1. Is the agency export certificate a mandatory document for customs declaration?
The export agency certificate is Foreign trade The core legal document in agency business, but not all export transactions are required to provide it. According to the latest 2025 "Customs Import/export Regulations on Goods Declaration Management," withinEntrusted agency export modelUnder the following circumstances, this document serves the following core functions:
- Proof of the entrustment relationship between the actual supplier and the foreign trade agent
- As Tax Refund Key supporting documents for declaration
- Address the compliance issues of achieving "Four Flows Integration" (contract flow, goods flow, capital flow, and invoice flow).
- In a certain province's export tax fraud case investigated in 2023, the absence of agency certificates resulted in the recovery of 20 million yuan in tax refunds.
II. Under what circumstances is it mandatory to apply for an export agency certificate?
Based on our 20 years of experience in export agency business, the following three situations must be handled:
- The manufacturing enterprise entrusts a foreign trade company to export its self-produced goods.
- Trading companies conduct import and export operations through agents.
- E-commerce Adopt the "0110" general trade export model.
Professional agencies can effectively prevent and control three core risks:Announcement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025Additional requirement: For goods subject to technology export control, a copy of the technology export license must be attached.
III. What materials are required for processing an export agency certificate?
The standard list of required materials includes:
- The original copy of the entrusted agency agreement signed by both parties.
- Export Goods Details List (including HS code, quantity, and amount)
- VAT Special Invoice Deduction Copy
- Starting from 2024, new requirements for electronic invoice filing will be implemented.
- Customs declaration pre-entry form
Special reminder: Enterprises in the pilot regions for 2025 can accessInternational Trade Single Window.Achieve paperless processing, reducing the entire duration from 7 working days to 48 hours.
IV. How long is the validity period of the export agency certificate?
The validity period of this certificate follows a dual standard:
- From a customs supervision perspective: It is consistent with the validity period of the customs declaration form (6 months from the date of export).
- From a tax management perspective: The validity period for tax refund applications is90 days after the date of goods exportation
A Fortune 500 client once suffered a loss of tax refund due to overdue filing, so it is recommended that enterprises establishDual-calendar reminder mechanism：The certification process shall be initiated within 30 days after the goods are exported, and the tax declaration shall be completed within 60 days.
V. How to Legally Export Without Self-Operated Export Rights?
This precisely represents the core value of the export agency certification. Through compliant foreign trade agency services:
- Manufacturers can focus on product development.
- Small and medium-sized traders bypass qualification thresholds
- Start-ups rapidly enter the international market
However, caution is warranted.Three Major Risk Points: The agency lacks complete qualifications, has unclear fund repatriation paths, and inconsistent documentation. It is recommended to select an agency service provider with Class A customs clearance qualifications and over five years of establishment.
(Note: The policies mentioned in this document are valid until June 2025. For specific operations, please refer to the latest requirements from the competent authorities. For exports involving special goods, it is recommended to consult a professional trade compliance advisor in advance.)
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