--- title: "What are the core qualification requirements and full-process approval details for enterprises applying for import and export operation rights?" description: "Many manufacturing enterprises new to foreign trade face practical concerns such as compliance risks and order delays due to unfamiliarity with import and export qualification handling，document preparation and process connection. Through full-chain services including pre-qualification pre-review，refined connection of core nodes，and exception plan formulation，the approval and compliance implementation of import and export operation rights can be completed quickly，ensuring smooth customs clearance..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-07-12" dateModified: "2026-07-12" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 9 --- # What are the core qualification requirements and full-process approval details for enterprises applying for import and export operation rights? ## Question I am the person in charge of a precision machinery parts manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai. We just received our first export order from Germany last week, which requires delivery before the end of the month, but our company has not completed any import and export related qualifications and procedures so far. I have looked up a lot of materials these days, and the more I read, the more confused I get. I need to apply for import and export operation rights at one time, and file for customs declaration and inspection at another. I am also afraid that missing some documents will lead to cargo detention at the port or customs seizure, delaying order delivery and requiring compensation for liquidated damages. I am really anxious now, and want to ask how to handle import and export procedures to achieve rapid compliance implementation and ensure smooth shipment of the first order. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First of all，**pre-qualification pre-review** should be completed: first check whether the business scope of the business license includes "goods import and export，technology import and export". If not，you need to first go through the urgent industrial and commercial change channel via Shanghai Government Online Service Office，which can be completed within 1 working day. At the same time，prepare basic materials such as official seal，copy of legal person ID card，articles of association，etc。to ensure that the materials are not altered and the copies are affixed with official seal. The connection of core nodes should be accurately controlled: the first step is to go to the commerce bureau to handle the registration of foreign trade operators，and the certificate can be issued within 1-2 working days after submitting the materials，the second step is to apply for the filing of consignors and consignees of customs import and export goods online through the "Single Window"，and apply for the electronic port IC card at the same time，which can be approved within 3 working days，and certificate delivery by mail is supported，the third step is to go to the tax bureau to handle export tax (exemption) rebate filing，and materials such as the registration form of foreign trade operators should be provided to ensure that you can enjoy the tax rebate policy later. Develop exception plans in advance: if the industrial and commercial change encounters material rejection，you can immediately contact the staff of the industrial and commercial window to obtain correction guidelines，supplement materials and resubmit within 24 hours，if the customs filing information review fails，you need to first check the reason for rejection through the Single Window，make targeted corrections and resubmit to avoid delaying time. After the final compliance is implemented，all filing documents should be sorted and archived simultaneously. For the first customs declaration，you can entrust a professional agency to pre-review the customs declaration form in advance to ensure that the declared commodity code and goods value are consistent with the actual information of the goods，so as to ensure smooth customs clearance of the first order，and avoid port detention or customs seizure caused by declaration errors. **status:** accepted **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 2 When handling import and export business, special attention should be paid to valuation compliance in the customs declaration link, to avoid document deletion and re-declaration caused by excessive difference between the declared price and customs valuation. Customs valuation will refer to multiple methods such as transaction price, deductive value, computed value of the same or similar goods. If the first declared price of the enterprise is low and no reasonable basis can be provided, it will trigger customs price inquiry, and even be transferred to the inspection department. It is recommended to prepare supporting materials such as procurement contracts, invoices, payment vouchers in advance. If there are special trade terms (such as including royalty fees), you need to take the initiative to disclose to the customs to avoid subsequent retrospective tax payment and late fees. At the same time, use the pre-classification function of the Single Window to confirm the commodity code in advance to ensure that the code is consistent with the actual attributes of the goods, and reduce the risk of customs seizure caused by classification errors. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 3 For enterprises handling import and export business for the first time, the choice of logistics route should balance order timeliness and cost. If the German order requires delivery at the end of the month, priority should be given to the direct shipping route from Shanghai to Hamburg to avoid delay risks caused by transit. At the same time, confirm the free storage period and container detention fee standard of the shipping company. Generally, the free storage period for direct flights is 7 days, if it exceeds, you need to apply for extension in advance, and the daily container detention fee is about USD 50-80/TEU. The bill of lading endorsement must be operated strictly in accordance with the requirements of the letter of credit. If it is a telex release bill of lading, you need to submit a telex release application to the shipping company in advance and affix the official seal to ensure that the consignee can pick up the goods smoothly. In addition, before the goods enter the warehouse, you need to confirm the warehouse address and warehousing time with the freight forwarder in advance, to avoid container rollover caused by delayed warehousing, which affects the overall shipping schedule. