---
title: "What Core Qualification Materials Do Enterprises Need to Prepare for Applying for Import and Export Rights in 2026?"
description: "A newly established technology company plans to export smart home products but has no import and export rights，worrying that complicated procedures and document errors will delay orders，and also concerns about tax compliance issues. The core solution is a full-process closed-loop compliance: pre-qualification review，customs registration connection，exception contingency planning and compliance implementation，ensuring rapid acquisition of complete import and export rights and risk avoidance.。"
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "General Trade Q&A"
datePublished: "2026-06-28"
dateModified: "2026-06-28"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 10
---

# What Core Qualification Materials Do Enterprises Need to Prepare for Applying for Import and Export Rights in 2026?

## Question

 I am the head of a technology company established half a year ago, mainly engaged in R&D of smart home products. I recently received orders from several clients in Southeast Asia, and want to export directly but we do not have import and export rights yet. We have never been involved in foreign trade procedures before. I heard from friends that the application requires visiting multiple departments, and documents are prone to errors. If we delay order delivery, we will have to pay penalty. In addition, I also worry about omissions in tax matters, such as how to apply for export tax refund, and whether incomplete qualification will affect subsequent foreign exchange settlement. I want to know what are the specific steps for applying for import and export rights in 2026, what materials need to be prepared, and whether there are any fast-track channels or potential pitfalls that need special attention? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

Applying for import and export rights in 2026 must follow a full-process closed-loop compliance. First，you need to complete pre-qualification review. Enterprises need to prepare business license (with import and export business included in the business scope)，copy of legal representative's ID card，bank opening permit，and the application form for *Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators*. It should be noted that starting from 2026，paper filing has been canceled in some regions，and you can submit online through the "Single Window" of the Ministry of Commerce. However，you must ensure that the expression of "import and export" in the business scope is clear and unambiguous，to avoid filing rejection caused by vague description.

In terms of core node connection，after filing approval，you need to go to the customs to complete the registration of import and export consignors and consignees. This link requires uploading company articles of association，impression of special customs declaration seal，and the application form for *Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Entity*. **It is recommended to verify that the registered capital in the articles of association is consistent with that on the business license before submission**，otherwise it may trigger an early warning from the customs valuation system and extend the registration cycle. In addition，the customs implements the "contactless audit" mechanism in 2026. If all materials are complete and meet the specifications，registration can be completed within 1 working day.

Contingency plans for exceptions need to be prepared in advance: if there is no import and export item in the business scope when filing，you need to go to the market supervision department to change the business license first，which takes 3-5 working days，if the seal impression does not meet the requirements during customs registration，you need to re-carve the customs declaration seal and upload it，it is recommended to choose a seal service provider approved by the customs. Final compliance implementation requires that you obtain the *Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators* and *Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Entity*，and complete directory registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. After that，you will have complete import and export rights.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Victor Sun
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 2

When applying for import and export rights, special attention should be paid to the valuation logic in the customs link. The customs implements the "dynamic valuation" mechanism in 2026, and enterprises need to submit procurement contracts of the recent 3 months as reference when registering for the first time.

If the deviation between the declared amount and the market price exceeds 15%, it may trigger a valuation dispute. It is recommended to prepare historical customs declaration data of similar products in advance as evidence to ensure the rationality of the declared amount.

In addition, the "trade mode" in the customs declaration must be consistent with the actual business. For example, cross-border e-commerce export should select "9710" or "9810", to avoid deletion and re-declaration caused by wrong trade mode.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Cindy Chen
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 3

After obtaining import and export rights, you need to optimize the logistics route for the first export to control cargo title risk. In 2026, space congestion on Southeast Asian routes is still frequent, it is recommended to prioritize direct sailings to ensure delivery date. If transshipment is required, you need to confirm the free storage period policy of the transshipment port to avoid container detention charges.

In addition, bill of lading endorsement must match the trade term: under FOB terms, the bill of lading should be endorsed to the consignee; under CIF terms, the original bill of lading should be retained until the customer pays, to ensure control of cargo title. For the first export, you can choose to cooperate with large shipping companies, which have stronger space guarantee capabilities and can provide real-time cargo tracking services.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Jason Wu
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 4

After obtaining import and export rights, export tax refund is an important key point for cost optimization. The 2026 export tax refund policy continues the "paperless declaration", and enterprises need to ensure the consistency of four flows: contract flow, cargo flow, capital flow, and invoice flow.

The first tax refund declaration requires submission of customs declaration, special VAT invoice, foreign exchange receipt certificate and other materials. It is recommended to conduct pre-declaration verification in advance to avoid tax refund delay caused by data errors.

