How to Apply for an Import/Export License in China
Updated for 2026: applying for import-export rights in China is a multi-step setup involving business scope, customs registration, e-port access, foreign exchange and tax/accounting readiness. It should be planned before the first shipment, not after goods are already waiting.
Reviewed by Asomerit China corporate services team. This guide reflects practical filing, banking, tax, visa and compliance questions we handle for foreign-invested companies in China. It is general information, not legal or tax advice for a specific case.
Quick answer.
China import-export rights are needed when a company imports or exports goods in its own name. Setup can start from USD 450 where the company records are ready, but customs, e-port, foreign exchange, tax and VAT rebate planning can add work.
2026 planning snapshot
| Cost | Timeline | Documents | Responsible authority | When Asomerit helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From USD 450 where appropriate for import-export setup; higher if scope changes, customs, e-port or tax cleanup are needed. | Plan before the first shipment; company scope, customs/e-port, bank and tax steps should be aligned. | Business licence, chops, scope, legal representative data, product information, bank/tax records and customs/e-port details. | Customs, e-port/foreign trade systems, tax bureau, bank and sometimes AMR if scope needs updating. | We check company scope, customs records, e-port access, bank flow and VAT documentation before launch. |
Step-by-step action plan
- Confirm whether the China company will import/export goods in its own name or use another route.
- Review business scope and update it if the trade activity is not covered.
- Prepare import-export license application materials and customs/e-port access.
- Align bank and foreign exchange flow through corporate bank account opening.
- If exporting, prepare export VAT rebate support and bookkeeping records before shipment.
Common mistakes and risks
- Shipping goods before the company has the right scope, customs setup or e-port access.
- Treating import-export registration as separate from bank, foreign exchange and tax records.
- Not checking whether product category or licensing affects the trade route.
- Assuming export VAT rebate follows automatically after customs declaration.
In this 2026 practical guide:
Who needs an import-export license setup in China?
A China company that imports or exports goods through its own name generally needs the right business scope and import-export related registrations. A service WFOE may not need this setup; a trading or manufacturing WFOE often does. Start from WFOE registration if the company has not been formed yet.
Import-export rights application process
| Step | Purpose | Common bottleneck |
|---|---|---|
| Scope review | Confirm the company can conduct the relevant trade activity. | Business scope does not match products or invoice needs. |
| Import-export registration | Set up foreign trade and customs-related ability. | Incomplete company or tax records. |
| Customs and e-port | Enable declarations and electronic port operations. | Operator, chop and system access not ready. |
| Foreign exchange path | Support cross-border receipts and payments. | Bank cannot understand transaction flow. |
| Tax and accounting | Prepare VAT, fapiao and rebate documentation. | Documents do not match across contract, invoice and customs. |
Import-export setup checklist
- Confirm company scope and licence through import-export license application
- Review customs and e-port steps before shipping
- Align banking with China bank account opening
- Set up bookkeeping and VAT records before transactions start
- Plan whether export VAT rebate is part of the model
Banking, VAT rebate and bookkeeping implications
Import-export setup is connected to bank account use, foreign exchange receipt, VAT invoices, supplier documents, customs declarations and rebate filings. A company can have import-export rights and still face operational problems if finance and customs documents are not aligned.
Need import-export rights for a China company?
Asomerit can coordinate company scope, customs, e-port, bank, bookkeeping and VAT rebate readiness.
FAQ
Is import-export registration the same as WFOE registration?
No. WFOE registration creates the company. Import-export setup gives the company the practical ability to trade goods through its own name.
Can a service WFOE export goods?
Not automatically. The business scope and relevant registrations must support the activity.
Do I need a bank account before import-export activity?
Banking should be planned early because foreign exchange and transaction flow matter. See China bank account opening.
Does import-export setup mean VAT rebate is automatic?
No. VAT rebate depends on product, invoices, customs declarations, foreign exchange and tax records. See VAT rebate support.
What is the biggest operational risk?
Mismatch between contracts, fapiao, customs declaration, payment flow and accounting records.
Related services
- Import-export license application - trade registration, customs and e-port support
- Export VAT rebate support - rebate document and filing support
- China WFOE registration - set up or adjust the China trading entity
- China corporate bank account opening - bank and foreign exchange preparation
- China bookkeeping and tax filing - VAT, fapiao and accounting records
Related guides
- Trading WFOE guide - company setup for import-export operations
- Export VAT rebate guide - rebate conditions and documents
- WFOE registration guide - entity setup before trade add-ons
- China bank account opening guide - banking for trade flows