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 4 After enterprises handle import and export business, they can apply for the VAT deferment policy, that is, there is no need to pay the value-added tax of the importing country immediately when exporting goods, and declare and pay after the goods are sold, which effectively eases the capital pressure. At the same time, it is necessary to reasonably plan the pricing of cross-border related transactions, to avoid being adjusted by the tax authority due to the pricing not conforming to the arm's length principle, resulting in additional tax costs. For export tax (exemption) rebate, it is necessary to ensure "four flows consistency" (contract flow, capital flow, invoice flow, goods flow), sort out tax rebate vouchers such as procurement invoices, customs declaration forms, bills of lading in advance, to avoid tax rebate delays caused by missing or inconsistent vouchers. In addition, if the enterprise has import business, it can use the bonded warehousing model, temporarily exempt from import tariff and value-added tax, reducing inventory costs. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 5 When handling import and export foreign exchange receipt and payment, you need to first go to the bank for directory registration, to ensure that RMB cross-border payment can be made through the CIPS system, or US dollar settlement can be made through SWIFT. When receiving foreign exchange for the first time, you need to provide the bank with materials such as the foreign trade operator registration form, customs declaration form, contract, etc. The bank will review the transaction background to ensure the compliance of foreign exchange receipt and payment. If there is a difference between the foreign exchange receipt amount and the customs declaration amount (such as including freight and insurance premiums), you need to explain to the bank in advance and provide relevant supporting materials, to avoid being listed as an abnormal transaction. At the same time, pay attention to the time requirement for foreign exchange verification, which generally needs to be completed within 180 days after the goods are exported, to avoid affecting the subsequent foreign exchange receipt and payment authority. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 6 When signing a foreign trade contract for the first time, special attention should be paid to the force majeure clause, clarifying the division of liability for delays caused by unforeseeable events such as epidemics and port strikes, to avoid being claimed by the buyer for order delays. At the same time, the terms of the letter of credit should be strictly reviewed. If there are "soft clauses" (such as requiring an inspection certificate signed by the buyer), you need to promptly request the buyer to modify it, to avoid falling into a payment trap. In terms of cargo right transfer, if a marine bill of lading is used, it is necessary to ensure continuous endorsement, to avoid failure to pick up goods caused by endorsement errors. In addition, you can apply for intellectual property customs protection filing, to prevent the goods from being infringed or counterfeited in the import and export process, and protect the rights and interests of the enterprise. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 7 If the first exported goods encounter customs inspection, you need to prepare documents such as packing list, invoice, contract of the goods in advance, and cooperate with the customs staff to complete the inspection. If the goods are precision mechanical parts, you need to explain the fragile attribute of the goods in advance, to avoid goods damage caused by rough customs inspection. During machine inspection, ensure that the goods packaging meets the requirements, to avoid abnormal machine inspection caused by metal foreign objects in the packaging, which triggers unpacking inspection. If it is found that the goods are inconsistent with the declared information after inspection, you need to explain the situation to the customs in time and provide correction materials. If it involves commodity code errors, you need to cooperate with the customs to delete the document and re-declare, to avoid administrative penalties. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 8 Precision mechanical parts should be packaged with professional moisture-proof and shock-proof materials, and high-density foam buffer materials, PE moisture-proof film and solid wood fumigation packaging boxes can be selected, to ensure that the goods are not damaged during transportation. At the same time, the MSDS report should be prepared according to the goods attributes. If the goods contain dangerous parts such as lithium batteries, they should be packaged in accordance with the UN dangerous goods packaging standards, and the dangerous goods transport appraisal certificate issued by a third-party institution should be obtained. Clear shipping mark information should be marked on the package, including consignee name, port of destination, number of pieces, gross weight, etc., to avoid wrong delivery of goods caused by blurred shipping marks. In addition, you need to confirm with the freight forwarder in advance whether the packaging size and weight meet the requirements of the shipping company, to avoid additional costs caused by oversize or overweight. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-07-12 ### Answer 9 After the enterprise completes the export tax (exemption) rebate filing, it is necessary to establish a perfect document management system, archive and save tax rebate vouchers such as customs declaration forms, bills of lading, procurement invoices, export contracts, etc., with a retention period of 5 years. When declaring tax rebate for the first time, you need to make a pre-declaration through the electronic tax bureau. If there is an error in the pre-declaration, you need to correct it in time and resubmit, to avoid the formal declaration being rejected. If you encounter a tax letter investigation, you need to cooperate with the tax authority to provide relevant business materials, explain the authenticity of the transaction, to avoid tax rebate suspension caused by failure to pass the letter investigation. In addition, pay attention to the change of export tax rebate rate, adjust the quotation strategy in time, to ensure that the enterprise's profit is not affected. