License

License in foreign trade refers to an official document issued by a government or relevant authority permitting the import and export of specific goods, typically used for controlled, sensitive, or quota-restricted commodities. Use cases include: the importing country requires the importer to provide an Import License for customs clearance; the exporting country requires the exporter to apply for an Export License to restrict strategic materials, dual-use products, etc. Precautions: licenses usually have a validity period, quantity limits, and designated purposes, and are non-transferable and must not be altered; import/export without a license may result in cargo detention, fines, or even criminal liability. Difference from "Quota": a quota is a restriction on quantity, while a license is an authorization for import/export activities; the two are often used together, but a quota focuses on quantity, while a license focuses on legality. Difference from "Automatic License": an automatic license is used only for statistical monitoring and is typically granted upon application; a non-automatic license involves substantive approval thresholds. Foreign trade practitioners need to confirm in advance whether the goods are on the controlled list and allow sufficient time for application.