The English version is for reference only. If there is any inconsistency or conflict between the English and Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.

Operation Basis

Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China, Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of the Import and Export of Goods, and Measures for Administration of Automatic Import License of Goods

Scope of Application

As for commodities subject to the administration of automatic import license of goods and issuing authorities, see the annual Catalogue of Goods Subject to Administration of Automatic Import License as promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce. General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the annual Catalogue of Graded Issuance of License of Goods Subject to Administration of Automatic Import License as promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce annually.

Enterprises who have handled the filing registration for foreign traders can apply for automatic import license. For some commodities subject to qualification management, enterprises shall file the qualifications of relevant import operation enterprises at the Ministry of Commerce (finished oil, vegetable oil, iron sand, etc.).

Required Materials

Registration of Filing of Foreign Trade Operators (photocopy) or Certificate of Approval for Enterprises with Foreign Trade Rights in the People’s Republic of China (photocopy) or Certificate of Approval for Establishment of Enterprises with Foreign Investment in the People’s Republic of China (photocopy) (the above certificates and documents are only applicable for the first application within a Gregorian calendar year);
Application for automatic import license with an official stamp, in duplicate (in case of online application, enterprises may complete the application directly online, and print it out after completion);
Goods import contract;
In case of commissioned import, it is required to submit the original copy of the commissioned import agreement;
In case of any special laws and regulations on the purpose of the imported goods or end users, it is required to submit the certificates of imported goods or end users compliance with state regulations;
The materials to be submitted shall be listed in the Catalogue according to different commodities;
Other materials to be submitted as specified by the Ministry of Commerce.

The Quota & License Administrative Bureau under the Ministry of Commerce, Shanghai Resident Office of the Ministry of Commerce (Resident Office) and Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce are the automatic import license issuing authorities. As for the license-issuing scope of individual authorities, see the Catalogue of Graded Issuance of License of Goods Subject to Administration of Automatic Import License as promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce every year.

Application Process

The automatic import license may be applied by means of online application and window application;

Online Application Procedures:

(1) Enterprises may submit electronic application information by visiting (click the Online Application in the column “License” of the Business Application, and submit the application according to the instructions), and upon receiving the license, submit relevant application materials;

(2) Review, prepare, proofread, and stamp;

(3) Enterprises may, within 3 working days after submission of application, on condition of compliance with the specified requirements, receive the automatic import license.

Window Application Procedures:

(1) Upon application, enterprises shall prepare relevant materials and submit them to the window for review and approval, and the license window clerks type in the electronic information;

(2) Review, prepare, proofread, and stamp;

(3) Enterprises may, within 3 working days after submission of application, on condition of compliance with the specified requirements, receive the automatic import license. (special products like milk, milk powder, whey, etc. shall be approved in Beijing, subject to review within 10 working days after submission of application).

Application Location and Contact Information

General Service Hall, 1/F, 9 Jilong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Post Code: 200131

Contact Tel.: +86-21-58696822

Fax: +86-21-58696823

Complaint Mode

Mode of Complaint to the Management Committee of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone:

Tel.: +86-21-58697800

Fax: +86-21-58698705

E-mail: ftzts@pudong.gov.cn

Notes

1. Enterprises applying for the license online shall first obtain an electronic key for online application of license as issued by the EDI center of the Ministry of Commerce. 

2. The commodities of Catalogue 3 can be applied for at the window only:

(1) Upon application, enterprises shall prepare relevant materials and submit them to the window for review and approval, and the license window clerks type in the electronic information;

(2) Review, prepare, proofread, and stamp;

(3) Enterprises may, within 4 working days after submission of application, receive the automatic import license.

Provided by Lawyers Working Committee of Pudong New Area