I. What basic qualifications are required for import and export agency companies?

According to the latest regulations of the General Administration of Customs of China in 2025, enterprises legally engaged in import and export agency business must possess the following basic qualifications:

• Corporate legal person statusMust hold a business license issued by the market regulatory authorities, with the business scope explicitly including "import and export of goods" or "import and export agency."
• Customs filing registrationComplete the enterprise registration on China's Single Window for International Trade and obtain the 10-digit customs code.
• Foreign exchange management registration: Register in the enterprise list for trade foreign exchange receipts and payments at the local foreign exchange administration.
• Electronic port certification: Equip with an electronic port IC card and special equipment for customs declaration.

II. Can an enterprise without import and export rights entrust an agency?

According to the current policy, enterprises without import and export operation rights can carry out international trade through the agency model. However, it should be noted that:

• The agency company must hold the Record - filing Form for Foreign Trade Operators.
• Agents of special commodities (such as medical devices, cosmetics) require additional qualifications.
• Capital settlement must be carried out through the agency companys foreign exchange account.

III. What special licenses are required for agents of different products?

Requirements for agency qualifications of key supervised categories in 2025:

• 28. Food category:
  • Registration Certificate of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food
  • Permit for Quarantine of Entry Animals and Plants
• Medical Devices:
  • Medical Device Business License
  • Registration Certificate/Record - filing Certificate of Imported Products
• Chemical products:
  • Hazardous Chemical Business License
  • GHS Standard Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

IV. How to verify the authenticity of an agency companys qualifications?

It is recommended to verify through the following official channels:

• Customs filing queryLog in to the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform"
• Foreign exchange list verification: Verify through the Digital Foreign Exchange Management Platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Special qualification verification: Query the license number on the official website of the relevant regulatory department

It is worth noting that since 2025, the customs has comprehensively implemented the electronic certificate system, and service providers can be required to provide encrypted electronic qualification documents for verification.

V. What new regulations are required for cross - border e - commerce agents?

For enterprises in the cross - border e - commerce comprehensive pilot zones, two new qualification requirements were added in 2025:

• Cross - border e - commerce enterprise type filing (e - commerce platform/logistics enterprise/payment enterprise, etc.)
• Customs AEO certification (give priority to applying for advanced certification)

At the same time, it is necessary to access the cross - border e - commerce clearance service platform to achieve real - time docking of three types of data (order/payment/logistics).

VI. What are the common risks of qualification expiration?

During the cooperation process, the following situations need to be paid special attention to:

• The customs code is cancelled for failure to participate in the annual report on time
• Enterprises on the foreign exchange list have no import and export records for two consecutive years
• The digital certificate of the electronic port IC card is not updated on time
• The special license has expired and has not been renewed

It is recommended to require the agency company to provide a list of qualification validity periods and establish a regular verification mechanism.