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-07-12 ## 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 are the core qualification requirements and full-process approval details for enterprises applying for import and export operation rights?", "text": "I am the person in charge of a precision machinery parts manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai. We just received our first export order from Germany last week, which requires delivery before the end of the month, but our company has not completed any import and export related qualifications and procedures so far. I have looked up a lot of materials these days, and the more I read, the more confused I get. I need to apply for import and export operation rights at one time, and file for customs declaration and inspection at another. I am also afraid that missing some documents will lead to cargo detention at the port or customs seizure, delaying order delivery and requiring compensation for liquidated damages. I am really anxious now, and want to ask how to handle import and export procedures to achieve rapid compliance implementation and ensure smooth shipment of the first order.", "answerCount": 9, "upvoteCount": 5, "datePublished": "2026-07-12T17:30:23Z", "dateModified": "2026-07-12T18:06:08Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First of all， pre-qualification pre-review should be completed: first check whether the business scope of the business license includes "goods import and export，technology import and export". If not，you need to first go through the urgent industrial and commercial change channel via Shanghai Government Online Service Office，which can be completed within 1 working day. At the same time，prepare basic materials such as official seal，copy of legal person ID card，articles of association，etc。to ensure that the materials are not altered and the copies are affixed with official seal. The connection of core nodes should be accurately controlled: the first step is to go to the commerce bureau to handle the registration of foreign trade operators，and the certificate can be issued within 1-2 working days after submitting the materials，the second step is to apply for the filing of consignors and consignees of customs import and export goods online through the "Single Window"，and apply for the electronic port IC card at the same time，which can be approved within 3 working days，and certificate delivery by mail is supported，the third step is to go to the tax bureau to handle export tax (exemption) rebate filing，and materials such as the registration form of foreign trade operators should be provided to ensure that you can enjoy the tax rebate policy later. Develop exception plans in advance: if the industrial and commercial change encounters material rejection，you can immediately contact the staff of the industrial and commercial window to obtain correction guidelines，supplement materials and resubmit within 24 hours，if the customs filing information review fails，you need to first check the reason for rejection through the Single Window，make targeted corrections and resubmit to avoid delaying time. After the final compliance is implemented，all filing documents should be sorted and archived simultaneously. For the first customs declaration，you can entrust a professional agency to pre-review the customs declaration form in advance to ensure that the declared commodity code and goods value are consistent with the actual information of the goods，so as to ensure smooth customs clearance of the first order，and avoid port detention or customs seizure caused by declaration errors.", "upvoteCount": 5, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T19:21:12Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When handling import and export business, special attention should be paid to valuation compliance in the customs declaration link, to avoid document deletion and re-declaration caused by excessive difference between the declared price and customs valuation. Customs valuation will refer to multiple methods such as transaction price, deductive value, computed value of the same or similar goods. If the first declared price of the enterprise is low and no reasonable basis can be provided, it will trigger customs price inquiry, and even be transferred to the inspection department. It is recommended to prepare supporting materials such as procurement contracts, invoices, payment vouchers in advance. If there are special trade terms (such as including royalty fees), you need to take the initiative to disclose to the customs to avoid subsequent retrospective tax payment and late fees. At the same time, use the pre-classification function of the Single Window to confirm the commodity code in advance to ensure that the code is consistent with the actual attributes of the goods, and reduce the risk of customs seizure caused by classification errors.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T19:18:32Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For enterprises handling import and export business for the first time, the choice of logistics route should balance order timeliness and cost. If the German order requires delivery at the end of the month, priority should be given to the direct shipping route from Shanghai to Hamburg to avoid delay risks caused by transit. At the same time, confirm the free storage period and container detention fee standard of the shipping company. Generally, the free storage period for direct flights is 7 days, if it exceeds, you need to apply for extension in advance, and the daily container detention fee is about USD 50-80/TEU. The bill of lading endorsement must be operated strictly in accordance with the requirements of the letter of credit. If it is a telex release bill of lading, you need to submit a telex release application to the shipping company in advance and affix the official seal to ensure that the consignee can pick up the goods smoothly. In addition, before the goods enter the warehouse, you need to confirm the warehouse address and warehousing time with the freight forwarder in advance, to avoid container rollover caused by delayed warehousing, which affects the overall shipping schedule.