Issuance of import / export licenses via Internet to be enforced from December this year - Under the double-track system, applications for license and inquiries about license can be processed via Internet at the first stage in addition to the conventional way of filing

Source: The Liberty Times10/13/99

Translated by P.C. Lue

 

To expedite the passage of products through the customshouse, the Board of Foreign Trade of Ministry of Economic Affairs (“BOFT”) was scheduled to announce “Guidelines of Electronic Issuance of Licenses for Product Export / Import” on October 15 and simultaneously start processing issuance and examination of license via Internet on a trial basis.  The BOFT plans to operate this process formally from December 1.  However, to avoid additional inconvenience, the BOFT will adopt the double-track system at the first stage. That is, the BOFT will still accept applications filed in the conventional way in addition to processing issuance of license for product import / export via Internet.

 

Applicants may apply for import / export licenses with the BOFT via Internet for products including the 445 items that are designated for general zones and the 513 items designated for the mainland China.

 

According to its plan, the BOFT will choose excellent exporters and importers as the testing target for the period from October 15 to October 22 after its announcement about the “Guidelines of Electronic Issuance of Licenses for Product Export/Import” on October 15.  The BOFT will start accepting applications for Internet passwords from November 1 and directly give passwords to new registered exporters and importers.

 

Irrespective of whether an application filed for electronic issuance of license is approved, the applicant may inquire about the outcome via Internet, the BOFT indicated.  Moreover, if the applications isn’t approved, the applicant may revise the application and apply for license again.