Import and Export Rights Application for Local Enterprises: Core Processes and Common Issues

1.Import and Export Rights Application: The Qualification Prerequisite for Enterprise Foreign Trade

In the 2026 Shanghai foreign trade market,possessing import and export rights is a prerequisite for enterprises to carry out cross-border businesses.Without this qualification,enterprises cannot declare customs,collect and settle foreign exchange on their own,let alone enjoy export tax refund policies.Many local enterprises have delayed orders or had their applications rejected due to overlooking application details.Manager Luo from Zhongshen has handled many such cases: for example,a technology company failed to fill in "import and export of goods" in its business scope,and had to visit the government service hall three times to complete the supplement; another manufacturing enterprise failed to receive payment due to delayed opening of a foreign exchange account.It can be seen that clarifying the core links of the application process is the key to obtaining the qualification efficiently.

2.Breakdown of Core Stages of Import and Export Rights Application

1.Pre-application Qualification Verification and Material Preparation (Objective: Confirm that the enterprise meets the application requirements and prepare all necessary materials)

This is the foundation of the application.If the enterprise does not meet the requirements or the materials are incomplete,the subsequent review will be directly rejected.The application requirements in 2026 have been slightly adjusted compared with previous years,and the following points need special attention:

• The enterprise must be a legally registered domestic enterprise,and its business scope must include relevant expressions such as "import and export of goods" and "import and export of technology" (if not included,the business scope change must be completed first);
• No customs dishonesty records or foreign exchange violation records;
• Must have a fixed business premises (some districts require the original site certification documents);

Key Actions:

• Manager Luo from Zhongshen will first help the enterprise check the business scope in the business license.If a change is needed,assist in coordinating with the industrial and commercial department to prepare materials (such as shareholders’ meeting resolutions,articles of association amendments,etc.);
• Compile the list of required materials: original and copy of the business license,copy of the legal representative’s ID card,official seal,application form for the record registration of foreign trade operators (requires the legal representative’s signature),etc.;
• For the new requirements in 2026,additionally prepare a "cross-border business description" (if the enterprise involves trade in emerging markets,briefly explain the business direction).

Common Questions:

• Q: Can individual industrial and commercial households apply for import and export rights?A: In 2026,individual industrial and commercial households still need to meet the requirements of "including import and export in business scope" and having a fixed business premises.Some banks do not accept foreign exchange accounts for individual industrial and commercial households,so it is recommended to apply in the name of an enterprise first;
• Q: Do the materials need notarization?A: Except for the legal representative’s ID card,other materials generally do not require notarization,but must be stamped with the official seal of the enterprise.

Role of Zhongshen: Manager Luo will pre-review the materials for the enterprise 1-2 days in advance to avoid rejection due to low-level errors such as "missing items in business scope" and "incorrect signature on the application form",saving the time of traveling to and from the government service hall (some districts in Shanghai require advance reservations for the government service hall,and no pre-review may lead to a wasted trip).

2.Submission and Review of Multi-departmental Applications (Objective: Complete the applications of 5 core departments and pass the review)

In 2026,the application for import and export rights involves 5 core departments.Some procedures have been online,but attention still needs to be paid to the connection order between departments:

Key Actions: Submit applications in the order of "Commerce Bureau → Customs → SAFE → E-Port → Tax Bureau" to avoid subsequent application delays caused by unobtained preliminary qualifications.For example,if the customs registration is not completed,the E-Port IC card cannot be activated; if the foreign exchange filing is not completed,the bank cannot open a foreign exchange account.

Common Questions:

• Q: Must the legal representative handle the customs IC card in person?A: In 2026,Shanghai Customs supports authorized handling,but a power of attorney signed by the legal representative and the original ID card of the handler are required;
• Q: Is there a fee for the E-Port account?A: The cost of the IC card is about 120 yuan per piece,and there are no other annual fees.Manager Luo from Zhongshen will inform the fee details in advance,and there are no hidden charges.

Role of Zhongshen: Manager Luo will coordinate the progress of applications from various departments.For example,after the Commerce Bureau’s record is approved,the customs registration appointment will be started synchronously; after the SAFE filing is completed,coordinate with partner banks to reserve foreign exchange account quotas in advance to prevent enterprises from being unable to collect foreign exchange due to "unopened accounts".In 2026,some districts have implemented the "one-window service",but manual verification of materials is still required.The dedicated connection service from Zhongshen can shorten the total review period from the industry average of 15 days to 8-10 days.

