Announcement No. 79 of 2025 from the General Administration of Customs (the “Announcement”) implements export license management for certain steel products.
What are the key points of the new policy, and how can specific licenses be obtained?
I. Key Policy Points
The core of this new policy is that, effective January 1, 2026, certain steel products must obtain the People’s Republic of China Export License before customs declaration procedures can be completed for export.
II. Specific Application Process and Required Materials
Applying for the export license is primarily done through online or offline channels, with online application being the most commonly used method due to its clear and convenient process.
Below are the steps of the entire application process, providing an overview from preparation to customs clearance:
Part 1: Preliminary Preparation and Online Application Process
| Step 1: Preliminary Self-Check and Material Preparation |
| 1. Confirm whether the export product falls under controlled or license-required categories. 2. Prepare the following materials: - Copy of the *Business License of Enterprise Legal Person - *Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operator* - Export Contract/Agreement - Draft Customs Declaration Form - Detailed product specifications, material, quantity, etc. |
| Step 2: Log in to the MOFCOM Business System |
| 1. Access the “MOFCOM Unified Platform for Business Systems”.
2. Log in using your enterprise account. 3. Enter the “Application System for Import/Export Goods Licenses”. |
| Step 3: Complete Online Form and Upload Materials |
| 1. Fill out the *Export License Application Form*.
2. Upload required scanned copies or electronic documents. 3.Submit the application after confirming all information is correct.
|
| Step 4: Await Review and Check Results |
| 1. The system will display “Accepted”.
2. The review period is typically 3-5 business days. 3. Check the review status online. 4. If rejected, revise and resubmit based on the feedback provided.
|
Part 2: Subsequent Management and Customs Clearance Process
| Step 5: Receive the Electronic License |
| After approval:
1. The system generates an electronic export license. 2. It can be downloaded and printed. 3. In some cases, a physical copy must be collected from the issuing authority. |
| Step 6: Customs Declaration and Export Clearance |
| 1. Enter the license number into the customs declaration form.
2. Submit customs declaration documents to Customs. 3. Customs verifies the license information and grants release. 4. Complete export formalities |
| Step 7: Archiving and Compliance Management |
| 1. Retain the license and related documents for at least 3 years.
2. Cooperate with subsequent processes such as taxation and foreign exchange management. 3. Note the license’s validity period; reapplication is required if expired. |
III. Key Application Materials
Regardless of applying online or offline, the core materials are the same:
● Goods Export Contract: A formal contract between the foreign trade operator and the foreign buyer.
● Product Quality Inspection Certificate: A certificate issued by the product manufacturer.
IV. Reviewing and Issuing Authorities
The reviewing authority varies based on the nature of the enterprise:
● Enterprises directly supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) located in Beijing apply to the License Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce.
● Other enterprises apply to the provincial-level or designated sub-provincial city (e.g., Shenyang, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Chengdu) commerce authorities where the enterprise is located.
V. Important Reminders and Suggestions
1. Confirm Product Scope: Before applying, carefully check the Appendix Catalog of Some Steel Products Subject to Export License Management of Announcement No. 79 against the product name and customs commodity code of the intended export product to ensure it falls within the managed scope.
2. Note Timelines and Fees: The statutory processing time for the entire procedure is 3 business days, and no fees are charged.
3. Utilize Official Resources: The Ministry of Commerce website features a dedicated section titled “Reference Material Compilation Guide for Enterprises Applying for Export Licenses,” which includes the catalog, work norms, and operation manuals—serving as the best preparatory material before application.
If you have already identified the specific steel product code for export, I can help you further check whether it is included in this control catalog. Please feel free to call for consultation!
Post time: Dec-23-2025