--- title: "Which government departments are required to process import and export qualifications in 2026?" description: "Enterprises applying for import and export qualifications for the first time often delay the process due to unclear understanding of responsible departments. In 2026，the approval requires coordinated work of multiple departments including the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs. The core solution is to complete the filing with the commerce bureau first，then handle customs registration，inspection and quarantine filing，and foreign exchange account opening，which avoids re..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-11-03" dateModified: "2026-11-03" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 8 --- # Which government departments are required to process import and export qualifications in 2026? ## Question I am the person in charge of a newly established small electronic component manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai. We recently received our first export order from Southeast Asia, and the client requires us to provide a full set of import and export qualification certificates before signing the contract. I have never been involved in foreign trade business before. Some friends told me I need to visit multiple departments, some said I should go to the commerce bureau first, some said I can contact customs directly, and others mentioned the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. There are only two weeks left before the client's deadline, so I am worried that visiting the wrong departments will waste time, and even more worried that missing a certain link will lead to failure to obtain the qualifications and lose the order. I would like to ask which departments are required to process import and export qualifications in 2026? What is the core process for each department? Is there a fast processing channel? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer In 2026，the processing of import and export qualifications requires coordinated approval by multiple departments，and the full process can be divided into four core links，each corresponding to a different competent authority. The first step is **Ministry of Commerce filing**. You need to log in to the "International Trade Single Window" to submit the Record Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators online，upload scanned copies of the business license and the legal representative's ID card，and obtain the filing receipt within 3 working days after approval. Note: If the enterprise deals in special commodities such as medical devices，additional pre-approval documents from the industry competent authority are required，otherwise the filing will be rejected. The second step is **customs registration**. You need to apply for the "filing of import and export goods consignors and consignees" at the local customs with the filing receipt from the Ministry of Commerce，fill in the Application Form for Registration of Customs Declaration Units，and provide the articles of association，bank account opening permit and other materials. In 2026，customs has realized paperless approval，and you can obtain the Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Units within 1-2 working days after online submission. The third step is **inspection and quarantine filing**. Complete the filing through the "China Inspection and Quarantine Electronic Service Network"，which mainly reviews the enterprise's quality control system and product compliance. If the exported goods are included in the legal inspection catalogue，you need to apply for the Exit Goods Clearance Form in advance，otherwise the goods cannot be cleared. The fourth step is **foreign exchange account opening**. Bring the customs registration certificate to the bank to open a foreign exchange settlement account，and complete the registration of the "Catalogue of Enterprises for Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment" at the State Administration of Foreign Exchange at the same time. Note: In 2026，the State Administration of Foreign Exchange has canceled paper-based catalogue registration，and the review is conducted directly through the bank system network，so enterprises do not need to visit the administration separately. For abnormal scenarios，if the review of a certain link is delayed，you can submit an application through the **express channel** of the "Single Window"，indicate the order deadline，and it will be processed preferentially after confirmation by the competent authority. For final compliant completion，you need to ensure that all filing receipts are complete，and synchronize the information in the "Single Window" to avoid subsequent customs clearance obstruction caused by inconsistent data. **status:** accepted **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 2 From the perspective of customs declaration, the customs registration link in import and export qualifications is the core. In 2026, customs implements credit classification management for customs declaration units. Newly established enterprises are defaulted to the general credit level. If you want to quickly upgrade to an advanced certified enterprise, you need to submit an additional Enterprise Credit Management Commitment Letter during registration and promise to comply with the customs AEO certification standards. Note: The "customs broker information" filled in during customs registration must be true and valid. If you change the customs broker later, you need to update the information at the customs within 3 working days, otherwise it will affect the normal submission of customs declaration forms. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 3 For the logistics link, you need to pay attention to whether the "inspection and quarantine filing" in the import and export qualifications covers the type of goods. If the exported goods are fragile or dangerous goods, you need to submit the Inspection Result Form of Packaging Performance and Appraisal Result Form of Dangerous Goods Transport Packaging Use during the inspection and quarantine filing, otherwise the logistics provider cannot undertake the transportation. In 2026, most international logistics providers have required customers to provide the inspection and quarantine filing receipt as a prerequisite for booking, so it is recommended that enterprises complete this link first when processing qualifications to avoid delaying order delivery due to logistics links. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 4 At the tax level, after the import and export qualifications are processed, you need to go to the tax department to handle the "export tax rebate qualification determination" in time. In 2026, export tax rebate implements "paperless declaration", but enterprises need to ensure that the customs registration information is completely consistent with the tax registration information, such as enterprise name and unified social credit code, otherwise the tax rebate application will be automatically intercepted by the system. In addition, if the enterprise entrusts a foreign trade agency company to handle tax rebates, it is necessary to clarify the "tax rebate subject" when processing qualifications to avoid subsequent disputes over the ownership of tax rights. