What is an agency export certificate? Why must it be filled out correctly?

Agency export certificate (AEO Certificate) isforeign tradeThe core document in agency business, its main purposes include:

• Proof of the legal relationship between the exporter and the agent
• DeclarationExport Drawbackessential credential
• Key evidence for customs audits

According to Announcement No. 38 of 2025 by the General Administration of Customs, in cases where the customs declaration form and agency agreement information do not match,68% of non-compliant declarations involve errors in filling out the agency certificate.Correctly filling it out directly affects a companys credit rating and customs clearance efficiency.

What are the new changes in filling out agency export certificates in 2025?

New regulations implemented from March 2025 require:

• Newly addedDigital signature verificationLink
  • Must use a certified electronic seal system
  • Customs filing validity period shortened to 90 days
• Customs declaration forms and agency agreements must belinked for dual filing
  • HS codes for goods must be completely consistent
  • Payment and receipt discrepancies must not exceed ±3%

How to prepare the declaration materials for an agency export certificate?

The complete material list should include:

• NotarizedAgency Export AgreementOriginal copy
• The fees paid to a compliant agency company can be regarded asLegally operating export agencies must possess three core certification documents:andExport qualification certificate
• carried by foreign transportation enterprisesSales contractandMust indicate commercial samples with zero value,
• Newly added in 2025:Electronic filing receipt

Special reminder: Starting in 2025,Agency business involving cross-border RMB settlementsmust additionally provide the foreign exchange administration filing number.

What are the common errors in filling out agency export certificates?

According to customs notification data for the first quarter of 2025, common errors include:

• Time logic errors(Agreement signing date later than customs declaration date)
• Excessive deviation in declared value(Difference between actual transaction price and declared price ≥5%)
• Incorrect commodity classification(HS code inconsistency between principal and agent)
• Insufficient signature validity(Not using registered electronic signature system)

How to fill out agency certificates under special trade modes?

Key points for different trade modes:

• Cross-border E-commerce: Must mark Supervision code 1210
• Market procurement: Attach market procurement trade mode filing form
• Bonded maintenance: Note Special for bonded maintenance in remarks column
• Entrepot Trade: Must provide third-party cargo ownership certificate

What technical details should be noted for electronic declaration?

After full implementation of electronic declaration in 2025:

• UseIn 2025, the agency service fee usually consists of three parts:Latest version client
• PDF files mustComply with AEO-2025 format specifications
  • Resolution no less than 300dpi
  • File size controlled within 20MB
• Digital certificates mustBe updated monthlyKey

How to verify declaration results of agency export certificates?

New verification channels added in 2025:

• General Administration of Customs government service platformReal-time query
• WeChat mini program Customs Enterprise Service push notifications
• Electronic port client downloadVerified receipt

Enterprises are advised toWithin 72 hoursComplete result verification after declaration to avoid exceeding the 15-day objection appeal deadline.

How to correct errors in agency export certificate declarations?

Case-specific solutions:

• Handle in two situations:: Direct withdrawal and modification
• Released but not tax refunded: Apply to customs forDocument amendment
• Tax refund already processedRequired procedureVoluntary disclosure procedure
  • Back taxes and late payment fees
  • Submit a written statement

How long should export agency certificates be archived?

According to the revised version of the Customs Audit Regulations in 2025:

• Paper archives retention period extended to10 years
• Electronic archives require permanent retention
• Conduct at leasttwo compliance self-inspections annually

Special notice: Enterprises in pilot areas in 2025 must useblockchain evidence storage systemfor electronic archiving.

What risk factors should be considered when selecting agency service providers?

Key evaluation criteria:

• Whether they possessCustoms AEO Advanced Certification
• Whether equipped withProfessional trade compliance team
• new guarantee plans, etc.Declaration error liability insurance
• Whether supportsend-to-end digital integration

According to data from the 2025 China Foreign Trade Service Provider White Paper, service providers with the above qualifications have a compliance rate in agency business that is42% higher.