I. LegallyExport agentWhat basic skills are needed?

In accordance with the latest edition of the Foreign Trade Law and relevant provisions of the General Administration of Customs, the professionalExport agentMust be held:

• Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators(Documents of the Department of Commerce)
• Customs registration certificate(Validity 5 year)
• Register of foreign exchange receipts(National Foreign Exchange Administration)
• Electronic port enterprise access to the InternetChina Electronic Port Data Center
• Tax registration andExport tax refundQualified(approved by the competent tax authority)

How to find out the actual qualifications of the export agent?

It is recommended to verify through the following three official routes:

• Customs Office websiteEnter the enterprise name to inquire about customs registration information
• National Enterprise Credit Information Publication SystemCheck the scope of business operations and administrative penalty records
• Electronic port law enforcement systemVerify enterprise IC card status and operating permissions

Newly launched in 2025International Trade Single Window Qualification Verification ModuleCross-sector data link verification has been achieved, and priority use is recommended.

What qualification details should be paid special attention when choosing an export agent?

• Nuclear isCustoms management categories:
  • Choose AEO Certified Enterprises (China Customs Advanced Certification)
  • Confirmed no C/D class regulatory records
• checkedForeign Exchange Classification:
  • Class A Companies Can Process Instant Settlements
  • Avoid choosing agents that are listed as Class B/C by the External Authority
• confirmedSpecial goods operating permits:
  • Dangerous Goods Export Dangerous Goods Transport Packaging Use Identification Results
  • Import and export food certificates

What are the effects of the expiration or change of the agency qualification?

Customs regulations to be implemented starting from 2025Dynamic qualification management systemThe Request:

• The customs declaration unit registration certificate must be renewed 30 days before its expiration.
• Changes in company name/address/legal person need to be registered within 10 working days
• Important qualification failure will result in:
  • Customs bills are automatically refunded by the system.
  • Suspension of foreign exchange receipt operations
  • Export tax refund declaration blocked

V. What additional qualifications are needed for international freight agents?

Agents involved in cross-border transport shall also have:

• FIATA International Cargo Agent Qualification Certificate (Global Recognition)
• IATA Air Freight Qualification (Air Freight Business Required)
• Main routing vessel agency records (maritime operations)
• Target country clearance qualifications (such as U.S. Customs Registration License)

Note: Some countries require that the agency is a registered entity in the local area, and it is recommended to specify according to the area of business.

VI. How to assess the agency’s ability to maintain qualifications?

• Check the company.Customs compliance system certification:
  • ISO 28000 Supply Chain Security Management System
  • C-TPAT anti-terrorism certification (key for exports to the United States)
• Confirm itSystem connectivity capacity:
  • Access to the New Generation Customs System (2025 version)
  • Can real-time synchronization of customs, logistics, and foreign exchange data be achieved?

What are the legal risks of commissioning an unqualified agent?

According to the typical case of the Supreme Peoples Court in 2024:

• Merchandise withholding by customs resulted in port fee claims
• Foreign exchange violations face fines of 5-30%
• Suspects of smuggling will be subject to criminal liability.
• Export tax refund fraud requires reimbursement of taxes and delays

Newly implemented in 2025Joint Punishment Mechanism for Cross-border Trade CreditsViolations will be included in the companys credit records.

Are the qualifications of small and medium-sized agents reliable?

Focus on verification:

• Experience in the controller industry (recommended10 years or more)
• There have been no major violations in the past three years.
• is purchasedInternational Trade Professional Liability Insurance
• Qualification level of cooperative customs reporting

Requested ProvisionBank to fulfill warrantyor insuranceExport Credit Insuranceas a risk guarantee.