1. To which industry classification does import and export agency business actually belong?

According to the latest 2025 "Industrial Classification for National Economic Activities" (GB/T 4754-2025), import and export agency services are explicitly categorized underBusiness services (industry code 7264)The trade agency services subcategory. This classification standard specifically emphasizes that entities engaged in import...Export agentEnterprises must simultaneously possessCustomscustoms clearanceUnit Filingand28. Record - filing of foreign trade operatorsDual qualifications.

II. Why is a specialized foreign trade agency service industry necessary?

In the practice of international trade, there are three core pain points that give rise to the demand for professional agency services:

• Policy complexity: After the implementation of the new 2025 version of the "Customs Audit Regulations," the penalty standards for documentation errors will be increased by 30%.
• Operational Professionalism: Involving specialized technical fields such as HS code classification and the application of rules of origin.
• Difficulty in resource integration: The system integration covers 12 processes, including international transportation, credit insurance, and foreign exchange settlement.

III. What does the regulatory framework for the import and export agency industry include?

Compliance operations must meet three-tier regulatory requirements:

• Basic Qualifications
  • Customs AEO Certification (2025 pass rate only 23.7%)
  • Register of Foreign Exchange Administration
• Business Specifications
  • The InternationalTrade termsApplicable Rules for the 2025 Edition
  • Cross-Border RMB Settlement Operation Guide

IV. How to Identify a High-Quality Foreign Trade Agency Service Provider?

Recommended adoption4C Evaluation Model:

• Capacity (Service Capability): Does it cover all trade modes (general trade/processing trade/cross-border e-commerce)?
• Compliance (Compliance Level): Customs credit rating records for the past three years
• Coverage (Network Coverage): Distribution of service outlets in major ports/free trade zones
• Cost-effectiveness（成本效益）: Comprehensive cost-effectiveness ratio calculation (recommended to be controlled at 1.2-1.8% of the cargo value)

V. What are the new development trends in the agency industry by 2025?

The industry is undergoing three major structural shifts:

• Digital service transformation：The integration rate with the Single Window for Customs has reached 98%, and the intelligent customs declaration system has been widely adopted.
• Specialization of Regional Trade Agreements: The demand for RCEP rules of origin services has increased by 127%.
• Upgrade of Compliance and Risk Control: The U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and other new regulations have spurred the emergence of supply chain auditing services.

Special Reminder: According to the "Cross-Border Trade Service Management Measures" implemented in April 2025, the entrusting party is still required to bear the primary responsibility for the authenticity of declarations. It is recommended that enterprises establish(enterprise self-check + third-party audit), it is essential to not only select professional agents but also cultivate an in-house trade compliance team.