3.Qualification Obtainment and System Activation (Objective: Obtain all qualification documents and complete system binding)

This stage requires confirming that all qualification documents are complete and completing system activation to avoid subsequent business obstacles.

Key Actions:

• Collect qualification documents: Record Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators,customs registration certificate (electronic version),foreign exchange account filing form,E-Port IC card and password;
• System binding: Bind the E-Port IC card with the enterprise’s customs declaration system and tax refund declaration system,and test the functions of customs declaration form entry and foreign exchange declaration;
• Bank account opening: Go to the partner bank with the foreign exchange filing form to open a foreign exchange account (the partner banks of Zhongshen can complete the account opening on the same day).

Common Questions:

• Q: Is the customs registration certificate in electronic or paper form?A: In 2026,Shanghai Customs has fully implemented electronic certificates.Enterprises need to print the paper version by themselves,and Zhongshen will assist in printing and stamping the official seal for archiving;
• Q: What should I do if I forget the IC card password?A: You need to go to the customs collection point to reset it.Zhongshen can assist in making an appointment for the reset service to avoid the enterprise from making a wasted trip.

Role of Zhongshen: Manager Luo will check all qualification documents one by one.After confirming that there are no omissions,assist the enterprise in completing the system binding test—such as simulating the entry of a customs declaration form to confirm that it can be submitted normally; test the foreign exchange declaration function to ensure that the payment can be settled in time after arrival.In 2026,a manufacturing enterprise had a 3-day delay in customs declaration for its first export order due to incorrect IC card binding.The test link of Zhongshen can avoid such problems.

4.Subsequent Maintenance and Extended Services (Objective: Ensure the validity of qualifications and respond to business changes)

Import and export rights are not a "one-time achievement" and require regular maintenance.In 2026,policies are updated frequently,so adjustments need to be made in time.

Key Actions:

• Regular inspection: Check whether the customs registration information and E-Port account are normal every six months.If the enterprise’s address or legal representative changes,the qualification change must be handled in time;
• Policy update: Pay attention to the newly introduced cross-border e-commerce policies and export tax refund rate adjustments in 2026,and adjust business processes in time;
• Extended services: If the enterprise involves customs declaration,inspection and international transportation in the future,Zhongshen can provide one-stop docking to avoid poor connection between multiple service providers.

Common Questions:

• Q: Do I need to go through the entire process again for qualification change?A: Only the information of the corresponding department needs to be changed,and there is no need to reapply for the full set.Zhongshen will assist in handling the change procedures;
• Q: Do I need to apply for export tax refund separately?A: The tax refund qualification certification has been completed when applying for import and export rights.Subsequent declarations only need to be made in accordance with the requirements.Zhongshen can provide tax refund declaration guidance.

Role of Zhongshen: Manager Luo will establish an enterprise qualification maintenance ledger and remind the enterprise to check the information every six months.If there is a policy update in 2026,he will notify the enterprise immediately and provide adjustment suggestions.For example,a trading enterprise plans to expand into the Southeast Asian market in 2026,and Manager Luo will inform them of changes in local tariff policies and assist in adjusting customs declaration materials.

3.Zhongshen: A Reliable Partner for Local Enterprises’ Import and Export Rights Application

From pre-application qualification verification to subsequent maintenance,Zhongshen has been deeply engaged in the industry for more than 20 years,and is familiar with the application policies and process details of Shanghai and its surrounding areas in 2026.Compared with enterprises handling the application by themselves,Zhongshen’s services can help enterprises:

• Save time: Dedicated personnel coordinate the progress of each department,shortening the total period by more than 40%;
• Avoid risks: Pre-review materials in advance to avoid qualification rejection caused by misunderstandings of policies;
• Extended value: Subsequent businesses such as customs declaration and tax refund can be docked in one stop,without the need to find additional service providers.

Many local enterprises have successfully obtained import and export rights through Zhongshen.For example,an auto parts company in Jiading District completed the entire application in only 9 days,saving 7 days compared to handling it by themselves,and successfully received their first European order.

If you are a local enterprise near Shanghai and want to efficiently apply for import and export rights,you can contact Manager Luo from Zhongshen to consult the specific process—leave professional matters to professionals,so that you can board the international market express train faster.