SHENZHEN witnessed last week its first case of completing paperless management of import and export licenses for dual-use items and technologies, which has been implemented by the Ministry of Commerce since July 1, according to the Shenzhen Municipal Commerce Bureau.

The import and export licenses for dual-use items and technologies are to regulate and supervise the import and export of chemicals, radioactive isotopes and temporarily controlled technologies for the sake of national security and public interest. The official permissions are required for the foreign trade involving these materials by China’s import and export enterprises.

In a bid to further strengthen the reform of “decentralization, regulation and service,” and enhance the level of trade facilitation, the Ministry of Commerce has decided to start paperless management. As a city with the highest volume of exports nationwide for 28 consecutive years, Shenzhen can greatly benefit from the innovation.

Shenzhen Enxixi Trade Co. Ltd. submitted paperless application materials to the ministry’s business system online platform July 12, then got the import and export licenses the next day. The new management shortens the application time and reduces operation costs of the previous paper-based process.

The company’s manager surnamed Dai said, “Previously, we have to prepare printed materials prior to submitting to related departments by mailing or in person.

“The whole process is time-consuming and exhausting. The current digitalization of business application and review, as well as issuing licenses has decreased the application time by about five to seven days. Paperless management is very efficient and time-saving.”

A staffer of the Shenzhen Municipal Commerce Bureau said that in 2020, the city issued 11,135 digital licenses, accounting for a seventh of the total licenses that year.

(Xia Yuanjie)