Which enterprises need to apply for import and export agency qualifications?

According to the latest 2025 Foreign Trade Law, the following three types of entities require special attention to qualification processing:

• Newly established foreign trade comprehensive service enterprises: Plan to launch an agencycustoms clearance, tax refund and other services
• Transforming traditional trading companies: Companies transitioning from self-operation to an agency service model
• Cross-border e-commerce platform service provider: Third-party platforms involving foreign exchange collection and payment services.

What are the changes in the process for obtaining import and export agency qualifications in 2025?

Compared to the 2023 policy, this year's updates primarily focus on three key areas:

• E-approval acceleration:
  • The General Administration of Customs' "Single Window" has added a pre-qualification review function.
  • The State Administration of Foreign Exchange achieves electronic signature for filing certificates.
• Material simplification:
  • Abolish the household registration certificate for the legal representative
  • Combine customs declaration entity registration with electronic port application.
• Regulatory strengthening:
  • New Proxy Business Risk Commitment Letter
  • Implement the first-year quarterly verification system.

What core materials are required to apply for an agency qualification?

Basic Materials List (2025 Edition):

• Business license (original and duplicate copies, which must include the business scope of "import and export of goods" or "customs declaration agency").
• ID card and appointment documents of the legal representative
• Property Ownership Certificate/Lease Agreement for Business Premises
• Professional Customs Declaration Personnel Qualification Certificate (at least 2 persons holding a Customs Declaration Certificate)
• Agency Business Risk Prevention and Control Plan (Including Customer Qualification Review Process)

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

Comparing the differences from a practical operational perspective:

• Business scope:
  • Self-operated: Limited to the import and export of goods for the enterprise itself.
  • Agent: Accepts commissions from other enterprises to provide full-process services.
• Funding requirements:
  • Self-operated: Verification of corporate financial strength required
  • Agent: Focus on reviewing the risk deposit system
• Responsibility Undertaking:
  • Self-operated: The enterprise bears its own profits and losses.
  • Agent: It is necessary to establish a customer credit evaluation system.

What are the considerations when hiring an agency to handle qualification applications?

Key evaluation points when selecting a service provider:

• Compliance verification:
  • Check the validity period of its "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate".
  • Check the credit publicity information of Chinese customs enterprises
• Service Capacity Assessment:
  • Is there an AEO-certified customs team in place?
  • Are there any successful cases in the same industry?
• Cost transparency:
  • Government fees and agency service fees must be quoted separately.
  • Be wary of non-compliant quotes that include "relationship facilitation fees."

Common Misconceptions in Handling and Latest Policy Red Lines

Key regulatory priorities requiring special attention in 2025:

• Restrictions on Cross-Regional Operations: The registered address must be consistent with the actual business address.
• Validity period of the document: The electronic port IC card requires annual renewal.
• Data authenticity: The amendment records of customs declarations will be incorporated into credit evaluations.
• New types of violations: Including but not limited to:
  • Agency virtual foreign trade business
  • Handling of Cross-Border E-Commerce Returns in Violation of Regulations

Guidelines for Qualification Processing Fees and Timelines

2025 Market Outlook Reference:

• Government fees: Approximately 2000-5000 RMB (including customs, electronic port, etc.)
• Agent Service Fee: 8000-30000 RMB (subject to variation based on service content)
• Specific Requirements:
  • Basic qualification: 15-20 working days
  • Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Directory: An additional 5 working days are required.
  • Special Industry Approval: May be extended up to 45 working days