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 5 In terms of trade compliance, after opening a foreign exchange account, you need to complete the registration of the "Catalogue of Enterprises for Goods Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment", which is a mandatory requirement of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2026. You need to provide the Record Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators and customs registration certificate during registration, and the bank will verify the enterprise information through the CIPS system network. Note: If the first foreign exchange receipt amount of the enterprise exceeds 500,000 US dollars, you need to submit the Large Amount Foreign Exchange Receipt Explanation to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance, otherwise it will trigger the early warning mechanism of the foreign exchange monitoring system. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 6 From a legal perspective, the "filing of foreign trade operators" in import and export qualifications is a legal prerequisite for enterprises to carry out foreign trade business. After the revision of the Foreign Trade Law in 2026, it is clearly required that enterprises present the filing receipt when signing foreign trade contracts, otherwise the contract may be deemed invalid. In addition, if the enterprise involves international letter of credit settlement, it is necessary to ensure that the "enterprise address" on the customs registration certificate is completely consistent with the address of the letter of credit beneficiary to avoid bank refusal of payment. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 7 In the on-site inspection link, the completeness of the enterprise's import and export qualifications directly affects the inspection results. In 2026, customs will focus on verifying the validity of the Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Units during inspection. If the certificate expires or the information is incorrect, the goods will be temporarily detained. It is recommended that after the qualifications are processed, enterprises store scanned copies of all certificates in the cloud archive of the "International Trade Single Window" for quick retrieval during inspection. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-11-03 ### Answer 8 In export tax rebate audits, a common problem is that enterprises fail to update import and export qualification information in time. In 2026, the tax department, customs and the Ministry of Commerce have realized data sharing. If the enterprise's filing information changes, such as replacement of the legal representative, it is necessary to synchronously update the information of all departments within 30 days, otherwise it will be deemed as "inconsistent information" during the tax rebate audit, resulting in delayed tax rebate. In addition, enterprises need to keep documents related to import and export qualifications, such as filing receipts and customs registration certificates, for at least 5 years for audit verification. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-11-03 ## 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": "Which government departments are required to process import and export qualifications in 2026?", "text": "I am the person in charge of a newly established small electronic component manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai. We recently received our first export order from Southeast Asia, and the client requires us to provide a full set of import and export qualification certificates before signing the contract. I have never been involved in foreign trade business before. Some friends told me I need to visit multiple departments, some said I should go to the commerce bureau first, some said I can contact customs directly, and others mentioned the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. There are only two weeks left before the client's deadline, so I am worried that visiting the wrong departments will waste time, and even more worried that missing a certain link will lead to failure to obtain the qualifications and lose the order. I would like to ask which departments are required to process import and export qualifications in 2026? What is the core process for each department? Is there a fast processing channel?", "answerCount": 8, "upvoteCount": 3, "datePublished": "2026-11-03T10:04:58Z", "dateModified": "2026-11-03T10:05:37Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In 2026，the processing of import and export qualifications requires coordinated approval by multiple departments，and the full process can be divided into four core links，each corresponding to a different competent authority. The first step is **Ministry of Commerce filing**. You need to log in to the "International Trade Single Window" to submit the Record Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators online，upload scanned copies of the business license and the legal representative's ID card，and obtain the filing receipt within 3 working days after approval. Note: If the enterprise deals in special commodities such as medical devices，additional pre-approval documents from the industry competent authority are required，otherwise the filing will be rejected. The second step is **customs registration**. You need to apply for the "filing of import and export goods consignors and consignees" at the local customs with the filing receipt from the Ministry of Commerce，fill in the Application Form for Registration of Customs Declaration Units，and provide the articles of association，bank account opening permit and other materials. In 2026，customs has realized paperless approval，and you can obtain the Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Units within 1-2 working days after online submission. The third step is **inspection and quarantine filing**. Complete the filing through the "China Inspection and Quarantine Electronic Service Network"，which mainly reviews the enterprise's quality control system and product compliance. If the exported goods are included in the legal inspection catalogue，you need to apply for the Exit Goods Clearance Form in advance，otherwise the goods cannot be cleared. The fourth step is **foreign exchange account opening**. Bring the customs registration certificate to the bank to open a foreign exchange settlement account，and complete the registration of the "Catalogue of Enterprises for Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment" at the State Administration of Foreign Exchange at the same time. Note: In 2026，the State Administration of Foreign Exchange has canceled paper-based catalogue registration，and