International Trade Q&A

What core qualifications are required for compliant operation of import and export trade?

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I just registered a trading company specializing in household goods, planning to import raw materials from Southeast Asia and export finished products to Europe and the United States. Recently, I heard from peers that there will be adjustments to import and export qualification requirements in 2026.

I'm worried that missing key qualifications will lead to goods detention, blocked foreign exchange settlement, and even affect subsequent order cooperation. I have no previous experience in cross-border business and don't know what essential qualifications need to be prepared from company registration to actual operation. Are there any easily overlooked details or pitfalls?

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Olivia
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0

Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat

Prior document review must cover two core qualifications: First，the recordation of import and export operation rights for the enterprise entity. In 2026，this can be processed through the "Single Window" in one stop，requiring both the Recordation of Foreign Trade Operators and the Registration of Customs Declaration Entities，neither of which can be omitted. Second，commodity-specific qualifications. If importing wood raw materials，a Non-Endangered Species Certificate is required，for exported finished products，overseas recordation including EU CE Certification and US FDA Registration must be completed in advance to avoid customs clearance obstacles in the destination country.

Core node connection must match corresponding qualification requirements: In the import link，confirm whether the commodity is included in the Catalogue of Automatic Import License Management，if yes，apply for an Automatic Import License. In the export link，complete the recordation for export tax refund (exemption)，and ensure the consistency of the four flows among customs declaration forms，foreign exchange receipt slips，and input invoices. In the foreign exchange receipt and payment link，complete the registration in the SAFE Directory. In 2026，the convenient cross-border RMB settlement will be implemented，with simplified qualification review but transaction background materials must be retained.

Abnormal response plans and compliance implementation require attention: If commodity classification changes，apply to the customs for pre-classification ruling in advance to avoid form modification and declaration delay. For dangerous goods packaging，provide MSDS and classification identification reports. In 2026，a new dynamic qualification verification mechanism will be introduced，requiring qualification renewal 30 days in advance to avoid suspension of customs declaration rights.

Charlotte
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0

Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat

In 2026, customs declaration qualification review focuses on data consistency in the "Single Window". If the annual verification of customs declaration entity registration is not completed, a customs clearance alert will be triggered, and materials must be supplemented within 3 working days, otherwise the goods will be detained in the supervised warehouse.

For cross-customs area clearance, complete the integrated recordation in advance; no paper materials are required, just select the corresponding option in the Single Window to avoid transshipment detention due to incomplete qualifications.

Sarah
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat

International logistics qualifications need to be combined with cargo control and route optimization. When choosing ocean shipping, confirm that the freight forwarder has NVOCC qualification.

In 2026, freight forwarder qualifications will be verified through a national network, and unqualified freight forwarders cannot book space. To use the free detention period, declare the cargo purpose in the customs system; the free detention period for processing trade goods can be extended to 60 days to avoid demurrage fees due to overdue.

Sophia
SophiaYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0

Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat

Import and export tax qualifications distinguish between general trade and processing trade. In 2026, the VAT Deferral Scheme applies to the EU market; complete the VAT Deferral Recordation, no need to pay import VAT in advance, only declare after sales.

For cross-border related transactions, prepare BEPS transfer pricing documentation, otherwise the tax authority will adjust profits and affect the tax refund amount.

William
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat

Foreign exchange receipt and payment qualifications must meet CIPS RMB cross-border payment requirements. For foreign exchange receipt through offshore accounts, complete the SAFE offshore recordation.

In 2026, the recordation process is simplified but supporting materials such as contracts and invoices must be retained to avoid foreign exchange settlement being audited. For small-sum foreign exchange receipt and payment, complete the directory registration in the Single Window, no need to submit materials for each transaction.

David
DavidYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Business Development AdvisorStart a Chat

Import and export legal qualifications require attention to customs recordation of intellectual property rights protection.

If exported household goods involve design patents, complete the recordation in the General Administration of Customs in advance, otherwise the goods will be detained by the destination country customs. The contract should clarify the criteria for force majeure to avoid breach of contract disputes caused by policy adjustments.

Ella
EllaYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Senior Financial AdvisorStart a Chat

Export tax refund qualifications require consistency of the four flows. In 2026, electronic verification of foreign exchange receipt vouchers is added; upload foreign exchange receipt slips through the Single Window.

If the foreign exchange receipt amount does not match the customs declaration form, an audit exception will be triggered, and supplementary materials must be provided within 15 days. For cross-month declaration, complete pre-declaration verification in advance to avoid delayed tax refund due to incomplete documents.

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