?Export Agency?What is the fundamental difference between a certificate and self-operated export?

An export agency certificate is a?Foreign trade?key qualification for comprehensive services, and its core value is reflected in:

• Qualification transfer: Allowing a manufacturing enterprise to use an agency company's?Import/export?rights to complete customs declaration,?Forex Settlement?and other procedures
• Risk isolation: The agent assumes professional compliance responsibilities such as customs AEO certification and foreign exchange verification
• Professional support: Avoids building an in-house foreign trade team and shares the agent's resource network for customs clearance, logistics, etc.

What are the mandatory requirements for obtaining an export agency certificate in 2025?

According to the latest "Administrative Measures for Cross-border Trade Services," the agent must meet:

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Registered capital not less than 5 million RMB
  • Customs AEO General Certification
  • Filing as an enterprise on the State Administration of Foreign Exchange directory
• Professional Capabilities:
  • At least 3 certified customs declarants
  • E-port IC card operating qualification
  • Cross-border receipt and payment declaration system integration capability

How long does the entire process of applying for an export agency certificate take?

The standard processing period is about 45 working days, with the specific process broken down as follows:

• Qualification pre-review stage (5 working days):
  • Verification of the agency's business license and customs certificate
  • Inquiry on the enterprise credit information publicity system
• Agreement filing stage (15 working days):
  • Sign a tripartite agency agreement (manufacturer, agent, overseas buyer)
  • Submit the agency filing in the customs Single Window system
• System integration stage (25 working days):
  • Integration of the ERP with the customs Golden Gate Phase II system
  • Data co-debugging of the foreign exchange monitoring system

What key points must be checked when choosing an export agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate the reliability of the agency company through the following dimensions:

• Check for historical violation records:
  • Query on the China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Publicity Platform
  • Classification management level of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Verification of service capabilities:
  • Whether they have destination country customs clearance qualifications (e.g., US CBP filing)
  • Operational experience with special categories (e.g.,Medical Devices, chemical products)
• Ensuring fund security:
  • Whether the collection and payment channel has passed the bank's authenticity review
  • Whether there is a third-party fund pool operation

What are the potential risks in the export agency model? How to avoid them?

Three major risks that require special attention and their response strategies:

• Tax audit risk:
  • Ensure the agency agreement clearly specifies the "who exports, who gets the tax rebate" principle
  • Retain complete logistics documents (?Ocean shipping?Bill of lading,?Air freight?main bill)
• Risk of foreign exchange freezing:
  • Require the agent to provide a compliance commitment letter from the paying bank
  • Monitor whether the overseas buyer is on the OFAC sanctions list
• Intellectual Property Risk:
  • Specify in the agency agreement the clauses on the division of liability for infringement
  • Conduct a trademark registration search for the exported goods in advance