Since December, 2019, the cancellation of approval for filing and registration system of foreign trade operators has taken the lead in some Free Trade Zones.

Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Amending the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China on December 30, 2022 (adopted at the 38th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress on December 30, 2022)

At the 38th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress, it was decided to amend the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China as follows:

Delete Article 9.

This Decision shall come into force as of the date of promulgation.

From Xinhua News Agency

1. What are the changes after modification

Enterprises engaged in import and export business will no longer go through the filing and registration procedures for foreign trade operators, and enterprises will automatically obtain the right to import and export! (Customs registration is still required to obtain customs clearance authority)

1. Article 9 of the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China

Article 9:

Foreign trade operators engaged in the import and export of goods or technologies shall register for the record with the department in charge of foreign trade under the State Council or its entrusted institution; However, except for those that do not need to be put on record and registered according to laws, administrative regulations and the provisions of the competent foreign trade department under the State Council. The specific measures for record keeping and registration shall be formulated by the department in charge of foreign trade under the State Council. If a foreign trade operator fails to register for the record in accordance with the provisions, the customs shall not go through the formalities of customs declaration, examination and release of import and export goods.