Export License/Certificate of Origin / Licencia de exportación/Certificado de origen

Operation Process in China / Proceso de Operación en China

1. Application for Export License / Solicitud de Licencia de Exportación
   • Prepare Application Documents / Preparar Documentos de Solicitud: The applicant must prepare a written application letter including details such as the name of the export goods, specifications, destination country, quantity, unit price, total amount, delivery date, and payment method. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of goods, such as contracts, approval letters from relevant authorities, etc.
   • Submit Application / Enviar Solicitud: Submit the application and supporting documents to the relevant issuing authority, such as the Ministry of Commerce or its special commissioner’s office.
   • Review and Approval / Revisión y Aprobación: The issuing authority reviews the application. If the application is approved, the applicant must fill out the “Application Form for the Export License of the People’s Republic of China.”
   • Information Entry / Ingreso de Información: The applicant submits the completed and stamped application form to the issuing authority, which then inputs the information into the computer system.
   • License Issuance / Emisión de Licencia: The issuing authority issues the export license within three working days. The license is issued in four copies, with the first three copies given to the applicant to use for customs clearance and bank settlement.
2. Application for Certificate of Origin / Solicitud de Certificado de Origen
   • Determine Certificate Type / Determinar Tipo de Certificado: Decide which type of certificate is needed (e.g., General Certificate of Origin, GSP Form A, Regional Preferential Certificate of Origin).
   • Prepare Application Documents / Preparar Documentos de Solicitud: Prepare documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and any other required proof of origin.
   • Submit Application / Enviar Solicitud: Submit the application and supporting documents to the relevant issuing authority, such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or the customs authorities.
   • Review and Approval / Revisión y Aprobación: The issuing authority reviews the application to verify the authenticity and completeness of the documents. If approved, the certificate is issued.
   • Certificate Collection / Recogida del Certificado: Collect the certificate from the issuing authority, ensuring to bring the necessary identification and documents.

Precautions / Precauciones

1. Ensure Accuracy of Information / Asegurar la Exactitud de la Información
   • Ensure all information provided in the application forms and supporting documents is accurate and complete. Inaccurate information can lead to delays or rejection of the application.
2. Timely Application / Solicitud Oportuna
   • Apply for the export license and certificate of origin well in advance of the shipment date to avoid delays.
3. Compliance with Regulations / Cumplimiento de Regulaciones
   • Ensure that the export activities comply with all relevant national and international regulations. This includes restrictions on certain goods and countries.
4. Proper Documentation / Documentación Adequada
   • Keep all documents related to the export license and certificate of origin in a safe and organized manner. These documents may be required for future reference or audits.
5. Communication with Authorities / Comunicación con Autoridades
   • Maintain open communication with the issuing authorities to address any issues or requests for additional information promptly.

FAQ / Preguntas Frecuentes

1. What is an Export License? / ¿Qué es una Licencia de Exportación?
   • An export license is an official document that authorizes a person or company to export specific goods. It is a measure to control the export of certain goods to protect domestic markets and resources.
2. What is a Certificate of Origin? / ¿Qué es un Certificado de Origen?
   • A Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies the country of manufacture or production of a product. It is crucial for determining tariff rates, trade policies, and market access.
3. Why is a Certificate of Origin Important? / ¿Por qué es Importante un Certificado de Origen?
   • It helps in determining the applicable tariff rates, provides market access, and can be used to claim preferential treatment under trade agreements.
4. How Long Does It Take to Obtain an Export License? / ¿Cuánto Tiempo Toma Obtener una Licencia de Exportación?
   • The process typically takes a few working days, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the issuing authority’s workload.
5. Can I Apply for a Certificate of Origin After the Goods Have Been Shipped? / ¿Puedo Solicitar un Certificado de Origen Después de que los Bienes Han Sido Enviados?
   • Yes, but it is recommended to apply before shipment to avoid delays. If the goods have already been shipped, the application can be made within three weeks after the goods have departed.
6. What Happens if I Apply for a Certificate of Origin More Than Three Weeks After Shipment? / ¿Qué Ocurre si Solicito un Certificado de Origen Más de Tres Semanas Después del Envío?
   • You can complete a “retrospective application” within three months after the goods have been shipped. You will need to explain why the application was not made within the normal timeframe.