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What Approval Processes Are Required to Register a Company with Full-category Import and Export Operation Qualification in 2026?
or complex compliance issues.
clearance and fund security.
I am a tech entrepreneur based in Shanghai, mainly engaged in high-end precision optical instruments. I just got my business license last week, and originally planned to import a batch of core lens components from Hamburg, Germany next month. However, I have never been involved in the foreign trade field before, and I know nothing about the process of establishing a compliant import and export company.
I have asked two friends engaged in foreign trade, one said I need to do customs filing first, another said I need to open a foreign exchange account, and others mentioned e-port access and tax filing. Now I am more and more confused after hearing all these.
I am afraid of missing a key link, which will lead to cargo detention at port, inability to pay foreign exchange, and delay the trial production progress of my factory. I have stayed up late for two consecutive days searching for information but still have no clue. I would like to ask what complete procedures are needed to establish a company that can legally conduct import and export business?
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
First，pre-document review must be completed first: The three items "Import and export of goods，import and export of technology，agency import and export" must be added to the industrial and commercial business scope. If the original business license does not include these items，you need to submit the change application through Shanghai One-stop Online Service Platform，which can be processed within 1 working day without on-site attendance in 2026. If you entrust Zhongshen for the application，we provide free pre-review service for business scope change to ensure one-time approval.
Core node connection needs to be promoted in the following order: First，submit the filing of importer and exporter of import and export goods through the "Internet + Customs" platform，upload scanned copies of business license and legal representative ID card，the system will issue the filing number within 1 working day after automatic review，Second，apply for e-port access，the permission division of legal person card and operator card must be configured simultaneously，2026 supports online card production and mailing，no on-site visit required，Third，go to the competent tax authority to complete export tax refund filing and tax exemption filing for cross-border taxable activities，Fourth，open a current account foreign exchange account at a bank，and activate the foreign exchange receipt and payment permission at the same time，fast account opening can be realized by linking with customs filing information.
Contingency plan: If the customs filing is rejected due to inconsistent documents，you need to immediately supplement the site lease agreement and the draft contract of the intended import and export goods，If you entrust Zhongshen for processing，you can enjoy 1-on-1 assistance from a dedicated consultant to supplement the documents and complete resubmission within 24 hours.
Final compliance implementation: After all filings are completed，you need to conduct the first customs declaration test on the single window to confirm the information synchronization of e-port，customs，tax and foreign exchange systems，and ensure that import and export business can be carried out normally，Zhongshen can assist in completing the test to ensure full-link compliance implementation.
Kevin LinYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Solutions ManagerStart a Chat
In 2026, the customs added the pre-classification description of HS code for intended import and export goods to the filing requirements for import and export companies. You need to submit the product description, pictures and technical parameters of the intended import and export goods through the customs pre-classification service platform in advance, obtain the pre-classification opinion before submitting the filing application, otherwise the filing will be rejected.
In addition, if the company involves the import of special categories such as high-value precision equipment, endangered animal and plant products, it needs to apply for special supervision qualification to the customs in advance. If no advance filing is completed, the goods will be directly detained after arrival, resulting in extra costs such as port storage charges, container detention charges, and even face the risk of goods being returned. At the same time, after the filing is completed, the first customs declaration must be completed within 30 days, otherwise the filing number will be automatically invalidated and you need to resubmit the application.
Jason WuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics & Supply Chain ManagerStart a Chat
In 2026, two core points need to be focused on for tax filing of import and export companies: First, export tax refund filing, you need to submit the bank account opening permit and the registration form of foreign trade operator simultaneously (electronic license sharing has been realized in 2026, no paper materials are required), and complete the pre-declaration within 30 days after the first export; Second, cross-border VAT deferral filing.
Import and export companies in Shanghai can apply for import VAT deferred payment through the electronic tax bureau, no need to pay import VAT when the goods are imported, you can defer the payment to the tax declaration period, which effectively eases the capital pressure. In addition, if the company involves cross-border related party transactions, it needs to submit the related party transaction pricing description to the tax authority in advance, to avoid adjusting the taxable income and generating extra tax cost because the pricing does not conform to the arm's length principle.
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
In 2026, when opening a foreign exchange account for an import and export company, you need to apply for the current account foreign exchange receipt and payment permission at the same time. You can submit the application online through the bank without providing paper materials. In 2026, real-time sharing of customs filing information with bank systems has been realized, and the account opening cycle can be shortened to 2 working days.
In addition, if the company adopts cross-border RMB settlement, it needs to activate the CIPS RMB cross-border payment permission, which can be applied through the Cross-border RMB settlement system of the People's Bank of China. After activation, you can directly conduct RMB receipt and payment with overseas suppliers without foreign exchange purchase and settlement operations, which effectively avoids exchange rate fluctuation risks.
At the same time, for a single receipt and payment of more than 50,000 US dollars, you need to submit transaction background materials including contracts, invoices, bills of lading, etc. through the SAFE application service platform within 3 working days after the receipt and payment. Failure to submit on time will result in suspension of foreign exchange receipt and payment permission.
Michael ZhangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Declaration & Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
In 2026, when establishing an import and export company, you need to complete intellectual property customs protection filing in advance. If the company's products involve intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, you need to submit the filing application through the intellectual property protection system of the General Administration of Customs. After the filing is completed, customs will intercept infringing goods at import and export links, effectively protecting the company's intellectual property rights.
In addition, if the company uses letter of credit settlement, it needs to review the letter of credit terms in advance to avoid soft clauses such as "the inspection certificate must be issued by an institution designated by the overseas client" "the bill of lading must show the name of the freight forwarder designated by the overseas client", otherwise you will face the risk of unable to settle foreign exchange smoothly. At the same time, you need to sign a standard import and export contract with overseas suppliers, clarify the quality standards, delivery time, liability for breach of contract and other terms of the goods, to avoid disputes caused by unclear contract terms.
Daniel XuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Director of Import & Export OperationsStart a Chat
In 2026, export tax refund filing for import and export companies must strictly follow the principle of four-flow consistency, that is, the information of capital flow, goods flow, invoice flow and contract flow must be completely matched. If there is inconsistent information, the company will be listed as a key verification target by the tax authority, and even cannot enjoy the export tax refund preference.
In addition, the pre-declaration for the first export must be completed within 15 days after the goods are declared and exported, and the formal declaration must be completed within 30 days after the pre-declaration is approved. Failure to declare on time will be regarded as overdue declaration and you cannot enjoy the tax refund preference.
At the same time, you need to properly keep the relevant documents for export tax refund, including customs declaration, invoices, contracts, bills of lading, etc., the storage period is 5 years. If the tax authority conducts a correspondence investigation, you need to submit the relevant documents within 10 days, otherwise the tax refund permission will be suspended.
Grace WangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Foreign Trade ConsultantStart a Chat
In 2026, when establishing an import and export company, you need to optimize the supply chain structure according to your own business model. If the company mainly imports precision equipment, you can use FOB trade term, the company arranges international logistics by itself to effectively control logistics costs; If the company mainly exports consumer goods, you can use CIF trade term, the company is responsible for the transportation and insurance of the goods to ensure the safety of the goods.
In addition, you can apply to settle in the bonded warehouse of Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, adopt the bonded stocking method to reduce inventory costs, and enjoy the preferential tax policies of the free trade zone at the same time. At the same time, you need to establish an inventory linkage strategy, adjust the quantity and cycle of imported goods according to sales data, avoid inventory backlog or out of stock, effectively improve the efficiency and stability of the supply chain.