Import/Export License

An Import/Export License is an official authorization document issued by a government to manage the import and export of specific goods, falling under license management measures within non-tariff barriers. It means that for goods subject to import/export restrictions, enterprises must first apply to the competent commerce authority (such as China's Ministry of Commerce / General Administration of Customs) for a license, and use it to complete customs declaration procedures; otherwise, import/export is prohibited. Usage scenarios include: sensitive items (e.g., dual-use items, endangered species, pharmaceuticals, agricultural tariff quotas), and catalogues of goods subject to state license management. Precautions: licenses usually have a validity period (e.g., 6 months) and must be used within it; license content (product name, quantity, value, consignor/consignee) must match the customs declaration and may not be altered without authorization; some licenses require annual review or batch-by-batch use; importing/exporting without a license may result in return of goods, fines, or even criminal liability. Distinction from other terms: an import/export license differs from 'import/export operating rights' (enterprise qualification) and 'automatic import license' (used only for statistical monitoring, with no quantity restrictions), and also differs from a 'certificate of origin' (which proves the nationality of goods); its core is 'administrative permission' rather than a 'certifying document'.