In addition, the VAT deferral policy applies to some cross-border e-commerce models. Enterprises can apply for deferred payment of import VAT to ease capital pressure, but must meet the regulatory requirements of customs and tax authorities.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Michael Zhang
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 5

Compliance of foreign exchange receipt and payment is a core link of import and export trade. In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange implements the "intelligent directory registration", after enterprises complete customs registration, they can apply for foreign exchange directory registration simultaneously through the "Single Window", which can be completed within 1 working day. It should be noted that for the first foreign exchange receipt after directory registration, you need to submit the *Application Form for Directory Registration of Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Enterprises* at the bank, and ensure that the deviation between the received amount and the amount on the customs declaration does not exceed 5%, otherwise you need to submit a situation description. In addition, the CIPS RMB cross-border payment channel has covered major Southeast Asian countries, it is recommended to prioritize RMB settlement to reduce exchange rate fluctuation risk.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Eric Zhou
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 6

For the first import and export trade, you need to pay attention to risk clauses in the contract. In 2026 international trade, soft clauses in letters of credit are still common.

For example, requiring "customer inspection certificate" as a payment condition may lead to delayed payment. It is recommended to clearly specify in the contract that the inspection standard is an internationally accepted standard (such as ISO), and agree that the inspection institution is a third party recognized by both parties.

In addition, the force majeure clause needs to cover unexpected events such as epidemics and port strikes, to avoid bearing liability for breach of contract due to inability to perform. For the first cooperation, it is recommended to choose letter of credit settlement, and entrust a professional institution to audit the letter of credit clauses to eliminate the risk of soft clauses.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Lucas Liu
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 7

The first export of goods may face on-site customs inspection. In 2026, the inspection rate for new enterprises has increased slightly. You need to prepare inspection documents in advance: customs declaration, contract, invoice, packing list, and product specification.

If the goods are electronic products, you need to provide the 3C certificate (if applicable). During inspection, you need to cooperate with customs officers to open the box, avoid moving the goods or changing the seal without authorization.

If it is found that the goods do not match the declaration, you need to submit a situation description immediately, and strive to actively modify the declaration content, to avoid the risk of fines or goods detention. In addition, when going through machine inspection, you need to ensure that there is no metal shielding on the cargo packaging to improve the inspection pass rate.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Kevin Lin
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 8

If the export product is smart home equipment, you need to pay attention to packaging compliance requirements. In 2026, international maritime transport has strict packaging requirements for lithium battery products. You need to use packaging materials certified by UN38.3, and mark the lithium battery label on the outer box.

In addition, the moisture-proof reinforcement plan needs to be adjusted according to the transportation route: the humidity of Southeast Asian routes is relatively high, it is recommended to use vacuum packaging plus desiccant to avoid moisture damage to the goods. Before the first export, you need to entrust a professional institution to conduct packaging testing to ensure compliance with international transportation standards, and avoid goods detention or rejection caused by non-compliant packaging.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Daniel Xu
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 9

Export tax refund filing needs to pay attention to the compliance of document management. In 2026, tax authorities have strengthened the verification of capital reflux. Enterprises need to ensure that the received foreign exchange funds come from the overseas client listed on the customs declaration, and the capital flow is consistent with the cargo flow.

In addition, document filing needs to be preserved for at least 5 years, including customs declarations, bills of lading, contracts, invoices, etc. It is recommended to use an electronic filing system to avoid loss of paper documents. The first tax refund declaration needs to be submitted through the "electronic tax bureau", and ensure that the pre-declaration verification is passed before formal declaration to reduce tax refund risk.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Grace Wang
**Date:** 2026-06-28

### Answer 10

After obtaining import and export rights, you need to optimize the supply chain structure to reduce costs. In 2026, the inventory turnover cycle in the Southeast Asian market is about 30 days, it is recommended to adopt the "small batch, multiple batches" inventory strategy to reduce inventory backlog.

