I. to enterExport agentWhat statutory qualifications must a company possess?

According to the latest 2025 Foreign Trade Law and relevant regulations of the General Administration of Customs, compliant import-export agency enterprises must hold:

• Business license: The business scope must explicitly include "import and export of goods" or "import and export agency" services.
• Customs filing registration: Must complete customs filing as an import-export goods consignee/consignor (10-digit customs registration code)
• State Administration of Foreign Exchange registration: Qualified for the "List of Enterprises for Trade-Related Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments"
• Electronic Port IC Card: Forcustoms clearanceLegal medium for electronic data transmission of documents
• Tax Registration Certificate: After the three-certificate integration, tax registration status must still be confirmed as normal

II. Do special businesses require additional qualifications?

Agency business involving specific goods requires special approvals:

• Medical devices: Requires Medical Device Business License
  • Importing Class III medical devices requires special filing
• Food category: Import food consignee filing
• Hazardous chemicals: Requires Hazardous Chemicals Business License
• Bonded logistics: Customs bonded warehouse operation qualification

III. How to verify the authenticity of an agency companys qualifications?

It is recommended to cross-verify through official channels:

• Verify business license through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System
• Check filing status on the General Administration of Customs official website
• Verify list qualification through the State Administration of Foreign Exchange government service system
• Confirm IC card validity through the Electronic Port Law Enforcement System

IV. What are the legal risks of choosing an unqualified agency?

Typical cases reported by the General Administration of Customs in 2024 show:

• Cargo detention risk rate increased to 32%
• Average customs clearance delay reached 17 working days
• 83% of administrative penalty cases involved incomplete qualifications
• Maximum fines could reach 30% of cargo value

V. Does complete qualification necessarily mean reliable service?

Comprehensive evaluation should consider the following factors:

• Industry Experience: At least 3 years of operation records for similar goods
• AEO certification: Customs advanced certified enterprises enjoy 40% higher clearance efficiency
• Professional team: Proportion of licensed declarants should exceed 60%
• system connected: Must have data interface capability with the Single Window

VI. What are the common misconceptions about qualifications?

• Misconception 1: "Having a business license means you can act as a foreign trade agent."
• Misconception 2: "Affiliating with a qualified company can save money" (Joint disciplinary measures to be implemented from 2025 onwards)
• Misconception 3: "Overseas companies do not need to register with China Customs."
• Misconception 4: "Qualification certificates are permanently valid" (annual review required).

VII. How to obtain the latest qualification policy changes?

It is recommended to follow these channels:

• The "Policy Releases" column on the official website of the General Administration of Customs
• International Trade Single Window announcements
• Ministry of Commerce Foreign Trade Department policy interpretations
• China Customs Brokers Association industry bulletins

VIII. Essential qualification questions to ask before entrusting an agency

• Can you present the electronic certificate of customs registration code?
• Do you have operation qualifications for our companys product category?
• What was the most recent customs credit rating assessment result?
• How to handle special matters such as license applications?