What isAgency export,Qualification? Why is it necessary to apply for it?

The agency export qualification means that an enterprise obtains customs filing registration and legally conducts agencycustoms clearanceAdministrative licenses for foreign trade services such as foreign exchange receipt verification. According to the latest Regulations on the Record - keeping Management of Customs Declaration Entities in 2025, enterprises without this qualification are not allowed to engage in agency export business, otherwise they will face a fine of up to 500,000 yuan.

Which enterprises can apply for the agency export qualification?

The applying enterprise needs to meet the following conditions simultaneously:

• Subject Qualification:
  • Limited liability companies or joint - stock limited companies registered within China
  • The registered capital is not less than 1 million RMB
• Business Conditions:
  • Business license includes 'goods import and export' or 'customs clearance agency' as business scope
  • There is a fixed office space and necessary equipment
• Personnel allocation:
  • There are at least 2 professionals holding customs declarer qualification certificates
  • Financial staff should have the ability to operate foreign exchange verification

What materials need to be prepared for the application?

• Registration Information Form of Customs Declaration Entity (downloaded from the website of the General Administration of Customs)
• Original and copy of the business license
• A copy of the legal representatives ID card
• Customs declarer qualification certificate (continuing education for 2025 must be completed)
• Property right certificate or lease contract of the office space
• Registration certificate of the enterprise list for foreign exchange receipts and payments
• Application Form for Electronic port IC card

How many steps are there in the specific application process?

• Step 1: System Filing
  • Log in to the 'China International Trade Single Window' to complete basic enterprise information registration
  • Upload a scanned copy of the business license (with the official seal affixed)
• Step 2: On - site verification
  • Bring the paper materials to the administrative approval window of the local customs
  • Verify the identity of the customs declarant and the validity of the qualification certificate on - site
• Step 3: Obtain the qualification
  • Obtain the filing code within 3 working days after passing the review
  • Handle the formalities for accessing the electronic port simultaneously

What key points should be noted during the application process?

• Business scope:Starting 2025, 'cross-border e-commerce agency' needs to be separately specified
• Certificate validity period:The customs declarant certificate must be within the validity period and the continuing education must be completed
• System docking:An ERP system compliant with the customs AEO certification must be configured
• Annual review requirements:An annual business report needs to be submitted in January each year after filing

FAQ

Q: If an enterprise already has the import - export right, does it still need an agency qualification?
A: The import and export rights are only for self - operated business. Qualifications for agency services must be handled separately. According to the new regulations in 2025, the two types of businesses shall not be operated in a mixed manner.

Q: How long does it take to handle?
A: Under the condition of complete materials, the customs promises to complete the handling within 5 working days. However, the debugging of the electronic port equipment usually requires an additional 3 - 5 working days.

Q: How long is the validity period of the qualification?
A: The filing is valid for a long time, but it should be noted that an annual report needs to be submitted in January each year. If the report is overdue, the qualification will be automatically cancelled.

Q: Can a branch company apply independently?
A: Since 2025, branch companies are allowed to apply independently, but they need to provide the authorization letter from the head office and the consolidated audit report.