Must Enterprises Obtain Import-Export Rights Through Agents?

According to the latest amendments to the Foreign Trade Law implemented in 2025,enterprises can independently choose to apply for import and export rights themselves or entrust professional agencies to handle them. From a practical perspective:

• Three major advantages for SMEs choosing agency services:
  • Save over 50% of application time (average processing period reduced from 45 days to 20 days)
  • Avoid material rework risks (in 2025,Customs declarationthe system has been updated to version 3.0)
  • Simultaneously obtainExport tax refundqualification filing
• Three scenarios where large enterprises are advised to establish their own teams:
  • Annual import and export volume exceeding USD 50 million
  • Involvement in special regulated goods (e.g., medical devices, hazardous chemicals)
  • Having established overseas branches

What is the standard process for agency handling of import and export rights in 2025?

All Ministry of Commerce-registered formal agencies adopt the following standardized process:

• Phase 1: Qualification pre-review (3-5 working days)
  • Business license scope review
  • Legal person credit record verification
  • Customs system blacklist screening
• Phase 2: Material preparation (core stage)
  • 2025 newly added Digital Trade Commitment Letter
  • Electronic port IC card pre-activation service
  • Cross-border payment account binding (optional)
• Phase 3: Parallel multi-department approval (15-18 working days)

What essential materials are included in agency services?

The standard service package of agencies in 2025 should include:

• Basic documents:
  • Foreign Trade Operator Filing Form (new version with QR code)
  • Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
• Newly Added Digital Documents:
  • Electronic Signature Filing Certificate
  • Cross-Border Data Transfer Compliance Statement
• Special Reminder: Starting January 2025, SAFE Requires AdditionalBlockchain Settlement Account Filing

How to evaluate the professionalism of an agency?

When Selecting an Agency, Focus on Verifying These 5 Key Indicators:

• Qualification Level:
  • China Customs Brokers Association AAA Certification
  • CustomsAEOCertification qualifications
• Service capabilities:
  • Availability of Customs System Interface Port
  • Ability to HandleThe RCEPCertificate of Origin Authentication
• Industry Case Study: Request Service Records from the Last 6 Months in the Same Industry

What hidden costs are included in agency service fees?

2025 Agency Market Service Fees Range from 8,000-20,000 RMB, Pay Special Attention to:

• Mandatory Cost Items:
  • Annual Electronic Port Service Fee
  • Single Window System Usage Training
• Potential Additional Charges:
  • Commodity Classification Dispute Handling Fee (HS Code Dispute Resolution)
  • Cross-Border Data Compliance Audit (For EU GDPR and Other Regulations)
• Beware of Low-Price Traps: Quotes 30% Below Market Rate Often Exclude Customs Verification Costs

Are there legal risks in applying through an agency?

Based on Our 327 Dispute Cases, Main Risk Points Are:

• Agency Agreement Loopholes:
  • Unclear Data Sovereignty Ownership
  • Lack of Breach of Contract Liability Clauses
• Operational Risks:
  • Administrative Penalties Due to Incorrect HS Code Declaration (2025 Fine Benchmark Increased by 40%)
  • Failure to Update FTA Tariff Schedules Timely
• Risk Control Recommendation: Require Agencies to Carry Professional Liability Insurance with Coverage ≥5 Million RMB