Here is a clear and comprehensive summary of the export rules from China, applicable to both Chinese companies and foreign-owned companies in China (WFOE, JV, etc.).
These are the general principles valid in 2025.
🇨🇳 1. The company must be authorised to export
To export goods from China, the company must have:
✅ Foreign Trade Operator Registration (对外贸易经营者备案登记)
Required by MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce).
It allows the company to legally engage in import/export activities.
Exceptions
Some Free Trade Zones simplify the process, but registration is still required in most cases.
🇨🇳 2. Customs registration
The company must obtain:
✅ Customs Registration Code (海关注册编号)
Without this number, no export declarations can be filed.
🇨🇳 3. Mandatory export documents
For each export shipment:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Sales contract (sometimes required)
- Customs export declaration (issued by China Customs)
- Bill of lading / Air waybill, depending on transport
Some goods also require:
- Certificate of Origin
- Health certificate
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Export licence (for specific categories)
🇨🇳 4. Special rules for sensitive or regulated goods
Some exports are strictly controlled and require specific authorisations:
Sensitive goods
- military or dual-use equipment
- strategic materials
- advanced technologies (AI, quantum, encrypted software)
- chemicals
- certain industrial machinery
- cryptographic technologies
Regulated goods
- medicines and medical devices
- food products
- lithium batteries
- electrical equipment → may require CCC certification
- hazardous materials → SDS/UN declarations
👉 These often require an Export Licence (出口许可证).
🇨🇳 5. Standards and certifications (depending on destination country)
Even though the shipment originates from China, products must comply with the standards of the importing country, such as:
- CE (European Union)
- FDA (United States)
- UKCA (United Kingdom)
- Halal certifications
- Local electrical standards
Some goods also require CIQ inspection (customs inspection and quarantine) before shipping.
🇨🇳 6. Export VAT rebates
Companies registered for export can obtain a partial or full refund of the VAT paid in China on exported goods.
Examples:
- Textiles: ~13%
- Electronics: ~10–13%
- Food products: low or zero rate
👉 Eligibility requires strict accounting and documentation.
🇨🇳 7. Foreign exchange control
International payments are supervised by SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange).
To receive foreign currency payments, a company must:
- use a dedicated foreign-currency bank account
- declare certain transactions
- comply with anti-money-laundering rules
Some industries have additional reporting requirements.
🇨🇳 8. Transport, logistics and incoterms
Exports typically use:
- sea freight (FOB and CIF are common)
- air freight
- rail freight (China–Europe)
- international couriers
Incoterms define:
- who pays for transport
- who handles customs clearance
- who bears the risk during transport
🇨🇳 9. Random inspections & liability
China Customs may conduct:
- quality checks
- volume checks
- compliance inspections
- document verification
The exporting company is legally responsible for product compliance.
For any information, please contact our team to info@opkofinance.com.