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T19:03:06Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After enterprises handle import and export business, they can apply for the VAT deferment policy, that is, there is no need to pay the value-added tax of the importing country immediately when exporting goods, and declare and pay after the goods are sold, which effectively eases the capital pressure. At the same time, it is necessary to reasonably plan the pricing of cross-border related transactions, to avoid being adjusted by the tax authority due to the pricing not conforming to the arm's length principle, resulting in additional tax costs. For export tax (exemption) rebate, it is necessary to ensure "four flows consistency" (contract flow, capital flow, invoice flow, goods flow), sort out tax rebate vouchers such as procurement invoices, customs declaration forms, bills of lading in advance, to avoid tax rebate delays caused by missing or inconsistent vouchers. In addition, if the enterprise has import business, it can use the bonded warehousing model, temporarily exempt from import tariff and value-added tax, reducing inventory costs.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T18:56:18Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When handling import and export foreign exchange receipt and payment, you need to first go to the bank for directory registration, to ensure that RMB cross-border payment can be made through the CIPS system, or US dollar settlement can be made through SWIFT. When receiving foreign exchange for the first time, you need to provide the bank with materials such as the foreign trade operator registration form, customs declaration form, contract, etc. The bank will review the transaction background to ensure the compliance of foreign exchange receipt and payment. If there is a difference between the foreign exchange receipt amount and the customs declaration amount (such as including freight and insurance premiums), you need to explain to the bank in advance and provide relevant supporting materials, to avoid being listed as an abnormal transaction. At the same time, pay attention to the time requirement for foreign exchange verification, which generally needs to be completed within 180 days after the goods are exported, to avoid affecting the subsequent foreign exchange receipt and payment authority.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T18:43:01Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When signing a foreign trade contract for the first time, special attention should be paid to the force majeure clause, clarifying the division of liability for delays caused by unforeseeable events such as epidemics and port strikes, to avoid being claimed by the buyer for order delays. At the same time, the terms of the letter of credit should be strictly reviewed. If there are "soft clauses" (such as requiring an inspection certificate signed by the buyer), you need to promptly request the buyer to modify it, to avoid falling into a payment trap. In terms of cargo right transfer, if a marine bill of lading is used, it is necessary to ensure continuous endorsement, to avoid failure to pick up goods caused by endorsement errors. In addition, you can apply for intellectual property customs protection filing, to prevent the goods from being infringed or counterfeited in the import and export process, and protect the rights and interests of the enterprise.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T18:36:51Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If the first exported goods encounter customs inspection, you need to prepare documents such as packing list, invoice, contract of the goods in advance, and cooperate with the customs staff to complete the inspection. If the goods are precision mechanical parts, you need to explain the fragile attribute of the goods in advance, to avoid goods damage caused by rough customs inspection. During machine inspection, ensure that the goods packaging meets the requirements, to avoid abnormal machine inspection caused by metal foreign objects in the packaging, which triggers unpacking inspection. If it is found that the goods are inconsistent with the declared information after inspection, you need to explain the situation to the customs in time and provide correction materials. If it involves commodity code errors, you need to cooperate with the customs to delete the document and re-declare, to avoid administrative penalties.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T18:34:53Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Precision mechanical parts should be packaged with professional moisture-proof and shock-proof materials, and high-density foam buffer materials, PE moisture-proof film and solid wood fumigation packaging boxes can be selected, to ensure that the goods are not damaged during transportation. At the same time, the MSDS report should be prepared according to the goods attributes. If the goods contain dangerous parts such as lithium batteries, they should be packaged in accordance with the UN dangerous goods packaging standards, and the dangerous goods transport appraisal certificate issued by a third-party institution should be obtained. Clear shipping mark information should be marked on the package, including consignee name, port of destination, number of pieces, gross weight, etc., to avoid wrong delivery of goods caused by blurred shipping marks. In addition, you need to confirm with the freight forwarder in advance whether the packaging size and weight meet the requirements of the shipping company, to avoid additional costs caused by oversize or overweight.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T18:30:43Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the enterprise completes the export tax (exemption) rebate filing, it is necessary to establish a perfect document management system, archive and save tax rebate vouchers such as customs declaration forms, bills of lading, procurement invoices, export contracts, etc., with a retention period of 5 years. When declaring tax rebate for the first time, you need to make a pre-declaration through the electronic tax bureau. If there is an error in the pre-declaration, you need to correct it in time and resubmit, to avoid the formal declaration being rejected. If you encounter a tax letter investigation, you need to cooperate with the tax authority to provide relevant business materials, explain the authenticity of the transaction, to avoid tax rebate suspension caused by failure to pass the letter investigation. In addition, pay attention to the change of export tax rebate rate, adjust the quotation strategy in time, to ensure that the enterprise's profit is not affected.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/enterprise-import-export-right-qualification-approval-process.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-07-12T18:06:08Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } ] } }, { "@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 are the core qualification requirements and full-process approval details for enterprises applying for import and export operation rights?"} ] } ] ```