What Exactly Is an Export Agency Certificate Number? 5 Key Questions Foreign Trade Companies Must Know

I.Export RepresentationIs the certificate number a mandatory document for customs clearance?

According to the newly implemented Customsimport and exportGoods Declaration Management Regulations in 2025,Export Agency Certificate Number (Customs Brokerage Code)has becomeforeign tradea statutory identifier for companies handling customs declaration procedures. This number serves the following core functions:

• Verify the operational qualifications of customs declaration agencies
• Trace the responsible entity for customs declaration operations
• Match customs single-window declaration information
  • New 2025 requirement: Must undergo two-way verification with electronic port IC card information

How to obtain a valid export agency certificate number?

The formal acquisition process requires three key stages:

• Qualification pre-review stage
  • Submission of the International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Form
  • Provision of ISO9001 quality system certification certificate (new requirement in 2025)
• Customs system registration
  • Completion of enterprise information verification through the International Trade Single Window
  • Receipt of a 13-digit permanent identification code
• Annual maintenance requirements
  • Submission of annual operation report before March 31 each year
  • On-site customs inspection every two years

Why is my customs declaration always rejected? Analysis of common errors

2025 customs rejection data analysis shows that 35% of declaration errors are related to agency certificate numbers:

• Typical error 1: Using expired numbers without updates
  • Case: A company used CBC-4407 that was canceled in 2024, resulting in full container cargo being detained at port
• Typical error 2: Using one number for multiple shipments
  • Special reminder:Cross-border E-commerce9810 model requires binding new numbers for each shipment
• Typical error 3: Discrepancy between electronic data and paper documents
  • 2025 new policy: Allows 0.5% character differences, but key fields must be completely consistent

What is the relationship between export agency certificate numbers and tax deductions?

According to Announcement No. 18 of 2025 by the State Taxation Administration, this number has become an important document for VAT:Export DrawbackThe export tax rebate declaration system has added a number verification module

• Goods with adjusted rebate rates require dual verification
• Categories require simultaneous verification of customs numbers and MIIT catalog codes
  • For example:New energyAutomotive partsImportant note: Missing valid numbers will extend the tax rebate cycle by 60 working days
• What changes have been brought by the 2025 customs new policies?

Three major reforms implemented this year directly affect number usage:

Electronic signature system upgrade

• Complete digitalization of original paper certificates
  • Support for blockchain notarization function
  • 支持区块链存证功能
• Multi-department data interconnection
  • Customs and State Administration of Foreign Exchange achieve real-time sharing of numbering information
  • A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Verification requires matching corresponding customs declaration numbers
• Credit rating linkage mechanism
  • AEO advanced certified enterprises can apply for One-Code Pass simplified declaration
  • Non-compliant enterprises will face numbering freeze risks