When sourcing from China, verifying your potential partner’s export license is one of the most critical—and often overlooked—steps in the due diligence process. An export license isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a legal assurance that the company is authorized to ship goods internationally and operates in compliance with Chinese trade regulations.
For overseas buyers, failing to confirm this can lead to delayed shipments, customs seizures, financial losses, or even legal complications. But how exactly can you, as an international buyer, verify this document reliably—especially from abroad?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what an export license is, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take to confirm its authenticity.
What Is an Export License in China?
In China, an export license (出口许可证) is an official document issued by authorities such as the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) or other designated bodies. It permits a company to export specific categories of goods—especially those subject to controls, such as:
- Strategic materials
- Chemicals
- Certain agricultural products
- High-tech equipment
- Dual-use items
Even for non-restricted goods, many Chinese manufacturers also obtain a “Foreign Trade Operator” endorsement (对外贸易经营者备案), which is required to engage in cross-border trade.
Think of it as a company’s passport for international sales. Without it, they cannot legally export.
Why Confirming an Export License Matters
- Legal Compliance
Working with an unlicensed exporter may put you at risk of dealing with unauthorized or black-market operators. This exposes your business to regulatory penalties in both China and your home country. - Supply Chain Security
If your supplier lacks proper documentation, their shipments may be held at Chinese customs, leading to costly delays or cancellations. - Reputation and Trust
Licensed exporters are generally more reliable. They’ve passed certain government checks and are more likely to operate transparently. - Financial Safety
Companies with valid licenses are typically more established. This reduces the risk of fraud or default.
How to Verify a Chinese Company’s Export License
Here are the steps you can take to confirm whether your Chinese partner is authorized to export:
1. Ask for the License Directly
Start by simply asking the supplier to provide a copy of their export license or Foreign Trade Operator registration. Most legitimate companies will readily share this.
What to look for:
- Company name and legal representative
- Uniform Social Credit Code (USC Code)
- Issuing authority (e.g., MOFCOM or local Commerce Bureau)
- Valid date and scope of permitted export goods
2. Cross-Check with Official Chinese Databases
The next step is to verify the document against official records. The following platforms are useful:
- National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (企业信用信息公示系统)
This is the most authoritative source for basic company information in China. You can look up the company’s registration status, scope of business, and whether they have “import and export rights” (进出口权). - China Customs and MOFCOM databases
Some trade portals allow limited access to check a company’s export qualifications.
Unfortunately, many of these platforms are only available in Chinese and may require a local phone number or ID to access. This is a common hurdle for international buyers.
3. Use a Third-Party Verification Service
If you’re unable to navigate the Chinese systems yourself, consider using a professional business intelligence service. These firms specialize in retrieving and authenticating Chinese corporate documents—including export licenses and foreign trade registrations—directly from official sources.
For example, you can obtain an Official Enterprise Credit Report, which often includes details on a company’s import-export qualifications. This report is issued by Chinese authorities and includes official seals, making it a reliable verification tool.
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4. Look for Additional Signals of Legitimacy
While not a replacement for official verification, these signs can help you gauge a supplier’s credibility:
- They have a physical factory address (verifiable via site audit or video tour)
- They hold other international certifications (ISO, CE, etc.)
- They are members of industry associations like the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
- They have a history of successful export transactions (ask for references or shipping records)
Red Flags: When to Be Cautious
- The supplier avoids providing documents or gives excuses.
- The license looks altered or has inconsistent information.
- The company’s business scope does not include import/export activities.
- You cannot verify their registration through official channels.
What If the Company Doesn’t Have an Export License?
Some smaller manufacturers may not have their own export license. In such cases, they often work through a licensed trading company. This is common and not necessarily a red flag—but you should still verify the exporter they’re using.
Ask for details of the third-party exporter and run the same checks on them.
Beyond the Export License: Other Documents to Check
An export license is just one piece of the puzzle. A thorough due diligence process should also include:
- Business License – confirms legal existence and scope of business
- Organization Code Certificate – the company’s unique identifier
- Tax Registration Certificate – confirms compliance with tax laws
- Production Licenses – for regulated products (e.g., food, cosmetics, electronics)
For a more in-depth investigation, consider a Professional Enterprise Credit Report, which covers legal risks, financial performance, ownership structure, and more.
Case Study: A Buyer’s Close Call
A European retailer once partnered with a Chinese textile manufacturer that claimed to have “all necessary licenses.” The buyer skipped verification to speed up the process. Later, the shipment was held at customs because the supplier’s export license had expired. The result: a 3-month delay and thousands of dollars in extra costs.
This could have been avoided with a simple document check.
Final Tips for International Buyers
- Always verify—don’t assume.
- Use trusted sources—either official platforms or professional verification services.
- Keep records of all documents for future reference or disputes.
- When in doubt, seek local expertise. A reliable partner on the ground can save you time, money, and stress.
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