Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Import and Export Operation Right Application for Enterprises in 2026

In the 2026 international trade landscape,holding a legal "pass" is the cornerstone for enterprises to carry out cross-border business.This pass is the import and export operation right.It not only grants enterprises the qualification to sign contracts and collect/pay funds directly with foreign buyers and sellers,but also serves as a necessary prerequisite for subsequent applications for export tax rebates and access to customs facilitation measures.For many entrepreneurs new to the foreign trade field or production-oriented enterprises transitioning from domestic trade,how to obtain this qualification efficiently and compliantly is often a difficult threshold.This article will systematically sort out the full process of applying for import and export operation right,and analyze key links and potential risks in combination with the latest regulatory requirements.

Pre-qualification Review and Filing with Commerce Authorities

The first step of the application process is not to submit the application directly,but to conduct a "self-inspection" on the basic conditions of the enterprise.In 2026,although administrative approval procedures have been greatly simplified,compliance requirements for enterprises are increasing year by year.Enterprises first need to confirm whether the business scope stated on the business license includes "goods import and export" or "technology import and export".If not,industrial and commercial information modification is required first.Director Tan pointed out that many customers easily ignore the consistency between the registered address and the actual business address in this link,which often leads to delays in subsequent on-site verification by customs.

Key Actions and Objectives

The core objective of this stage is to complete the filing and registration of foreign trade operators.Although some provinces and municipalities have incorporated this filing into the integrated multi-license system,separate operations are still required in specific regions or for specific industry types.Enterprises need to prepare materials such as copies of the business license,copies of the legal representative’s ID card and articles of association.

• Confirm that the business scope includes "goods import and export".
• Submit electronic applications through the unified platform of the Ministry of Commerce business system.
• Obtain the Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators.

Zhongshen provides pre-audit services in this link.With 20 years of in-depth industry experience,we can quickly identify hidden problems such as non-standard business scope descriptions and questionable shareholder backgrounds before enterprises submit applications,avoiding delays in business opportunities caused by repeated rejection of materials.

Registration of Customs Declaration Units

After obtaining the commerce filing,enterprises obtain the "identity" for foreign trade operation,but they still need to "register" with customs for actual customs clearance.The registration of customs declaration units is the core link connecting enterprises and the customs supervision system.In 2026,the General Administration of Customs has fully implemented the "Internet + Customs" mode,so enterprises do not need to visit offline sites,and the whole process can be completed online.

Operation Process and Common Misconceptions

Enterprises need to log in to the "China International Trade Single Window" for registration.In this process,it is critical to accurately fill in the enterprise’s English name,customs registration code (usually the organization code) and customs filing contact information.Director Tan reminded that many enterprises translate their English names casually when filling in the form,which leads to inconsistency with subsequent bill of lading information and slows down customs clearance.In addition,enterprises also need to truthfully submit the impression of the special seal for customs declaration.

The involvement of Zhongshen can greatly improve the pass rate of this link.We assist customers to accurately fill in the customs qualification application form,and guide enterprises to complete the filing of the special seal for customs declaration.For enterprises without full-time customs brokers,we can also provide long-term professional customs declaration affiliation services to ensure that enterprises can start business immediately after obtaining the qualification,without recruiting additional professional personnel.

Registration in Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Enterprise Directory and Tax Filing

The import and export of goods is accompanied by capital flow,so foreign exchange management is also indispensable.Enterprises need to register in the "Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Enterprise Directory" at the local foreign exchange administration.In 2026,foreign exchange supervision focuses more on substantive and compliance review,and directory registration has become a mandatory threshold for enterprises to receive and settle foreign exchange.

The Importance of Tax Filing

For export-oriented enterprises,tax filing is directly related to export tax rebates.Enterprises need to apply for export tax rebate (exemption) filing with the competent tax authority,and truthfully fill in the enterprise type,tax calculation method and other information.This step is the final link to realize smooth capital return.

• Apply to the foreign exchange administration for inclusion in the trade foreign exchange receipt and payment enterprise directory.
• Complete the export tax rebate (exemption) qualification filing on the electronic tax bureau platform.
• Confirm that the opened foreign exchange account is a current account.

Zhongshen has a professional foreign exchange and tax team.Director Tan emphasized that we not only assist customers to complete directory registration,but also provide optimal tax planning suggestions according to the enterprise’s business type (such as production-oriented or foreign trade circulation-oriented).Through our professional guidance,customers can effectively avoid foreign exchange receipt restrictions or extended tax rebate review cycles caused by the downgrade of classification management level.

Electronic Port Card and Subsequent Activation

All the above qualifications finally need to be carried by a physical medium,that is,the electronic port IC card.This card is the "electronic ID card" for enterprises to log in to the single window and handle customs declaration,tax rebate,foreign exchange and other businesses.The processing process usually includes card making by the data sub-center,card collection by the enterprise,software installation and card reader debugging.

Common Problems and Solutions

In actual operation,expired IC card,locked password or incompatible driver are common technical problems that trouble enterprises.Especially for financial departments with older computer configurations,installing the electronic port client is often time-consuming and laborious.In addition,electronic port cards are divided into legal person cards and operator cards,and improper permission allocation can easily cause internal management chaos.

In the electronic port link,Zhongshen provides one-stop technical support from application to debugging.We assist customers to sort out the data required for card making,coordinate the card making progress,and arrange technical personnel to remotely guide the client installation,to ensure that customers can use the card immediately after receiving it.

The Value of Choosing a Professional Agency

To sum up,the application for import and export operation right seems to be just filling in forms and submitting certificates,but actually involves the systematic coordination of multiple departments such as commerce,customs,foreign exchange and taxation.Any omission in any link may lead to the rejection of the qualification application,and even affect the enterprise’s credit record.In 2026,an era that attaches equal importance to efficiency and compliance,it is a wise strategic choice for enterprises to hand over this cumbersome process to a professional agency.

As a long-established local foreign trade agency in Shanghai,Zhongshen is well aware of the responsibility behind each qualification.Director Tan and his team always adopt a rigorous attitude to provide customers with full-process support from qualification application to subsequent customs clearance and tax rebate.Choosing us is not only choosing an import and export right certificate,but also choosing a trustworthy long-term foreign trade partner,allowing enterprises to operate with reduced burden and focus on the R&D of core products and the expansion of international markets.