The China International Import Expo started to take application of business exhibitors for next year's edition on Monday.

The annual expo has been taking place in Shanghai during Nov 5 to 10 since 2018, and as a comprehensive trade fair, its exhibitors comprise leading companies in six sectors — automobile, food and agriculture, healthcare and medical equipment, manufacturing, consumer goods and services.

Themed on imports, the expo accepts only companies or institutions registered outside of the Chinese mainland and providing goods and services from overseas.

First-time applicants will need to submit company information at the expo's website www.ciie.org and wait for review, while participants of this year's expo can renew their exhibitor status using their existing information.