“Setting up in Yiwu was the right move for our supply chain, but selling to Ireland meant dealing with complex cross-border tax rules. Asomerit didn't just register the company; they guided us through the entire financial process—from setting up the corporate bank account to managing our invoices. Thanks to their expert advice on export tax rebates, we successfully claimed our VAT refunds, which added a solid 13% to our bottom line.”
Trade Compliance · China
China Import and
Export License.
Apply for China import and export qualification so your company can trade under its own name — including business scope review, customs consignee and consignor registration, China Electronic Port access, foreign exchange coordination and export VAT rebate preparation.
Free trade-readiness assessment
Start your import/export license assessment.
Tell us your company status, business scope, product category, HS codes if available, import/export model and first-shipment timeline. Our team will assess the required registration route and respond within one business day.
Quick answer
What is a China Import and Export License?
A China Import and Export License is the common business term for the registrations and filings that allow a company in China to conduct international trade under its own name. For standard goods, this usually involves confirming the business scope, completing customs registration, obtaining China Electronic Port access, coordinating foreign exchange handling and preparing tax / export rebate workflows.
It is also commonly referred to as foreign trade operator filing, customs registration, import/export rights or import/export qualification. It is different from a product-specific import or export licence for controlled, restricted or regulated goods.
2–4 weeks.
Typical registration timeline
Customs.
Consignee / consignor record
E-port.
Electronic Port access
FX + VAT.
Foreign exchange and rebate readiness
Client feedback
What our clients say.
Why trade readiness matters
A business license alone does not make a company trade-ready.
Many companies register a WFOE or trading company and assume they can start shipping goods immediately. In practice, import and export operations require customs, electronic port, foreign exchange, invoice and tax workflows to be ready before the first shipment moves.
Customs clearance
Your company needs the right customs registration before it can import or export goods under its own name.
Foreign exchange settlement
Bank and foreign exchange readiness must be coordinated before cross-border payments begin.
Tax and export rebate workflow
Exporters need clean customs, invoice, fapiao, FX and bookkeeping records before rebate filing.
Who this is for
Who needs China import/export setup?
Import/export setup is most relevant when a China entity needs to appear as importer or exporter of record, clear customs, settle trade payments or prepare for export VAT rebate.
Trading and sourcing companies
For companies buying, selling, importing or exporting through a China entity — including sourcing and procurement businesses shipping to overseas customers under their own company name.
Trading + sourcing
Manufacturers exporting from China
For factories or manufacturing WFOEs that export finished products or components.
Manufacturing export
Companies preparing for export VAT rebate
For exporters that need clean customs, invoice, FX and bookkeeping records before claiming rebate.
VAT rebate
Scope distinction
Company trade qualification is not the same as product-specific approval.
For standard trading activity, the first goal is to make the company legally able to import and export under its own name. Controlled or regulated products may require additional product-level licences, labels, registrations or approvals.
Company level
Import/export qualification
General company-level trade readiness: business scope, customs registration, China Electronic Port, foreign exchange and tax workflows.
- Business scope review or amendment — confirm whether goods import/export, technology import/export or agency import/export is covered.
- Customs consignee / consignor registration — prepare the company customs record for future import/export declarations.
- China Electronic Port access — connect the company to declaration and trade-related systems.
- Bank / FX coordination — prepare the lawful cross-border settlement route before shipment payments begin.
Product level
Product-specific licences
Some controlled or restricted products may require separate approvals based on product category, HS code, end use or regulatory list.
- HS code / category check — identify whether the product falls into controlled, restricted or inspection-sensitive categories.
- Sector approvals — food, cosmetics, medical products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and dangerous goods may need extra steps.
- Labels, filings or inspections — some goods need product-level documents before customs clearance.
- Shipment risk mapping — check licence exposure before confirming contracts, logistics or first shipment dates.
Assessment requirements
What we need to assess your import/export license route.
The right registration route depends on your company status, business scope, product category, customs workflow and export rebate plan.
| Requirement | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| China company status | Whether the WFOE / company is already registered, in progress or still being planned. |
| Business license scope | Whether the scope includes import/export of goods, technology import/export or agency import/export. |
| Corporate bank account | Whether the company has an active RMB account and foreign exchange handling route. |
| Product category | Goods to be imported or exported, including regulated categories such as food, cosmetics, medical, chemicals or dual-use items. |
| HS code | HS code if available; otherwise product description, material, use and technical specification. |
| Customs contact / operator | Internal staff, customs broker or external operator responsible for declarations. |
| Export VAT rebate plan | Whether the business expects to apply for export VAT rebate. |
| First shipment timeline | Target date, port, supplier/customer countries and whether urgent clearance is expected. |
How the setup works
A five-step framework from scope check to trade readiness.
We review the company first, then coordinate customs, Electronic Port, foreign exchange and export rebate readiness before shipment planning.
01
Business scope review or amendment
Confirm whether the business license includes goods import/export, technology import/export or agency import/export. If not, amend the business scope before trade registration starts.
02
Customs consignee and consignor registration
Register the company with China Customs as a consignee / consignor and obtain the customs registration record needed for declarations.
03
China Electronic Port Card / access
Apply for China Electronic Port access so the company can use customs, inspection, foreign exchange and declaration-related systems.
04
Foreign exchange registration / bank coordination
Coordinate foreign exchange handling with the bank so the company can settle cross-border trade payments.
05
Export VAT rebate and tax workflow preparation
If the business exports goods, prepare the tax, invoice, bookkeeping and customs documentation workflow needed for export VAT rebate.
Trade-readiness outputs
What you receive after import/export setup.
