1. What is Import and Export License Management?
Import and export license management refers to the administrative licensing system implemented by the state for the import and export of specific goods based on purposes such as safety, environmental protection, resource conservation, and industrial policy. Without obtaining a license, goods will not be released.
Legal Basis: "Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China", "Regulations on the Administration of Import and Export of Goods", and relevant ministerial regulations.
1.1 Basic Principles of License Management
┌──────────────────┐
│ │ Import/Export │ License Management│
├──────────────────┤
│ │
│ (continued)
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┌──────────────────┐
│ Import/Export License Management │
├──────────────────┤
│ Import/Export License │ ← Issued by MOFCOM & authorized agencies
│ Dual-Use Items & Technology Export│ ← Special Control
│ 3C Certification │ ← CNCA
│ Import of Mechanical & Electrical Products│ ← MOFCOM or local commerce departments
│ Drug/Medical Device Import │ ← NMPA
│ Food/Agricultural Product Import │ ← Customs/Agricultural Departments
└──────────────────┘
2. Common Import and Export License Categories
2.1 Export License
Applicable Goods: Some "Two Highs, One Capital" products (High Energy Consumption, High Pollution, Resource-Intensive Products), rare earths, tungsten, molybdenum and other strategic resources, some agricultural products, coke, etc.
Application Authority: Bureau of Export Licensing, MOFCOM, or local commerce departments.
Application Process:
Company Application → Qualification Review → Check if product is on the Export License List → License Issuance → Upload during Customs Declaration
2.2 Import License
Applicable Goods: Some mechanical & electrical products, specific chemicals, toxic chemicals, waste materials, etc.
Application Authority: MOFCOM or authorized local commerce departments.
Common Goods Requiring Import Licenses:
Goods Category
Specific Examples
Control Document Code
Some Mechanical & Electrical Products
Used machinery, specific medical devices
O
Specific Chemicals
Controlled chemicals, precursor chemicals
G
Toxic Chemicals
Goods listed in the "Catalogue of Strictly Restricted Toxic Chemicals in China"
X
Ozone-Depleting Substances
Products containing CFC/HCFC
Import License for Ozone-Depleting Substances
2.3 Import and Export License for Dual-Use Items and Technologies
Applicable Goods: Sensitive items and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as high-performance computers, specific chemical precursors, nuclear dual-use items, etc.
Application Authority: Bureau of Industry Security and Import and Export Control, MOFCOM.
Characteristics: Most strictly regulated, long application cycles, severe consequences for violations (may involve criminal liability).
2.4 Automatic Import License
Although it is an "Import License," the 'Automatic Import License'
is essentially an import registration system—it is available for the
asking with no quantity limits, primarily used for trade statistics and
monitoring.
Applicable Goods: Some agricultural products, steel, chemicals, etc.
3. 3C Certification
3.1 What is 3C Certification?
China Compulsory Certification (referred to as 3C or CCC Certification) is a compulsory product evaluation system implemented by the Chinese government to protect consumer safety and national security.
Regulatory Authority: National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA).
Legal Basis: "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Certification and Accreditation".
3.2 Imported Goods Covered by 3C Certification
For any product listed in the "Catalogue of Products Subject to Compulsory Certification", a valid 3C certification certificate must be provided at the time of import. Products without 3C certification cannot be imported or sold domestically.
Common 3C Certification Goods (Partial List):
Category
Product Examples
Wires & Cables
Power cords, cables
Household Appliances
Refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, rice cookers, etc.
Information Technology Equipment
Computers, servers, routers, printers
Audio & Video Equipment
Televisions, audio systems
Lighting Equipment
Lamps, LED lights, ballasts
Automobiles & Parts
Complete vehicles, tires, safety glass
Toys
Electric toys, plastic toys
3.3 Exceptions to 3C Certification
3C certification can be exempted in the following cases:
Scenario
Conditions
Samples for Scientific Research/Testing
Not for sale, reasonable quantity, evidence of scientific research purpose
Supporting Equipment for Production Lines
For own use, not for sale, meets definition of supporting equipment
Spare Parts for Maintenance
Must be repair parts for already 3C-certified products
Exhibition Items
Must be re-exported or destroyed after the exhibition ends
Note: A "Exemption Certificate for CCC Certification" must be applied for in advance.
