What business qualifications are required for export agency? Do overseas agency companies need special permits? Latest answers for 2025

What are the mandatory requirements for export agency qualifications?

According to the latest 2025 Foreignforeign tradeTrade Law regulations, legal export agency operations must simultaneously possess the followingThree core qualifications::

• Foreign Trade Operator Registration and Filing
  • Electronic filing must be completed on the MOFCOM Business System Unified Platform
  • Starting from 2025, a newCross-border E-commerceEntity Classification Filing Module has been added
• Customsimport and exportGoods Consignor Registration
  • Includes 10-digit Customs Registration Code
  • Must simultaneously complete Electronic Port IC Card application
• (Enterprises of category B and above are in normal status)
  • In 2025, the Foreign Exchange Settlement System has been integrated into the International Trade Single Window
  • Must activate Cross-border RMB Settlement qualification

Are additional qualifications required for special commodity agency?

The following three types of commodity agencies require special attentionIndustry Access License:

• Medical Equipment: Hygiene License, HACCP Certification, Export Food Recordation Certificate
  • Must obtain Medical Device Business License,
  • When exporting metal jewelry to the EU, especially during sample customs clearance, the requirements are often diverse. Especially in the current international environment, the EU has carried out more reviews and supervision of the origin of raw materials. The non - Russian material declaration you mentionedMust complete CE certification (2025 MDR new regulations apply)
• Food category
  • GACC Export Food Production Enterprise Filing
  • Target country FDA registration (e.g. USA) or EU organic certification (e.g. European Union)
• Dangerous Goods Category
  • MSDS Chemical Safety Data Sheet
  • UN38.3 test report (for special items like lithium batteries)

Do overseas agency companies need Chinese qualifications?

Overseas institutions operating in ChinaExport RepresentationServices must meetDual compliance requirements:

• Within Chinese territory
  • Establish Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE)
  • Complete FDI Foreign Direct Investment Filing
• In the registered country
  • Holder of International Freight Forwarding Qualification Certificate (FIATA certification)
  • Complies with local customs AEO certification standards

IV. What are the common misconceptions about export agency qualifications?

Based on our experience handling327 agency dispute cases, special attention should be paid to:

• Misconception 1: Affiliated operation does not require qualifications
  • Customs has established an agency relationship penetration verification mechanism by 2025
• Misconception 2: Individuals can engage in export agency
  • Natural persons cannot obtain customs registration codes
• Misconception 3: Qualifications are valid for life
  • Customs consignee qualifications require renewal every 3 years
  • Foreign exchange directory registration requires annual verification

We recommend that when selecting agency service providers, enterprises should request to seeElectronic business license(To be fully implemented in 2025) and verify the validity period of qualifications through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. When involving special commodity agency, be sure to confirm that the agent holds the original industry license, not a copy.