The final output is a company that is prepared for customs, Electronic Port access, foreign exchange handling and export rebate workflows — not just a document.
✓
Customs registration and export VAT rebate readiness
Company customs record / consignee and consignor setup for future import/export declarations — including export rebate filing readiness where the company exports eligible goods and has the right tax / invoice workflow.
✓
China Electronic Port access
Electronic Port Card / access for customs, declaration and trade-related systems.
✓
Foreign exchange handling route
Bank-side foreign exchange coordination for lawful cross-border trade settlement.
Service routes
Support options for different import/export setups.
We do not publish a one-size-fits-all price because the route depends on company status, business scope, product category, bank readiness and whether regulated goods or VAT rebate planning are involved.
Existing China company
For companies already registered in China that need to add import/export capability — including business scope amendment if the existing scope does not cover trade activities.
- Business scope check / amendment
- Customs registration
- Electronic Port access
- Foreign exchange coordination
- Export rebate readiness review
New trading WFOE + import/export setup
For foreign investors who still need to register a China company before starting import/export.
- Trading WFOE setup planning
- Business scope design
- Bank account preparation
- Import/export registration route
- Tax and bookkeeping workflow
Regulated product review
For food, cosmetics, medical products, chemicals, dangerous goods, dual-use items or other controlled goods.
- Product category review
- HS code / control check
- Additional licence or approval mapping
- Customs and compliance risk assessment
First shipment readiness
The real test is whether your first shipment can move smoothly.
Import/export registration should be connected to the practical documents, people and workflows needed when the first shipment is ready to move.
01
Declaration
Customs broker / declaration workflow
Confirm who will declare the goods, what documents are needed and whether the company can appear as importer/exporter of record.
02
Invoices
Invoice and fapiao workflow
Prepare commercial invoices, packing lists, VAT invoices and bookkeeping records before trade begins.
03
Settlement
Bank and FX settlement
Confirm how payments will be collected or paid, what transaction documents the bank will request and whether FX settlement is ready.
Export VAT rebate readiness
If you export goods, plan VAT rebate before the first shipment.
Export VAT rebate is not automatic. It depends on the exporter structure, goods category, customs record, invoice trail, foreign exchange record and tax setup.
□
Exporter status
Confirm whether the company is a trading exporter or manufacturing exporter before the first shipment.
□
Document chain
Match customs declaration, commercial invoice, VAT invoice, payment and bookkeeping records.
□
Rebate risk check
Identify missing documents, wrong HS codes, inconsistent records or delayed foreign exchange settlement before filing.
Not sure whether your export setup is rebate-ready?
Tell us about your trade flow →
Guides and analysis
Guides for import/export setup, Trading WFOEs and VAT rebate.
Use these guides to understand import/export registration, Trading WFOE setup, export VAT rebate and broader WFOE planning.
Import/export guide
How to Apply for an Import/Export License in China
Learn the key steps for business scope, customs registration, Electronic Port and export rebate readiness.
Read guide →Trading WFOEHow to Register a Trading WFOE in China
Understand the company setup route for businesses that need to import, export or trade goods in China.
Read guide →VAT rebateHow Export VAT Rebate Works in China
See how customs records, VAT invoices, foreign exchange and bookkeeping connect to rebate claims.
Read guide →WFOE setupWFOE Setup Guide for Foreign Investors
Review the broader Mainland company setup route if your import/export setup starts with a new WFOE.
Read guide →FAQs
Frequently asked questions about China import/export license setup.
You have questions, and Asomerit has answers. If we don't cover all your confusions, just let us know.
A China Import and Export License is the common business term for the registrations and filings that allow a company in China to conduct international trade under its own name. For standard goods, this usually involves business scope review, customs registration, China Electronic Port access, foreign exchange coordination and tax / export rebate workflows.
Not usually. In practice, import/export readiness is a set of registrations, filings and system access steps. The exact documents or records can vary by location, company status and trade model.
No. A WFOE that only provides services may not need import/export setup. A trading WFOE, manufacturing exporter, sourcing company or company that imports / exports under its own name usually needs the relevant trade registration route.
A business license alone is usually not enough. The company may still need business scope confirmation, customs consignee / consignor registration, Electronic Port access, foreign exchange coordination and tax workflow preparation before the first shipment.
The business scope should normally cover goods import/export, technology import/export or agency import/export where relevant. If the current business license does not cover trade activities, a business scope amendment may be needed before registration starts.
Typical information includes the business license, company seal, legal representative information, operator details, bank information, product information, HS codes if available and contact details for customs or declaration workflows.
A typical registration timeline is around 2 to 4 weeks once company documents and scope requirements are ready. Product-specific approvals, business scope amendments, bank coordination or regulated goods can extend the timeline.
Once properly registered, a company can usually conduct import/export operations through Chinese ports, subject to customs declaration requirements, product controls, port-specific procedures and the correct logistics documentation.
They may. Product-specific licensing, inspection, registration, labelling or controlled-goods approvals can apply depending on HS code, product category, end use and regulatory list. Company-level trade qualification does not replace those approvals.
Export VAT rebate depends on more than customs registration. The company needs consistent customs declarations, VAT invoices, foreign exchange records, bookkeeping records and tax filings before a rebate claim can be prepared.
Make your China trading company customs-ready.
From business scope review and customs registration to Electronic Port access, foreign exchange coordination, export VAT rebate preparation and first-shipment readiness — Asomerit helps foreign-invested companies build an import/export setup that can actually operate.
Phone+86 136 2138 1368
LocationB706, Hengan Building
No. 17, North Third Ring Road East
Chaoyang District, Beijing
No. 17, North Third Ring Road East
Chaoyang District, Beijing