{"id":9516,"date":"2020-04-28T16:15:59","date_gmt":"2020-04-28T08:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zhenhub.com\/?p=9516"},"modified":"2022-10-07T18:24:34","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T10:24:34","slug":"2021-guide-import-license-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zhenhub.com\/blog\/2021-guide-import-license-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2021 Guide to Getting Import License in China"},"content":{"rendered":"

China has been the world\u2019s top exporter for over a decade. In 2013, the Asian powerhouse became the world\u2019s largest trading nation – finally usurping the United States that held the position for years. While China is the world’s no.1 marketplace, importing goods is as lucrative as exporting Chinese manufactured products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2020, China imported more than <\/span>$2 trillion worth of goods<\/span><\/a>. At present, the United States is the <\/span>country\u2019s third-largest import trading partner<\/span><\/a> – next to South Korea and Japan. To start importing products into the country, retailers need to apply for an import license in China. Without it, imported products can get held at customs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we discuss all the relevant details necessary for securing an <\/span>import license in China<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is an Import License?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before we get into details on how you can get an <\/span>import license in China<\/span>, it is important to understand what it actually is. After all, <\/span>simple mistakes when product sourcing from China<\/span><\/a> can result in significant losses for retailers. Here\u2019s a simple and straightforward explanation of what an import license is:<\/span><\/p>\n

An import license or a non-automatic import license, are rights to do import business. The Chinese government requires it to import goods. It’s a measure to control the influx of imported products. The documents are non-tariff barriers that ensure the implementation of import quotas. These quotas are set in place to protect local traders and manufacturers. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>There are two types of import license in China that an exporter needs before importing goods: automatic and non-automatic import licenses. China\u2019s Ministry of Commerce or MOFCOM handles the distribution of both types of import licenses in the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Import License in China<\/b>: Automatic Licenses versus Non-automatic Licenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

Automatic and non-automatic import licenses are the two essential import documents that an exporter needs to transact with Chinese importers. The difference between the two types involves import quotas and the specific imported goods in question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You’ll need an automatic license for the importation of \u201cpermitted goods.\u201d This license type’s primary purpose is for documentation and statistical reference. That said, there are certain \u201cpermitted goods\u201d that MOFCOM monitors, and these require additional licensing. On the other hand, non-automatic licenses are integral to maintaining import quotas. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Once an exporter receives their automatic import license, they are free to apply for other rights. Each document is suitable for six batches of imports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Products that Require an <\/b>Import License in China<\/b><\/h2>\n

Imported products fall under four categories. The categories differ based on how receptive the country is to receive the specific goods in question:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Permitted Goods (no monitoring)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Permitted goods that require no monitoring are the <\/span>most accessible <\/span>products to ship into China. Exporters that offer these items are only required to secure an automatic import license. Documents disbursed for permitted goods are only valid for six months for six batches of goods. Exporters may apply for a new license once the six months are up. Below are a few products that belong to this category:<\/span><\/p>\n