What exactly is the export agency certificate? 7 key issues that foreign trade enterprises must know

1.Export RepresentationIs the certificate an official document issued by the government?

In the international trade practice in 2025,The Chinese Customs and the Ministry of Commerce have not established an official certificate named export agency certificate.13.. This concept is commonly seen in the following two scenarios:

• Applied for independently by enterprisesimport and exportBusiness operation record - filing documents
• foreign tradeSigned in agency servicesAgency Export Agreement

It should be noted that some non - standard service agencies may package the agency cooperation agreement as a so - called certificate, which requires enterprises to carefully screen.

2. Cant do foreign trade without an export agency certificate?

The core of carrying out import and export business lies in obtaining legal qualifications, which are specifically divided into two methods:

• Self - operated mode:
  • Apply for registration as a customs importer/exporter
  • Complete the record - filing with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
  • Obtain the Electronic Port IC card
• Agent - export mode:
  • Sign a contract with an agency company with import and export rights
  • Complete customs declaration through the agentA complete export agency agreement should be attached with:and other procedures

3. What essential documents are required for agent - export?

In the agency export business in 2025, enterprises should prepare the following core documents:

• Agency Agreement(The rights and responsibilities of both parties need to be clarified)
• Proforma invoice and packing list
• The import and export qualification certificate of the agent
• New electronic versionIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:(Applicable to countries with free trade agreements)

How to obtain the import and export right qualification? How many steps are there?

According to the latest policies in 2025, the self - handling process for enterprises is as follows:

• The first step: Industrial and commercial change
  • Add the business scope of import - export business,
  • Update the business license (completed within 3 working days)
• The second step: Customs filing
  • Declare online through the International Trade Single Window
  • Obtain a 10 - digit customs code (effective immediately)
• The third step: Registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
  • Open a bank account and register in the list of foreign exchange receipts and payments simultaneously

What risks should be noted when entrusting an agent for export?

Based on the dispute cases we have handled, we especially remind you to pay attention to:

• Foreign exchange settlement risk: Ensure that the agent provides formalIn order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.Voucher
• Tax compliance risk: Even if you export through an agent, you still need to declare tax - free income by yourself
• Goods ownership control risk: It is recommended to adopt FOB terms and purchase credit insurance

How to verify the true qualifications of an agency company?

In 2025, the following official verification channels are recommended:

• Query on the official website of the General Administration of Customs Enterprise Credit Information System,
• Check through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System
• Require the agent to presentCustoms Registration CertificateOriginal copy

7. What are the new changes in the import - export policies in 2025?

The latest developments worthy of attention include:

• The electronic port system is upgraded to version 4.0, realizing a paper - free whole process.
• Export DrawbackThe filing materials are streamlined to 3 core documents
• Cross-border E-commerceThe B2B export document requirements are further simplified

In summary,There is no export agency certificate in the legal sense.Enterprises should choose the self - operation or agency export mode according to their actual needs. It is recommended that small and medium - sized enterprises with an annual export volume of less than 5 million RMB give priority to the agency mode to reduce operating costs. For specific business operations, enterprises can consult the local commerce department or professional trade service agencies to obtain the latest policy guidance.