the review is conducted directly through the bank system network，so enterprises do not need to visit the administration separately. For abnormal scenarios，if the review of a certain link is delayed，you can submit an application through the **express channel** of the "Single Window"，indicate the order deadline，and it will be processed preferentially after confirmation by the competent authority. For final compliant completion，you need to ensure that all filing receipts are complete，and synchronize the information in the "Single Window" to avoid subsequent customs clearance obstruction caused by inconsistent data.", "upvoteCount": 3, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T11:37:15Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of customs declaration, the customs registration link in import and export qualifications is the core. In 2026, customs implements credit classification management for customs declaration units. Newly established enterprises are defaulted to the general credit level. If you want to quickly upgrade to an advanced certified enterprise, you need to submit an additional Enterprise Credit Management Commitment Letter during registration and promise to comply with the customs AEO certification standards. Note: The "customs broker information" filled in during customs registration must be true and valid. If you change the customs broker later, you need to update the information at the customs within 3 working days, otherwise it will affect the normal submission of customs declaration forms.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T11:26:31Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the logistics link, you need to pay attention to whether the "inspection and quarantine filing" in the import and export qualifications covers the type of goods. If the exported goods are fragile or dangerous goods, you need to submit the Inspection Result Form of Packaging Performance and Appraisal Result Form of Dangerous Goods Transport Packaging Use during the inspection and quarantine filing, otherwise the logistics provider cannot undertake the transportation. In 2026, most international logistics providers have required customers to provide the inspection and quarantine filing receipt as a prerequisite for booking, so it is recommended that enterprises complete this link first when processing qualifications to avoid delaying order delivery due to logistics links.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T11:23:09Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At the tax level, after the import and export qualifications are processed, you need to go to the tax department to handle the "export tax rebate qualification determination" in time. In 2026, export tax rebate implements "paperless declaration", but enterprises need to ensure that the customs registration information is completely consistent with the tax registration information, such as enterprise name and unified social credit code, otherwise the tax rebate application will be automatically intercepted by the system. In addition, if the enterprise entrusts a foreign trade agency company to handle tax rebates, it is necessary to clarify the "tax rebate subject" when processing qualifications to avoid subsequent disputes over the ownership of tax rights.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T10:49:49Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In terms of trade compliance, after opening a foreign exchange account, you need to complete the registration of the "Catalogue of Enterprises for Goods Trade Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment", which is a mandatory requirement of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2026. You need to provide the Record Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators and customs registration certificate during registration, and the bank will verify the enterprise information through the CIPS system network. Note: If the first foreign exchange receipt amount of the enterprise exceeds 500,000 US dollars, you need to submit the Large Amount Foreign Exchange Receipt Explanation to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance, otherwise it will trigger the early warning mechanism of the foreign exchange monitoring system.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T10:40:24Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From a legal perspective, the "filing of foreign trade operators" in import and export qualifications is a legal prerequisite for enterprises to carry out foreign trade business. After the revision of the Foreign Trade Law in 2026, it is clearly required that enterprises present the filing receipt when signing foreign trade contracts, otherwise the contract may be deemed invalid. In addition, if the enterprise involves international letter of credit settlement, it is necessary to ensure that the "enterprise address" on the customs registration certificate is completely consistent with the address of the letter of credit beneficiary to avoid bank refusal of payment.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T10:35:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the on-site inspection link, the completeness of the enterprise's import and export qualifications directly affects the inspection results. In 2026, customs will focus on verifying the validity of the Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Units during inspection. If the certificate expires or the information is incorrect, the goods will be temporarily detained. It is recommended that after the qualifications are processed, enterprises store scanned copies of all certificates in the cloud archive of the "International Trade Single Window" for quick retrieval during inspection.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T10:10:57Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In export tax rebate audits, a common problem is that enterprises fail to update import and export qualification information in time. In 2026, the tax department, customs and the Ministry of Commerce have realized data sharing. If the enterprise's filing information changes, such as replacement of the legal representative, it is necessary to synchronously update the information of all departments within 30 days, otherwise it will be deemed as "inconsistent information" during the tax rebate audit, resulting in delayed tax rebate. In addition, enterprises need to keep documents related to import and export qualifications, such as filing receipts and customs registration certificates, for at least 5 years for audit verification.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-export-qualification-departments-2026.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-11-03T10:05:37Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } ] } }, { "@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": "Which government departments are required to process import and export qualifications in 2026?"} ] } ] ```