With the gradual relaxation of visa-free policies, an increasing number of international friends are looking to establish their own import and export trading companies in China and invest in registering their enterprises. What are the specific steps to set up a foreign-invested trading company in China? How do you start from scratch? Here’s a comprehensive guide:
01 Approval of Company Name
First, you need to choose a unique name for your company and submit it to the Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) for preliminary approval to ensure there are no duplicate or similar enterprise names.
02 Drafting the Articles of Association
The Articles of Association serve as the fundamental legal document for the company’s operations. It must clearly outline the business scope, shareholder information, management structure, etc., and be signed by all shareholders.
03 Engraving the Corporate Seal
The corporate seal is an essential credential for signing contracts and conducting legal activities on behalf of the company.
04 Submitting the Registration Application
Submit the registration application to the AIC with documents such as the “Notice of Name Pre-Approval,” Articles of Association, and shareholder identification.
05 Engraving Official and Financial Seals
Take the business license to the designated seal engraving service approved by the Public Security Bureau to create official and financial seals.
06 Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Open a basic corporate bank account for day-to-day financial management and transactions.
Within 15 days of obtaining the business license, register with the tax authority to determine applicable tax categories and begin tax filing and invoicing operations.
08 Obtaining Import and Export Business Rights
Register as a foreign trade operator with the Bureau of Commerce and obtain the “Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators.”
Register with customs for customs declaration, engrave a customs-specific seal, and apply for the Customs Registration Certificate.
Complete self-inspection and registration procedures with the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.
Apply to the China E-Port for registration, obtain access permissions, and schedule an IC card.
Register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for import and export verification.
09 Foreign Exchange Management Directory Registration
Register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to be included in the foreign exchange management directory.
Ensure your company operates within the boundaries of China’s Foreign Investment Negative List to avoid restricted industries.
Take advantage of tax incentives provided by China to attract foreign investment.
Register trademarks and patents in China to protect your company’s intellectual property and trade secrets.
Familiarize yourself with China’s import and export trade policies and tariff regulations to plan your business operations efficiently.
