On the first day of work, clarifying the operational essentials of import/export licenses and automatic import licenses is key to starting foreign trade business compliance. The management logic, applicable scope, and operational details of these three types of licenses differ, so I've compiled a comparison guide to help you quickly grasp the core points.

   Key Operational Points for Import and Export Licenses (Codes 1/4/x/y)   

       Import and Export Licenses are primarily aimed at goods subject to quantitative restrictions or special management by the state. They are "restrictive" certificates. The following points require attention in operations:

• "One License, One Customs Office" & "One Batch, One License": Licenses are managed under the "one license, one customs office" principle, meaning they can usually only be declared at the designated port specified. Simultaneously, the "one batch, one license" system is generally implemented, meaning the license is valid for a single customs declaration within its validity period. In special circumstances, a "non-one batch, one license" can be applied for, but it cannot be used more than 12 times.

• Strict Correspondence: One customs declaration form can only be linked to one license number, and the product information on the license must be completely consistent with the actual declared goods.

• Network Verification: Currently, customs has achieved electronic data networking with the Ministry of Commerce. Once an enterprise successfully applies online, the customs system can automatically verify the information. There is no need to submit the paper certificate on-site, but enterprises must retain it for future inspection.

   Key Operational Points for Automatic Import Licenses (Codes 7/O/v)   

       Automatic Import Licenses are "monitoring-type" rather than "restrictive-type" certificates. Their main purpose is to allow the state to monitor the import situation of bulk sensitive commodities. Although theoretically obtainable upon application, the operational details remain complex:

1. First, Confirm Qualifications and Catalogue

• Determine if the Product Requires a License: First, you must check the latest version of the "Catalogue of Goods Subject to Automatic Import License Management (2026)". Special reminder: Starting from 2026, "whey" products are newly included in the management scope and require a license application from January 22nd onwards. The catalogue covers a total of 46 types of goods, including beef, soybeans, crude oil, and automobile products.

• Confirm Business Qualifications: Enterprises applying to import crude oil, refined oil products, or fertilizers must first obtain the qualification for import state trading or a non-state trade allowance.

2. Prepare Application Materials

• For importing used mechanical and electronic products: A pre-shipment inspection report from an inspection institution is required.

• For importing products subject to Compulsory Certification (CCC): A CCC certificate or an exemption certificate is required.

• For importing radio transmission equipment: A model approval certificate is required.

• Core Materials Include: "Automatic Import License Application Form" or "Application Form for Import of Mechanical and Electronic Products", Enterprise Business License, Import Contract.

• Additional Materials for Special Products:

3. Grasp Application Timing and Process

• Apply for Electronic Key in Advance: For first-time applicants, it is essential to apply to the local commerce authority well in advance for the electronic key required to log in to the system. The production cycle is relatively long, so sufficient time needs to be reserved.

• Online Application Process: Log in to the "Ministry of Commerce Unified Platform for Business Systems" to fill out the application online. The competent authority (Ministry of Commerce or local commerce authority, Mechanical and Electronic Products Office) shall complete the processing within 10 working days from the date of acceptance. In some regions, the promised processing time for mechanical and electronic products is shortened to 1 working day.

• "Secondary Confirmation" for Some Products: Enterprises importing whey need to complete registration with the "China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce" before applying for the license.

4. Pay Attention to the License Validity Period

• The Automatic Import License is valid for 6 months and is only valid within the calendar year (for example, a certificate issued in 2026 cannot be used across the year to 2027).

   Special Reminders for 2026   

       There are two important policy updates this year that require your special attention:

• Dynamic Catalogue Adjustment: Be sure to use the "Catalogue of Goods Subject to Automatic Import License Management (2026)" for verification. Compared to last year, the main changes are the addition of "whey" products, the refinement and update of the "refined oil products" category, and adjustments to some commodity codes.

• Regulatory Condition Inquiry: In daily operations, it is advisable to develop the habit of using the "Parameter Query" module on the "China International Trade Single Window" portal. By entering the HS code, you can query all regulatory conditions for the product at once, ensuring nothing is missed.

       I hope these operational points help you conduct your import and export business efficiently and compliantly in the new year. If you have any questions regarding the classification of specific products, feel free to ask me anytime.