What is importExport agentAuthorization? Why do foreign trade companies need it?

enteredExport agentAuthorization refers to the legal qualification for enterprises to engage in import/export agency business upon approval by competent commerce authorities. According to the newly revised 2025 Foreign Trade Law, enterprises without this qualification cannot conduct import/export business in their own name. Obtaining this authorization means:

• Ability to sign formal foreign trade contracts
• Independent handling ofcustoms clearance, tax refund and other procedures
• Establishing corporate foreign exchange accounts
• Enjoying cross-border trade facilitation policies

What are the mandatory requirements for applying for import/export agency authorization in 2025?

According to the Foreign Trade Operator Registration and Record Management Measures issued by the Ministry of Commerce in March 2025, enterprises must simultaneously meet:

• Registered capital requirements: Production enterprises ≥1 million yuan, trading companies ≥500,000 yuan (special zone policies may vary)
• Business premises certificationProvide property ownership certificate or lease agreement (lease term ≥ 2 years)
• Professional staff allocationAt least 2 personnel holding foreign trade practitioner qualification certificates
• Compliance RecordsNo major violations of laws and regulations by the enterprise or legal representative

Which departments are involved in the approval process? How long does it take?

The standard approval process consists of three stages:

• Stage 1: Business filing (5-7 working days)
  • Submit the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators online
  • Upload scanned copies of business license, articles of association, etc.
• Stage 2: Customs registration (3 working days)
  • Register as an importer/exporter of goods
  • Obtain 10-digit customs code
• Stage 3: Foreign exchange administration filing (instant processing)

After full implementation of e-government in 2025, the entire process can be shortened to 10 working days at fastest (excluding document preparation time).

What common mistakes may lead to rejection of approval?

Based on our experience with 500+ cases, main issues concentrate on:

• Incomplete documentsMissing board resolution or copy of legal representatives ID card
• The business scope does not match: Does not include "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology"
• Abnormal registered addressVirtual address or unable to cooperate with on-site verification
• Expired professional qualificationsCertificate expired or continuing education not completed

What important policy changes occurred in 2025?

Compared with 2022 policies, major adjustments include:

• Cancellation of minimum annual turnover requirement
• Addition of data security compliance review process
• Cross-border e-commerce enterprises may apply for the "One License, Multiple Addresses" filing.
• Establishment of a nationwide unified credit evaluation system

Special reminder: Starting from June 1, 2025, all new applicants must pass Level 3 certification of the International Trade Data Security Management System.

How to choose reliable agency service providers?

It is recommended to focus on the following aspects:

• Qualification verificationVerify validity of the Customs Brokerage Service Registration Certificate
• Industry ExperiencePrioritize agencies with experience serving similar enterprises
• Risk controlInquire about risk control mechanisms such as foreign exchange verification and tax difference compensation
• system connectedConfirm whether data direct connection with the Customs Single Window is possible

Professional agencies can typically complete the entire process within 30 days, while self-processing takes an average of 2-3 months.