Between Self-handling and Agency Handling

To show the differences between different handling methods more intuitively,we have compiled the following comparison table for enterprise managers to refer to when making decisions.

| Comparison Dimension | Self-handling by Enterprises | Agency Handling by Zhongshen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handling Time Limit | Unfamiliar with the process,need to travel between different departments,usually takes 20-40 working days | Standardized process and parallel processing,usually completed in 7-15 working days |
| Labor Cost | Requires dedicated personnel to run errands and learn policies,which takes up a lot of energy | Enterprises only need to provide basic certificates,and the whole process is handled by dedicated specialists |
| Professionalism and Risk | Applications are easily rejected due to filling errors,with high subsequent tax risks | Strict pre-review mechanism avoids declaration errors and reduces compliance risks |
| Follow-up Service | Only solves qualification problems,no follow-up customs declaration and logistics support | Provides one-stop full-chain services including qualification handling,customs declaration,logistics and tax refund |

## List of Core Materials Required for Import and Export Qualification Application

No matter which handling method you choose,preparing the following materials in advance is the key to speeding up the process.Mr.Guan suggests that enterprises must conduct self-check against the list before launching the project.

- Original and copy of business license duplicate (must include the latest business scope)
- Copy of legal representative’s ID card and signature sample
- Copy of the company’s articles of association
- Standard translation of the enterprise’s English name and English address
- Copy of the handler’s ID card and letter of authorization
- Account opening permit or bank basic deposit account information

## Summary

Applying for import and export qualification may seem like just a stack of administrative procedures,but it is actually a major test of the enterprise’s foreign trade compliance capability.From the rigor of customs filing,to the technicality of electronic port,and then to the complexity of tax filing,every link has hidden pitfalls.With more than 20 years of deep engagement in Shanghai’s foreign trade industry,Zhongshen has long transformed these tedious processes into standardized service products.We not only help enterprises quickly obtain entry qualification,but also escort every import and export business of customers through the full-process,one-stop agency solution.Choosing Zhongshen means choosing an efficient,safe and worry-free foreign trade path.

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