What isExport agentCertificate? Why is it important?

According to Article 40 of the Foreign Trade Law of the Peoples Republic of China,Export agentcertificatesIt is a legal document proving the principal-agent relationship, mainly containing the following core information:

• Complete enterprise information of both the principal and agent (including unified social credit code)
• Detailed specifications of exported goods (including HS code, specifications and models)
• Scope of agency authority and validity period
• Signatures of legal representatives and company seals from both parties
• Newly added electronic seal filing number in 2025

What materials are required to process an export agency certificate?

According to the requirements of General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 12 of 2025, enterprises need to prepare:

• Basic materials:
  • Valid import and export operation license
  • Original agency agreement and electronic copy
  • Tax registration certificates from both parties (new version combining three certificates)
• Newly added materials:
• Cross-border trade blockchain platform access credential
• Electronic seal filing receipt (requires verification through the national government service platform)

What major changes will occur in the processing procedures in 2025?

Compared with traditional processing methods, the main optimizations in 2025 are reflected in:

• Fully electronic processing: Submit online through the International Trade "Single Window".
• Intelligent review system: Routine business review time shortened to 2 working days
• Blockchain evidence: All certification documents automatically stored on blockchain
• Cross-department data sharing: Real-time data verification with tax, customs, and foreign exchange authorities

What are the 5 common processing mistakes enterprises make?

Based on over 300 cases weve handled, common issues include:

• Inconsistent Information:
  • Conflict between agency agreement and customs declaration consignee/consignor information
  • Outdated HS code declaration version (not using 2025 edition codes)
• Procedural errors:
• Failure to obtain electronic signatures through designated CA institutions
• Overlooking newly added environmental compliance declaration requirements

How to verify the authenticity of an agency certificate?

Three new official verification channels added in 2025:

• Scan QR code on top-right corner of certification documents for verification
• Log in to the electronic certificate verification platform on Customs General Administrations official website
• Query through the "China International Trade Single Window" reverse lookup system.

What is the validity period of an export agency certificate?

Special attention required for new regulations implemented in 2025:

• Validity period of regular agency certificates reduced from 3 years to 2 years
• Certificates involving controlled goods require annual renewal
• Electronic certificates require blockchain notarization verification every 6 months

How to protect rights when encountering agency disputes?

Recommended professional measures:

• Immediately freeze verification status of relevant electronic certificates
• Retrieve operation logs through blockchain platform
• Apply for commercial certification from China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
• Cross-border disputes may activate RCEP dispute resolution mechanism