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Import & Export Right China – Trading License for Your WFOE

Need your WFOE to legally import and export goods? Our team handles the full import-export operator filing process — from foreign trade operator registration and customs registration to electronic port card and foreign exchange registration. Start trading across borders quickly.

📋 Request Free Import & Export Consultation

What Is an Import & Export Right and Why Does Your WFOE Need It?

The Import & Export Right (进出口经营权) is a set of registrations and filings that allow a company in China to legally engage in cross-border trade — importing goods into China and exporting goods from China. Simply having a WFOE business license with a trading business scope is not enough — you must complete the foreign trade operator filing (对外贸易经营者备案) with MOFCOM, register with Chinese customs, obtain the electronic port card for customs declaration, and complete foreign exchange registration with SAFE. Without these registrations, your WFOE cannot clear goods through customs, receive or make foreign currency payments for trade transactions, claim export VAT refunds, or issue customs declaration forms. For any foreign-invested enterprise engaged in importing or exporting physical goods, the import-export operator license is the essential bridge between your China entity and the global supply chain.

Our import-export right application service manages the entire filing process for your WFOE — from initial MOFCOM filing through customs and foreign exchange registration to the final electronic port card issuance. With TEK China, you can obtain your full import-export trading capability without navigating the multi-agency process on your own.

Our Import & Export Right Application Process

1. Business Scope Verification

We verify that your WFOE's business scope includes import-export trading activities. If the scope needs amendment, we handle the business scope change simultaneously.

2. MOFCOM Foreign Trade Operator Filing

We submit the foreign trade operator filing to MOFCOM (or its local commission) to obtain the Foreign Trade Operator Registration Certificate.

3. Customs & Electronic Port Registration

We complete customs registration to obtain the customs code, and apply for the electronic port card (电子口岸卡) for online customs declaration.

4. Foreign Exchange & Tax Bureau Filing

We complete SAFE foreign exchange registration and update your tax registration for export VAT refund purposes, making your WFOE fully trade-ready.

Key Registrations Included in the Import-Export Right

Obtaining the full import-export right involves completing registrations with multiple government agencies:

  • MOFCOM Foreign Trade Operator Filing — the foundational registration that records your company as a legal foreign trade operator with the Ministry of Commerce
  • Customs Registration (海关备案) — obtains a 10-digit customs code (海关编码) required for all customs declarations, duty payments, and cargo clearance
  • Electronic Port Card (电子口岸卡) — the physical IC card and software system used to submit customs declarations electronically through the China E-Port single window platform
  • Inspection & Quarantine Filing (出入境检验检疫备案) — registration for commodity inspection when your goods fall under CIQ inspection requirements
  • SAFE Foreign Exchange Registration (外汇管理局备案) — enables your WFOE to receive and make foreign currency payments for import and export transactions through its corporate bank accounts
  • Export Tax Refund Filing (出口退税备案) — registers your company with the tax bureau to claim VAT refunds on exported goods

We manage all of these registrations for you in a coordinated process — contact us for a free assessment of your WFOE's import-export registration needs.

Documents Required for Import & Export Right Application

To apply for the import-export operator right, your WFOE typically needs to prepare (we assist with all document drafting and submission):

  • Business license with business scope including import-export activities
  • Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form (completed by our team)
  • Company chops (official seal, legal representative seal)
  • Legal representative and operator ID documents
  • Customs registration application form
  • Bank account opening permit showing foreign currency account capability
  • Lease agreement for registered office
  • Letter of authorization for TEK China as the filing agent

Import & Export Right Timeline & Cost

The typical import-export right application process takes 4 to 8 weeks from document preparation to full completion. The MOFCOM filing and customs registration are generally the fastest steps (1 to 2 weeks each), while the electronic port card issuance and foreign exchange registration may take slightly longer depending on the specific authorities involved. If your WFOE's business scope needs to be amended to include trading activities, this will add approximately 2 to 3 weeks to the overall timeline.

Cost factors include government filing fees, electronic port card hardware costs, and professional service fees. We provide a fixed-price proposal after reviewing your WFOE's current registration status — no hidden costs.

📋 Get your personalized import-export right quote: Contact us with your WFOE details and receive a fixed-price proposal and timeline within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Import & Export Rights

Can every WFOE apply for import-export rights?
Your WFOE must have import-export trading activities explicitly listed in its business scope on the business license. If your current scope does not include trading, we can first amend the business scope and then apply for the import-export right — both steps managed by our team.
What is the difference between a trading WFOE (FICE) and import-export rights?
A trading WFOE (FICE) is a specific type of WFOE whose primary business scope is trading. Import-export rights are the separate administrative registrations that any WFOE — trading or otherwise — must complete to actually conduct customs clearance and foreign exchange transactions.
Do I need an electronic port card for every employee?
The electronic port card is typically issued to the legal representative and one operator card for the company. If you have multiple employees handling customs declarations, additional operator cards can be applied for.
Can I claim export VAT refunds after obtaining import-export rights?
Yes, once your import-export right is fully registered — including the export tax refund filing with the tax bureau — your WFOE can claim VAT refunds on exported goods. The refund rate depends on the specific HS code of the exported product.
Do I need to renew my import-export registrations periodically?
The foreign trade operator filing is generally valid long-term and does not require annual renewal. However, the electronic port card has an annual update requirement, and customs registration details must be kept current. We provide ongoing support to maintain your trade registrations.

Latest Import & Export Registration Updates

Get Your Import & Export Rights Today

Receive a free registration assessment and fixed-price proposal. One remote team, full support — from MOFCOM filing to electronic port card issuance.

📩 Request Free Import & Export Consultation

Contact Us

Get in touch with our team for inquiries, quotes, or more information about import and export rights in China

Get In Touch

Need to set up import-export capabilities for your WFOE, register with customs, or obtain the electronic port card? Our experts are here to help with a free assessment and fixed-price proposal for your full import-export right application.

  • +86 130 5270 9126
  • info@tekzenvo.com
  • 5-Fa Zhan Building,No.9 Office Area,Kai Fa Qu,Dalian ,Liaoning, China
  • Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (GMT+8)
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