3.4 3C Certification Processing Time
Stage
Time
Documentation Preparation and Sampling
1-2 months
Laboratory Testing
1-3 months (depends on product complexity)
Factory Inspection
1-2 weeks
Certification Issuance
1-2 weeks
Total
3-6 months
4. Import of Mechanical and Electrical Products
4.1 Classified Management of ME Product Imports
The import of mechanical and electrical (ME) products is managed in three categories:
Management Category
Description
License Required?
Prohibited Import
Obsolete, outdated ME products
Not allowed for import
Restricted Import
Specific large/sensitive ME products
✅ Requires "Import License for Mechanical and Electrical Products"
Free Import
General ME products
❌ Requires "Automatic Import License" or just regular customs declaration
4.2 Special Requirements for Importing Used ME Products
Importing used ME products has stricter requirements than new ones:
- Some used ME products are prohibited from import (listed in the "Catalogue of Used Mechanical and Electrical Products Prohibited from Import")
- A pre-shipment inspection certificate (issued by a designated inspection body) must be provided
- Years of use and repair records must be clearly listed
5. Other Common Regulatory Control Documents
Document Name
Controlled Goods
Issuing Authority
Drug Import Permit
Imported drugs
National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
Psychotropic/Narcotic Drug Permit
Psychotropic substances, narcotics
National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
Pesticide Import/Export Registration Certificate
Pesticides
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Wildlife Import/Export Permit
CITES-listed species
National Endangered Species Import & Export Management Office
Civil Explosives Import/Export Approval Document
Explosives, detonators, etc.
State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense
Gold & Gold Products Import/Export Permit
Gold
People's Bank of China
Audiovisual Product Import Approval
CDs, tapes, etc.
National Copyright Administration
6. Key Advice for Handling Licenses
6.1 Confirm Regulatory Conditions in Advance
Before signing an export/import contract, confirm the regulatory conditions for your goods by:
- Checking the HS Code Regulatory Conditions: Enter the HS code on the Single Window system or customs information website to see the control document codes.
- Consulting a Professional Agency: When in doubt, consult a customs broker or Bofeng Logistics.
- Confirming Buyer Requirements: Some buyers require specific certificates from the seller (e.g., FSC certification, CE certification).
6.2 Time Allocation for License Applications
Document Type
Recommended Lead Time
Validity Period
Import/Export Licence
Apply immediately after contract signing
Generally 6 months
3C Certification
6 months before first export
5 years (requires annual audit)
ME Product Import License
2 months before shipment
1 year
Dual-Use Item License
3 months before shipment
1 year
6.3 Form Filling during Customs Declaration
Enter the license number and code in the "Accompanying Documents" field of the customs declaration form. The customs system performs automatic verification – failure to submit or inconsistent information will result in the auto return of the declaration.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm not sure if my product needs a license. How can I check?
A: Query the HS code for your product on the Single Window system. The "Regulatory Conditions" column will show the required document codes.
Q: Can a license be borrowed or transferred?
A: No. A license corresponds to a specific shipment of goods and cannot be transferred or used for other goods.
Q: What if I find an error on my license after exporting?
A: Apply for a modification from the original issuing authority within the validity period. If it has expired, you must re-apply.
Q: What if my goods are already at the port before 3C certification is issued?
A: We recommend confirming the certification lead time in advance and avoid shipping goods before the certification is completed. In special cases, you can apply for a 3C exemption, but the conditions are stringent.
📞 Bofeng Logistics provides license and documentation agency services, covering export licenses, import licenses, fast-track 3C certification, ME product certificates, etc. If you are unsure whether your goods require a license, feel free to call 13075678958 or email info@zhbfwl.com for a free consultation.
📖 Next: 3.4 Commodity Inspection and Statutory Inspection — Scope of Statutory Inspection Goods, Inspection Application Process, CIQ Certificate
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