Import and Export Licenses and Approvals: A Comprehensive Analysis of 3C Certification, Mechanical and Electrical License, Dual-Use Item Permits, etc.

I. 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 for purposes such as security, environmental protection, resource conservation, and industrial policy—without obtaining a license, the goods shall not be released.

Legal Basis: Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China, Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Import and Export of Goods, and relevant ministerial regulations.

1.1 Basic Principles of License Management

                      ┌────────────────────────────────────┐
                      │  Import/Export License Management  │
                      ├────────────────────────────────────┤
                      │ Import/Export Licenses             │ ← Issued by the Ministry of Commerce and its authorized agencies
                      │ Dual-Use Items & Technology Export │ ← Special controls
                      │ 3C Certification                   │ ← Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA)
                      │ Mech. & Electrical Product Imports │ ← Ministry of Commerce or local commerce departments
                      │ Drugs/Medical Device Imports       │ ← National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
                      │ Food/Agricultural Product Imports  │ ← Customs/agricultural departments
                      └────────────────────────────────────┘

II. Common Classifications of Import and Export Licenses

2.1 Export License

Applicable goods: certain “two high and one resource” products (high energy-consuming, high-polluting, resource-based products), rare earths, tungsten, molybdenum, and other strategic resources, certain agricultural products, coke, etc.

Issuing authority: Quota and License Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce or local commerce departments.

Application process:

Enterprise application → qualification review → review whether the product is in the export license catalogue → issue license → upload when declaring at customs

2.2 Import License

Applicable goods: certain mechanical and electrical products, specific chemical products, toxic chemicals, waste raw materials, etc.

Issuing authority: Ministry of Commerce or authorized local commerce departments.

Common goods requiring import licenses:

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, certain chemical precursors, nuclear dual-use items, etc.

Issuing authority: Bureau of Industry Security and Import and Export Control of the Ministry of Commerce.

Characteristics: the strictest regulation, a long application cycle, and severe consequences for violations (possibly involving criminal liability).

2.4 Automatic Import License

Although the “Automatic Import License” is a “license”, it is essentially an import registration system—it can be obtained upon application, has no quantity restrictions, and is mainly used for trade statistics and monitoring.

Applicable goods: certain agricultural products, steel, chemical products, etc.

III. 3C Certification (CCC Certification)

3.1 What Is 3C Certification?

China Compulsory Certification (abbreviated as 3C or CCC) is a mandatory product evaluation system implemented by the Chinese government to protect consumer safety and national security.

Regulatory authority: Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA).

Legal basis: Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Certification and Accreditation.

3.2 Imported Goods Covered by 3C Certification

All products listed in the Catalogue of Compulsory Product Certification must be accompanied by a valid 3C certification certificate upon import. Products without 3C certification may not be imported or sold domestically.

Common 3C-certified goods (partial list):

3.3 Exceptions to 3C Certification

The following situations may be exempt from 3C certification:

Note: To be exempt from 3C certification, an application for a Certificate of Exemption from CCC Certification must be submitted in advance.

3.4 Processing Timeline for 3C Certification

IV. Import of Mechanical and Electrical Products

4.1 Classified Management of the Import of Mechanical and Electrical Products

Imports of mechanical and electrical products are managed under three categories:

4.2 Special Requirements for the Import of Used Mechanical and Electrical Products

The import of used mechanical and electrical products is subject to stricter requirements than that of new ones:

• Some used mechanical and electrical products are prohibited from import (listed in the Catalogue of Prohibited Used Mechanical and Electrical Products)
• A pre-shipment inspection certificate must be provided (issued by a designated inspection agency)
• The years of use and maintenance records must be explicitly listed

V. Other Common Regulatory Certificates

6. Core Recommendations for License Processing

6.1 Confirm Regulatory Conditions in Advance

Before signing an export/import contract, first confirm the regulatory conditions of the goods through the following methods:

1. Check the regulatory conditions for the HS code: Enter the HS code in the Single Window or Customs Information Network to view the regulatory document code
2. Consult a professional agency: If uncertain, consult a customs broker or Bofeng Logistics
3. Confirm buyer requirements: Some buyers require the seller to provide specific certificates (such as FSC certification, CE certification, etc.)

6.2 Time Allowance for License Processing

6.3 Filling in Document Information During Customs Declaration

In the "Attached Documents" column of the customs declaration form, fill in the license number and code. The customs system automatically verifies and writes off—if not submitted or if the information is inconsistent, the system directly rejects the declaration.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am not sure whether my product requires a license. How can I check? A: Check the HS code for the product in the Single Window. The regulatory conditions column will show the required certificate code.

Q: Can a license be borrowed or transferred? A: No. One license corresponds to one batch of goods and cannot be transferred or used for other goods.

Q: What should I do if I find that the license information is incorrect after export? A: Apply to the original issuing authority for an amendment within the license validity period; if it has expired, you must reapply.

Q: What if the 3C certification has not been issued yet, but the goods are already at the port? A: We recommend confirming the certification cycle in advance and not shipping before certification is completed. In special cases, you may apply for an exemption from 3C certification, but the conditions are relatively strict.

📞 Bofeng Logistics provides agency services for licenses and approval documents, covering export licenses, import licenses, expedited 3C certification, electromechanical licenses, etc. If you are unsure whether your goods require a license, call 13075678958 or email info@zhbfwl.com for a free inquiry.

📖 Next article: 3.4 Commodity Inspection and Statutory Inspection — Scope of statutory inspection goods, inspection declaration process, CIQ certificates

Bofeng Logistics specializes in domestic/international container shipping, Hong Kong/Macau dedicated logistics lines, and value-added services (trucking, customs declaration, warehousing, insurance).

Customs declaration service areas: Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.