International Trade Q&A

What is the complete procedure, qualification requirements and precautions for import-export right agency services?

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I am the owner of a newly registered technology trading company, focusing on cross-border import and export of electronic components. Previously, we outsourced customs declaration and logistics work to third-party service providers, and now we plan to apply for import and export right on our own to cut costs and achieve more flexible operation. However, I have no idea where to start.

I heard that I need to visit multiple departments including customs, bureau of commerce and foreign exchange administration, and prepare a large number of documents. I am worried about missing any required document and getting rejected. Besides, I wonder if there are any policy changes in 2026, such as whether there is a full-process online handling channel?

In addition, is it more cost-effective to entrust an agency for processing or handle it by ourselves? Are there any hidden fees? I hope to get detailed steps and precautions, and better learn how to avoid common pitfalls.

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Expert Answer

Charlotte
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0

Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat

The whole processing of import and export right agency in 2026 has realized full one-stop online handling without any offline site visit，which is divided into three stages: pre-preparation，key node processing，and follow-up supporting procedures.

The first step is pre-audit: you need to confirm that the business scope stated on your business license includes "Goods Import and Export" or "Technology Import and Export" category. If not，you must complete the alteration of business scope at the market regulation authority first，which is the core prerequisite for filing approval. Meanwhile，prepare electronic scanned copies of basic documents in advance，including legal representative ID card，enterprise official seal，and bank account opening permit.

The core processing nodes are divided into 4 steps: Step 1，log in to the International Trade Single Window of General Administration of Customs，submit the application for foreign trade operator filing，and the synchronous filing at the bureau of commerce will be completed within 1 to 2 working days，Step 2，complete the registration in the current account list of foreign exchange administration，which can be handled in linkage on the Single Window directly，Step 3，apply for the electronic certificate of customs declaration unit registration，Step 4，complete the network access of China E-Port，and collect the legal representative card and operator card.

For exception handling，if your filing application is rejected，the common causes are inconsistent business scope or incomplete document stamping. You can withdraw and revise the application with one click on the Single Window，no need to resubmit the full set of documents. It is recommended to conduct pre-verification via the Single Window before the first application，to avoid process delay caused by failed document examination.

The 2026 new policy clarifies the time limit requirements for full-process online handling，and the total duration of all nodes does not exceed 5 working days，the legal representative card and operator card of China E-Port must be kept by designated exclusive personnel，which will be used for all subsequent customs declaration operations. After completing the filing，if you are engaged in export business，you also need to complete the export tax rebate filing synchronously to ensure the smooth progress of the subsequent tax rebate process.

Emily
EmilyYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Client Success AdvisorStart a Chat

During the customs filing process, you shall focus on the accuracy of the unified social credit code, and the matching degree of the industry classification of the customs declaration unit. In 2026, the customs has added a pre-examination mechanism.

You can upload documents for pre-review via the Single Window before submitting the formal filing application, the system will automatically mark non-compliant content, which greatly improves the one-time approval rate. If the industry classification fails to match during filing, you can contact the offline customs specialist for manual review, to avoid rejection caused by automatic system judgment.

Sarah
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat

After obtaining the import and export right, the title of cargo ownership certificate in the logistics link must be completely consistent with the customs declaration information. The consignee/consignor name on the bill of lading must be the same as the enterprise name on the filing record.

If you use third-party logistics services, confirm in advance whether the freight forwarding company has the qualified customs declaration agency qualification. In 2026, some ports launched the "import-export right linked free storage period" policy. Enterprises holding valid import-export right filing certificate can apply for 7 more days of free storage period, and submit the filing certificate via the Single Window before picking up the container.

William
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat

After completing the import and export right processing, you need to finish the tax filing synchronously. Enterprises engaged in export business can apply for the VAT deferral policy, which means that VAT is not levied at the export link temporarily, and the declaration is made after the goods are actually sold.

It should be noted that VAT deferral policy is only applicable to general VAT payer enterprises, and you need to ensure all documents for each export business are complete, including customs declaration form, bill of lading, invoice, etc., to avoid subsequent tax audit risks. Meanwhile, cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange must comply with foreign exchange administration regulations. It is recommended to open a CIPS RMB cross-border payment account to optimize the foreign exchange settlement cost.

Alexander
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat

In terms of trade compliance, you shall focus on the compliance of foreign exchange revenue and expenditure. In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange launched the cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange electronic ledger system, all records of foreign exchange receipt and payment of enterprises must be fully consistent with the customs declaration information.

If you encounter insufficient foreign exchange settlement quota, you can apply for temporary quota via the Single Window, no need to submit paper documents offline. Meanwhile, check the status of your foreign exchange account regularly, to avoid being listed in the abnormal directory due to long-term inactivity.

Daniel
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0

Legal AdvisorStart a Chat

The terms of foreign trade contract shall clearly state the ownership of import and export right and the division of responsibilities. If you entrust a customs declaration agency, sign a formal agency agreement to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. Check the letter of credit terms carefully to avoid non-payment risks caused by soft clauses.

If cargo ownership transfer is involved, you shall file the cargo ownership record via China E-Port to ensure the legality of the transfer. Meanwhile, you can apply for customs intellectual property protection filing to avoid your goods being detained for infringement during customs clearance.

David
DavidYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Business Development AdvisorStart a Chat

During on-site customs inspection, prepare documents including the packing list, invoice and contract of the goods in advance, to ensure that the package, marks of the goods are fully consistent with the customs declaration information. In 2026, the pass rate of customs machine inspection has increased by 30% compared with previous years, but part of the goods still need manual inspection.

If inspection is arranged, cooperate with customs officers to conduct unpacking check. If the seal is found damaged, contact the freight forwarding company immediately to replace the seal, and keep relevant evidence. Meanwhile, you shall be familiar with the interpretation of inspection notice, clarify the specific requirements and time limit of the inspection.

Olivia
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0

Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat

If the transported goods belong to special categories, complete the package compliance preparation in advance. In 2026, the customs further upgraded the packaging requirements for dangerous goods, requiring provision of UN packaging appraisal certificate and MSDS report.

The packaging of special goods shall comply with international transportation standards, for example, electronic components shall be packed with moisture-proof cushioning materials to avoid damage during transportation. Meanwhile, confirm the packaging requirements of the destination country in advance, to avoid goods being returned due to non-compliant packaging.

Sophia
SophiaYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0

Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat

In the export tax rebate link, the "four flows consistency" shall be ensured, which means that the contract flow, goods flow, capital flow and invoice flow are fully matched. In 2026, the tax authority launched the pre-declaration system for tax rebate, which can verify the compliance of tax rebate documents in advance, to avoid rejection during formal declaration.

If you receive a tax verification letter, provide relevant business supporting documents in time, including customs declaration form, foreign exchange receipt voucher, supply contract, etc. Meanwhile, properly keep all tax rebate documents for no less than 10 years for future tax inspection.

Note: We respect all users' opinions and contributions. However, comments and answers reflect the views of their respective authors only.
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