What basic qualifications are required for export agency?

According to the latest 2025 Foreignforeign tradeAccording to the Implementation Rules of the Foreign Trade Law, conducting export agency business requires:

• import and exportEnterprises need to have legal import and export qualifications, including:: The principal enterprise must hold a Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
• Product Compliance Certificates: Specific commodities require quality inspection reports,3Ccertification and other qualification documents
• Foreign exchange settlement account: A foreign exchange account opened at a designated bank (agency company can assist with the process)
• Trade method registration: Starting from 2025, a new electronic registration system has been added, requiring prior registration at the Customs Single Window

What specific procedures does export customs clearance include?

The Smart Customs Clearance 2.0 system implemented by the General Administration of Customs in 2025 has covered major ports:

• Signing of agency agreement: The scope of agency, division of responsibilities, and settlement methods must be clearly defined
• Document preparation stage:
  • Commercial invoice (must include HS code)
  • Packing list (must indicate gross/net weight and volume)
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Certificate of origin (processed according to the type of free trade agreement)
• Customs Declaration: Electronic declaration processing time has been shortened to 15 minutes
• Logistics Arrangement: Note the new carbon emission declaration requirements added in 2025
• : Handling cross - border foreign exchange receipts and payments, reporting to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange: Verification through the banks foreign exchange monitoring system is required

How to handleExport Drawbacktax issues?

In 2025, tax authorities have strengthened export tax rebate risk control:

• Confirmation of tax rebate eligibility: Manufacturing enterprises must complete export tax rebate (exemption) registration
• Document management requirements:
  • The certification cycle for VAT special invoices has been shortened to 3 working days
  • Customs declaration forms and invoice information must completely match
• Agency service feesTypically charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (including documentation fees)
• Compliance risk alertIn 2025, the Golden Tax Phase IV system will strictly investigate export through purchasing documents practices

IV. How to choose a compliant export agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate the agencys qualifications from the following dimensions:

• Industry experiencePriority should be given to service providers with over 5 years of experience in handling similar products
• Service scopeConfirm the inclusion of full-process services covering customs affairs, logistics, tax refunds, etc.
• Compliance RecordVerify the companys AEO certification and foreign exchange management classification level
• Cost TransparencyRequest a detailed quotation (including port charges, documentation fees, etc.)
• Emergency handling capacityUnderstand the exception handling procedures (such as inspections, document amendments, etc.)

V. Common misconceptions about export agency in 2025

According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs 20251- June inspection cases:

• Myth 1Believing export can be done through an agency without import-export rights (at least one party must have the qualification)
• Myth 2Thinking lower agency fees mean better deals (may imply compliance risks)
• Misconception 3Assuming export documents can be supplemented afterwards (2025 will implement a declaration commitment system)
• Misconception IVOverlooking tariff preferences under FTAs like RCEP (potential loss up to 15% in costs)