In addition, the conversion of CIF and FOB trade terms needs to consider logistics costs: under FOB terms for Southeast Asian routes, the freight forwarder designated by the client may charge high fees, it is recommended to make a choice after comparing the total cost of CIF. For the first export, you can cooperate with a supply chain service provider to establish an inventory linkage mechanism, adjust the production plan according to the order situation, and improve supply chain efficiency.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Evelyn Li
**Date:** 2026-06-28

## Related Categories
- [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/)
- [Export Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-agency/)
- [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/)
- [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/)
- [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/)
- [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/)
- [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/)

## Related Resources
- [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/)

## Structured Data

```json
[
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "QAPage",
      "inLanguage":"en", 
      "isPartOf": { "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#website" }, 
      "publisher":{ "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#organization" },
      "mainEntity": {
        "@type": "Question",
        "name": "What Core Qualification Materials Do Enterprises Need to Prepare for Applying for Import and Export Rights in 2026?",
        "text": "I am the head of a technology company established half a year ago, mainly engaged in R&D of smart home products. I recently received orders from several clients in Southeast Asia, and want to export directly but we do not have import and export rights yet. We have never been involved in foreign trade procedures before. I heard from friends that the application requires visiting multiple departments, and documents are prone to errors. If we delay order delivery, we will have to pay penalty. In addition, I also worry about omissions in tax matters, such as how to apply for export tax refund, and whether incomplete qualification will affect subsequent foreign exchange settlement. I want to know what are the specific steps for applying for import and export rights in 2026, what materials need to be prepared, and whether there are any fast-track channels or potential pitfalls that need special attention?",
        "answerCount": 10,
        "upvoteCount": 6,
        "datePublished": "2026-06-28T05:31:43Z",
        "dateModified": "2026-06-28T05:46:05Z",
        "author": {
          "@type": "Person",
          "name": "Zhongshen Trading China",
          "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html"
        }
                ,"acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Applying for import and export rights in 2026 must follow a full-process closed-loop compliance. First，you need to complete pre-qualification review. Enterprises need to prepare business license (with import and export business included in the business scope)，copy of legal representative's ID card，bank opening permit，and the application form for Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators . It should be noted that starting from 2026，paper filing has been canceled in some regions，and you can submit online through the "Single Window" of the Ministry of Commerce. However，you must ensure that the expression of "import and export" in the business scope is clear and unambiguous，to avoid filing rejection caused by vague description. In terms of core node connection，after filing approval，you need to go to the customs to complete the registration of import and export consignors and consignees. This link requires uploading company articles of association，impression of special customs declaration seal，and the application form for Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Entity . It is recommended to verify that the registered capital in the articles of association is consistent with that on the business license before submission ，otherwise it may trigger an early warning from the customs valuation system and extend the registration cycle. In addition，the customs implements the "contactless audit" mechanism in 2026. If all materials are complete and meet the specifications，registration can be completed within 1 working day. Contingency plans for exceptions need to be prepared in advance: if there is no import and export item in the business scope when filing，you need to go to the market supervision department to change the business license first，which takes 3-5 working days，if the seal impression does not meet the requirements during customs registration，you need to re-carve the customs declaration seal and upload it，it is recommended to choose a seal service provider approved by the customs. Final compliance implementation requires that you obtain the Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators and Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Entity ，and complete directory registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. After that，you will have complete import and export rights.",
            "upvoteCount": 6,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#acceptedAnswer",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T07:19:24Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"}        }
                ,"suggestedAnswer": [
                  {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "When applying for import and export rights, special attention should be paid to the valuation logic in the customs link. The customs implements the "dynamic valuation" mechanism in 2026, and enterprises need to submit procurement contracts of the recent 3 months as reference when registering for the first time. If the deviation between the declared amount and the market price exceeds 15%, it may trigger a valuation dispute. It is recommended to prepare historical customs declaration data of similar products in advance as evidence to ensure the rationality of the declared amount. In addition, the "trade mode" in the customs declaration must be consistent with the actual business. For example, cross-border e-commerce export should select "9710" or "9810", to avoid deletion and re-declaration caused by wrong trade mode.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-2",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T07:18:27Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "After obtaining import and export rights, you need to optimize the logistics route for the first export to control cargo title risk. In 2026, space congestion on Southeast Asian routes is still frequent, it is recommended to prioritize direct sailings to ensure delivery date. If transshipment is required, you need to confirm the free storage period policy of the transshipment port to avoid container detention charges. In addition, bill of lading endorsement must match the trade term: under FOB terms, the bill of lading should be endorsed to the consignee; under CIF terms, the original bill of lading should be retained until the customer pays, to ensure control of cargo title. For the first export, you can choose to cooperate with large shipping companies, which have stronger space guarantee capabilities and can provide real-time cargo tracking services.