Export agentIs it mandatory to use the companys official seal for agreements?

According to Article 490 of the Civil Code and international trade practices,Export agentThe agreements validity requires two core elements:

• Confirmation of legal entity:Must be affixed with the companys official seal or special contract seal
• Authorized representative signature:Requires legal representatives signature or authorized representatives signature + personal seal

After the 2025 electronic seal system upgrade, electronic official seals authenticated through the national government service platform (must contain 13-digit anti-counterfeiting code) have equal legal effect.

Is it compliant when overseas clients request affixation of legal representatives personal seal?

Different business scenarios must be distinguished:

• Southeast Asian markets:Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia still recognize dual authentication methods using legal representatives personal seal + fingerprint
• European and American markets:Generally require legal representatives handwritten signature (must match passport signature)
• Middle East market:It is recommended to simultaneously obtain chamber of commerce certification (CCPIT) and embassy certification

Important notice: In 2024, Dubai World Trade Center has explicitly refused to accept documents filed with only the legal representatives personal seal.

customs clearanceCan special seals be used for signing agency agreements?

According to the General Administration of Customs latest 2025 announcement:

• Customs declaration seals are only permitted for use onCustoms declarationdocuments
• Using customs declaration seals for agency agreements may be deemed asinvalid seals
• Special Case: The Zhuhai Hengqin Free Trade Zone permits "Multiple Seals Combined into One" for record-filing (prior declaration to customs is required).

How to confirm the legal validity of electronic seals?

The revised Electronic Signature Law implemented in 2025 stipulates:

• Must pass the National Time Service Center timestamp authentication
• Electronic seals must contain verifiable issuing authority information
• Recommended tools:
  • CFCA (China Financial Certification Authority) electronic contract platform
  • T-Sign (Tencent Electronic Signature) foreign trade edition

What additional certifications are required for cross-border agency agreements?

It is recommended to process according to trade regions:

• ASEAN countries:Additional ASEAN FORM E certificate of origin seal
• EU countries:Process Apostille certification
• African countries:Most require authentication by the embassy in China (average processing time: 15 working days)

How to prevent risks associated with seal usage in agency agreements?

Recommendations based on 20 years of practical experience:

• Request agency to provideSeal filing certificate
• Verify the consistency betweenbusiness license registration numberand
• Electronic agreements must be preservedFull-process notarized video recording
• Important agreements are recommended to obtainCCPIT certification

(Note: The operational norms described in this article are valid until July 2025. For specific cases, it is recommended to consult local customs or professional trade service agencies.)