What basic qualifications do export agency enterprises need?

According to the latest 2025 Foreign Trade Law, legitimate export agency enterprises must possess the following basic qualifications:

• Foreign Trade Operator Registration Record: Must complete filing in the MOFCOM business system
• Customs registration for import/export consignors: Includes 10-digit customs registration code
• Register of Foreign Exchange Administration: Must comply with cross-border payment requirements
• Electronic Port IC Card: Used for electronic customs declaration data transmission
• Export tax refundQualification certification: Requires approval from tax authorities

Do special industry agencies require additional qualifications?

Special permits required for agency exports involving specific commodities:

• 28. Food category:
  • Export Food Production Enterprise Filing Certificate
  • HACCP or ISO22000 certification
• Medical devices category:
  • Medical Device Business License
  • Target market certifications like CE/FDA
• Hazardous chemicals category:
  • Hazardous Chemical Business License
  • MSDS safety data sheet

III. What are the changes in the latest customs filing requirements?

In 2025, the General Administration of Customs implemented three reform measures:

• Single Window upgrade: Full electronic registration for customs declaration entities
• AEO certification linkage: Priority processing for advanced certified enterprises
• Credit management system: Enterprise credit rating affects customs clearance efficiency

IV. What should be noted regarding foreign exchange management qualifications?

According to 2025 SAFE guidelines, agency enterprises should possess:

• Registration in the Goods Trade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Enterprise Directory
• Operating rights for the Balance of Payments Reporting System
• Cross-border RMB settlement qualification (if required)

Special reminder: Starting from July, 2024, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange requires all agency enterprises to update their corporate information every six months. Failure to update in a timely manner will affect foreign exchange receipt and payment business.

V. How to verify the authenticity of an agents qualifications?

• Official system verification:
  • Business license inquiry through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System
  • Verification of customs registration code on the General Administration of Customs website
• Original certificate review:
  • Inspection of original Foreign Trade Operator Filing Form
  • Verification of electronic port card validity period
• Industry association verification:
  • Membership qualification inquiry with China Customs Brokers Association
  • FIATA filing information verification with International Freight Forwarders Association

VI. What risks are involved in choosing an unqualified agent?

According to 2023-2025 foreign trade dispute case analysis, main risks include:

• Goods detained at ports incurring substantial container detention fees
• Inability to normally receive foreign exchange leading to capital chain rupture
• Export tax refundLosses (average loss rate reaching 13.7%)
• Customs administrative penalties (average fine of 280,000 yuan in 2024)

VII. FAQ

Q: Can small and micro enterprises entrust non-professional companies to handle export agency?
A: According to Announcement No. 45 of the State Taxation Administration in 2025, the entrusting party must ensure the agent has legal qualifications, otherwise it will affect tax refund eligibility.

Q: Can overseas companies directly entrust domestic agents?
A: Must simultaneously meet:

• The agent holds the Domestic Operation Filing Receipt for Overseas Enterprises,
• Both parties sign a written agency agreement compliant with the Civil Code,

Q: What to do if qualification certificates expire?
A: Starting from 2025, a 90-day early warning mechanism will be implemented before qualification expiration, allowing enterprises to renew online through the "International Trade Single Window."