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-3",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T07:08:07Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "After obtaining import and export rights, export tax refund is an important key point for cost optimization. The 2026 export tax refund policy continues the "paperless declaration", and enterprises need to ensure the consistency of four flows: contract flow, cargo flow, capital flow, and invoice flow. The first tax refund declaration requires submission of customs declaration, special VAT invoice, foreign exchange receipt certificate and other materials. It is recommended to conduct pre-declaration verification in advance to avoid tax refund delay caused by data errors. In addition, the VAT deferral policy applies to some cross-border e-commerce models. Enterprises can apply for deferred payment of import VAT to ease capital pressure, but must meet the regulatory requirements of customs and tax authorities.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-4",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T06:40:45Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Compliance of foreign exchange receipt and payment is a core link of import and export trade. In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange implements the "intelligent directory registration", after enterprises complete customs registration, they can apply for foreign exchange directory registration simultaneously through the "Single Window", which can be completed within 1 working day. It should be noted that for the first foreign exchange receipt after directory registration, you need to submit the Application Form for Directory Registration of Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Enterprises at the bank, and ensure that the deviation between the received amount and the amount on the customs declaration does not exceed 5%, otherwise you need to submit a situation description. In addition, the CIPS RMB cross-border payment channel has covered major Southeast Asian countries, it is recommended to prioritize RMB settlement to reduce exchange rate fluctuation risk.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-5",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T06:38:37Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "For the first import and export trade, you need to pay attention to risk clauses in the contract. In 2026 international trade, soft clauses in letters of credit are still common. For example, requiring "customer inspection certificate" as a payment condition may lead to delayed payment. It is recommended to clearly specify in the contract that the inspection standard is an internationally accepted standard (such as ISO), and agree that the inspection institution is a third party recognized by both parties. In addition, the force majeure clause needs to cover unexpected events such as epidemics and port strikes, to avoid bearing liability for breach of contract due to inability to perform. For the first cooperation, it is recommended to choose letter of credit settlement, and entrust a professional institution to audit the letter of credit clauses to eliminate the risk of soft clauses.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-6",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T06:21:05Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "The first export of goods may face on-site customs inspection. In 2026, the inspection rate for new enterprises has increased slightly. You need to prepare inspection documents in advance: customs declaration, contract, invoice, packing list, and product specification. If the goods are electronic products, you need to provide the 3C certificate (if applicable). During inspection, you need to cooperate with customs officers to open the box, avoid moving the goods or changing the seal without authorization. If it is found that the goods do not match the declaration, you need to submit a situation description immediately, and strive to actively modify the declaration content, to avoid the risk of fines or goods detention. In addition, when going through machine inspection, you need to ensure that there is no metal shielding on the cargo packaging to improve the inspection pass rate.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-7",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T06:12:30Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "If the export product is smart home equipment, you need to pay attention to packaging compliance requirements. In 2026, international maritime transport has strict packaging requirements for lithium battery products. You need to use packaging materials certified by UN38.3, and mark the lithium battery label on the outer box. In addition, the moisture-proof reinforcement plan needs to be adjusted according to the transportation route: the humidity of Southeast Asian routes is relatively high, it is recommended to use vacuum packaging plus desiccant to avoid moisture damage to the goods. Before the first export, you need to entrust a professional institution to conduct packaging testing to ensure compliance with international transportation standards, and avoid goods detention or rejection caused by non-compliant packaging.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-8",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T06:06:17Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Export tax refund filing needs to pay attention to the compliance of document management. In 2026, tax authorities have strengthened the verification of capital reflux. Enterprises need to ensure that the received foreign exchange funds come from the overseas client listed on the customs declaration, and the capital flow is consistent with the cargo flow. In addition, document filing needs to be preserved for at least 5 years, including customs declarations, bills of lading, contracts, invoices, etc. It is recommended to use an electronic filing system to avoid loss of paper documents. The first tax refund declaration needs to be submitted through the "electronic tax bureau", and ensure that the pre-declaration verification is passed before formal declaration to reduce tax refund risk.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-9",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T05:55:12Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"}          }
          ,          {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "After obtaining import and export rights, you need to optimize the supply chain structure to reduce costs. In 2026, the inventory turnover cycle in the Southeast Asian market is about 30 days, it is recommended to adopt the "small batch, multiple batches" inventory strategy to reduce inventory backlog. In addition, the conversion of CIF and FOB trade terms needs to consider logistics costs: under FOB terms for Southeast Asian routes, the freight forwarder designated by the client may charge high fees, it is recommended to make a choice after comparing the total cost of CIF. For the first export, you can cooperate with a supply chain service provider to establish an inventory linkage mechanism, adjust the production plan according to the order situation, and improve supply chain efficiency.",
            "upvoteCount": 0,
            "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-rights-core-qualification-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-10",
            "datePublished": "2026-06-28T05:46:05Z",
            "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"}          }
                  ]
              }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "itemListElement": [
          {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "General Trade Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/"}          ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What Core Qualification Materials Do Enterprises Need to Prepare for Applying for Import and Export Rights in 2026?"}
      ]
    }
]
```