Meaning
Administrative approvals required to import or export commercial goods are issued to qualified domestic entities by the General Administration of Customs (GACC). The customs declaration registration is a prerequisite for any enterprise acting as a consignee or consignor of international shipments. This registration generates a unique ten-digit customs code that must be included in all import and export documents.
It applies to companies that maintain a physical office in China and hold a valid business license.
Application Procedure
Filing the initial documentation through the single-window digital trade portal is the first step in obtaining the necessary import permissions. To complete the customs declaration registration, the applicant must upload its business license, bank account details and proof of office occupancy. This system automatically cross-checks the data with the market regulation database to verify company status.
Operational Requirement
Maintaining an active registration requires continuous compliance with customs audit procedures and reporting standards. Once a firm completes its customs declaration registration, it must declare all shipments accurately to avoid administrative penalties. The company must also maintain complete trade files, including commercial invoices, bills of lading and origin certificates, for at least three years.
Regulatory Consequence
Failing to maintain the registration status results in the suspension of all international trade clearances at the border. Without a valid customs declaration registration, the company’s cargo will be detained by customs officials. This leads to demurrage charges and disrupts the supply chain for international customers.
