Export agentWhat statutory qualifications does a company need?

According to the 2025 revised version of the Foreign Trade Law, compliantExport agentcompanies must simultaneously meet the following conditions:

• The basic qualifications:
  • Hold the Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form issued by the Ministry of Commerce
  • Possess the qualification of import and export consignee registered with the General Administration of Customs
  • Registered in the Trade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Enterprise Directory issued by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Special industry requirements:
  • For hazardous goods transportation, MSDS certification must be obtained
  • Food exports require FDA or EU food registration
  • Medical devices must hold ISO 13485 system certification

What is the specific process for registering an export agency company?

The latest registration process in 2025 has been fully digitalized, mainly divided into five stages:

• Stage 1: Preliminary preparation
  • Confirm the company name (must include the term "Import & Export").
  • Registered capital paid-in not less than 1 million yuan
  • Lease actual office space (virtual addresses are no longer accepted)
• Stage 2: Business registration
  • Submit materials through the "National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System".
  • Apply for electronic business license and digital certificate simultaneously
• Stage 3: Qualification filing
  • Foreign trade operator filing (completed within 3 working days)
  • Customscustoms clearanceUnit filing (effective immediately)

What is the difference between professional agency companies and ordinary freight forwarders?

It is recommended to screen through three dimensions:

• Service scope comparison:
  • Ordinary freight forwarder: Only provides basic services such as transportation and customs clearance
  • Professional agency company: CoversExport tax refund, letter of credit financing, compliance review and other value-added services
• Risk control capability:
  • Professional companies are equipped with Trade Compliance Officer (TCO) positions
  • 41. HoldAEOAdvanced certification enterprise qualification
• Information technology level:
  • Data interface capability connected to the Single Window system
  • Provide real-time logistics tracking and electronic document system

How to evaluate the compliance of an agency company?

It is recommended to verify through the following methods:

• Official channel verification:
  • Check enterprise credit rating on the General Administration of Customs official website
  • State Taxation Administration verificationExport tax refundQualified
• Key contract terms:
  • Must include applicable clauses of 《Incoterms 2025》
  • Clearly define legal responsibilities of trading entities
• Risk warning mechanism:
  • Whether HS code pre-review system is established
  • Screening system for OFAC and other sanction lists

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I export through an agent without registering a company?

  According to the new foreign exchange management regulations for 2025, export proceeds must correspond to the actual operating entity. It is recommended that small, medium, and micro enterprises comply through the "Market Procurement Trade Method" (Code 1039).

• Q: How are taxes calculated for agent exports?

  VAT is levied at 6% of the agency service fee, and corporate income tax can enjoy partial reductions according to the 《Cross-border Taxable Behavior Exemption Management Measures》

• Q: What are the risks of using an affiliated export method?

  By 2025, customs authorities have established an "Export Entity Traceability System." Engaging in affiliation practices may trigger the following consequences: ① Revocation of export tax rebate eligibility ② Downgrade of customs credit rating ③ Administrative penalties of up to 500,000 yuan.