I.Agency export,What exactly is the certificate number?

The export agency certificate number (abbreviated as:agency number) is a 13-digit code issued by China Customs, with the formatD + last two digits of year + customs district code + serial number(Example: D250123456789). This code serves as the core document for foreign trade enterprises when exporting through agency companies to processExport tax refundIt must be used in the following three situations:

Why is an export agency certificate number needed?

The agency number must be used in the following three scenarios:

• Foreign trade enterprises entrust agency companies to export goods
• Manufacturing enterprises entrust comprehensive foreign trade service providers for export
• Tri-party trade involved in cross-border e-commerce B2B export business

The new policy in 2025 emphasizes that the agency number has becomea key verification item for tax audits, absence of which will result inExport tax refundrejection.

How to apply for an export agency certificate number?

• Standard procedure:
  • Sign a formal export agreement with the agency company
  • Submitcustoms clearancepre-entry documents, purchase/sales contracts, and agency agreements
  • The agency company submitsCustoms declarationexport data
  • Customs will issue the agency number after review (usually within 3 working days after customs declaration)
• Specific recommendations :
  • Starting from January, 2025, newHS code verification process
  • will require uploadingelectronic version of agency agreement via Single Window

FAQ about export agency certificate numbers

• Question 1: What is the validity period of the agency number?

  From the date of issuance2-year validity period, but tax refund declaration must be completed before the tax filing deadline in April of the year following export.

• Question 2: How to handle lost agency numbers?

  It can be operated through theInternational Trade Single WindowApply for reissuance by submitting an explanation letter and certification from the agency company.

• Question 3: Are agency number formats consistent across different customs districts?

  Starting from 2025, nationwide unification will be implementedD + last two digits of the year + 4-digit customs district code + 7-digit serial number(Example: D2502123456789)

Precautions when using agency numbers

• Confirm the agency company possessesCustoms AEO certification qualification
• Immediately upon receiving the agency number, coordinate withCustoms declaration numberfor association verification
• Be vigilant againstthe risk of duplicate declarations(The same batch of goods cannot apply for multiple agency numbers)
• Cross-border e-commerce operators need to pay special attention9710/9810 supervision methodspecial declaration requirements under