What is an agency export certificate? How does it differ from self-operated export?

The export agency certificate isforeign tradeThe agent enterprise issues to the principalLegal documents, used to prove the actual ownership of the goods and the agency relationship in export business. Compared to self-operated exports, agency exports have three core differences:

• Business Entity: The agent only provides customs clearance services, while the principal retains ownership of the goods.
• Tax Treatment: The principal shall handle the VAT refund with the supporting documents (this regulation remains in effect under the latest 2025 policy).
• Division of Responsibilities: The "Consignor in China" field on the customs declaration form must include information for both the principal and the agent.

Under what circumstances is it mandatory to apply for an export agency certificate?

According to the latest operational guidelines from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, supporting documents must be provided in the following three scenarios:

• Manufacturing enterprises entrust foreign trade companies with export operations.
• Cross-border E-commerceEnterprises export using the overseas warehouse model.
• Enterprises in special supervision zones conducting outward processing business

What are the common misconceptions in the processing procedures?

Based on our hands-on experience serving over 300 enterprises, special attention must be paid to:

• Time window:The certification must be completed within 90 days after the goods are exported (the 2025 tax refund policy maintains the original time limit).
• Document matching:The amount on the customs declaration form must be completely consistent with the value-added tax invoice.
• Commodity Code:The customs HS codes used by the agent and the principal must remain consistent.

How to Prevent Legal Risks in Agency Export?

It is recommended to adoptDual protection mechanism:

• Clarify the terms for resolving quality disputes
  • Clearly stipulate the foreign exchange incomeFX Settlement AgencyResponsibility
  • Agreement on Joint and Several Liability for Intellectual Property Infringement
• Require the agent to provide real - time logistics tracking
  • Request the client to provide the completeIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Certificate
  • Establish an export goods traceability management system

Does acting as an export agent affect a company's credit rating?

Compliant operations will not affect the credit rating, but please note:

• When a Customs AEO-certified enterprise acts as an agent for a non-certified enterprise, it must separately register the agency business.
• For 12 consecutive months, if the agency export volume exceeds 50% of the self-operated export volume, it must be explained to customs.

What indicators should be considered when selecting a proxy service provider?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Qualification Review: Whether possessing the corresponding product category qualifications.import and exportPower
• System Integration: Can real-time ERP data interaction be provided?
• Risk Control: Whether export credit insurance is purchased
• Service Network: Coverage of Customs Clearance Capability in Destination Countries
• Cost Composition: Does it include value-added services such as pre-classification?

What are the latest policy changes in 2025?

According to Announcement No. 1 of 2025 by the Ministry of Finance, key focus areas include:

• Electronic certificates fully replace paper documents (transition period until June 30, 2025)
• Additional special filing requirements for exports to RCEP member countries
• Foreign Trade Agency AgreementMedical EquipmentAdditional submission of a quality commitment letter is required.