Who can export from China?
State foreign trade companies (FTCs) carry out most of the exportation of goods from China. They can export products manufactured by third parties and acquire goods for export from the domestic market. Further, an FTC can act as an agent for a domestic manufacturer by signing an export agreement with a foreign purchaser. Foreign invested enterprises, including contractual joint ventures, Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures, and foreign-owned businesses, as well as some Chinese manufacturers, are authorized to export. These entities can only export goods that they manufacture themselves. They are prohibited from exporting goods manufactured by third parties. Other types of businesses and individuals are required to apply for authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) before they can export goods from China. In practice, these parties often approach FTCs to export goods as their agents, because this method is more expedient than applying for MOFT
