enteredExport agentWhat statutory qualifications does a company need?

According to the latest 2025 Foreign Trade Law regulations, legitimate import-export agency companies must possess:

• Foreign Trade Operator Registration Record(Online application via MOFCOM system)
• Customs registration for import/export consignors(Single window electronic filing)
• Electronic Port IC Card(Requires legal representative to handle in person)
• Special industries requireExport license/Automatic import license

What is the complete process for applying for import-export agency qualifications?

The optimized 2025 application process is divided into three stages:

• Preliminary preparation (approximately 15 working days)
  • The registered capital is not less than 1 million RMB
  • Equipped with 2 or morecustoms clearanceProfessional Personnel
  • Fixed office premises certification
• Qualification application (approximately 20 working days)
  • Foreign trade operator registration (certificate issued within 3 working days)
  • Customs registration (effective immediately)
  • Electronic port network access (requires on-site appointment)
• Follow-up maintenance
  • Complete customs annual report before June 30 each year
  • Foreign exchange administration directory registration maintenance

What are the essential differences between self-operated import-export and agency models?

Comparison from risk-bearing perspective:

• Liability subject: Under agency model, customs directly investigates production enterprises liability
• Foreign exchange settlement: Agency company only charges service fee, does not participate in foreign exchange receipts/payments
• Tax Treatment: Agency service fee subject to 6% VAT, not involvedExport tax refund
• Risk of compliance: In 2025, the General Administration of Customs explicitly prohibits the "fake self-operation, real agency" operation mode.

How to identify proxy companies engaging in fraudulent operations?

Note the following high-risk characteristics:

• Request to use company name for signingFalse purchase/sales contracts
• PromiseTax and certificate package servicesand other illegal service contents
• Unable to provideComplete qualification documentsOriginal Copy
• Service fee significantly lower thanIndustry standards(2025 agency fees generally range from 1.5-3% of goods value)

What legal clauses should be noted when selecting an agency company?

It is recommended to specify in the contract:

• Liability Allocation Clauses: Liability mechanism for customs declaration errors
• Confidentiality Clause: Customer Business Information Protection Rules
• Service Termination Clause: Emergency Document Transfer Procedures
• Dispute resolution clause: Recommended to specify jurisdiction of China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission

24-hour online application (via the Internet + Customs integrated platform)

Focus on Three New Regulations:

• General Administration of Customs Order No. 178:Full Electronic Processing for Customs Declaration Unit Registration
• State Administration of Foreign Exchange March, 2025 New Policy:Foreign Exchange Receipt/Payment Deadline Shortened to 90 Days
• State Taxation Administration Export Tax Rebate New Regulation:Agents Prohibited from Collecting Tax Rebates on Behalf

How to verify an agency companys credit qualifications?

Recommended Four Official Verification Channels:

• General Administration of Customs WebsiteEnterprise Credit Information Publicity
• National Enterprise Credit Information Publication SystemAdministrative Penalty Records
• Chinas Single Window in International TradeEnterprise filing information
• Electronic PortIC Card Status Inquiry