How to Issue an Agent Export Certificate? What Materials Are Required?

What is the purpose of an agent export certificate?

The export agency certificate isforeign tradethe core document of agency business, with three key functions:

• Export DrawbackBasis: Tax authorities use it to process export tax rebates
• Foreign Exchange Verification Voucher: It is a necessary document for banks to handle foreign exchange receipts and payments
• Customs clearance certificate: Legal document proving the authenticity of export transactions

II. What are the changes in the export agency certificate application process for 2025?

According to the latest 2025 Cross-Border Trade Service Management Regulations, the application process has been optimized into five steps:

• Sign a formal agency agreement (must include 22 mandatory clauses such as HS codes and trade terms)
• Prepare digitalized application materials (including documents from the new electronic signature system)
• Submit application through the International Trade Single Window,
• Joint online review by customs and tax authorities (average processing time reduced to 3 working days)
• Obtain electronic certificate (with simultaneous blockchain notarization)

III. What core materials are required for processing an export agency certificate?

The 2025 application document list has been streamlined into four categories:

• Basic qualification documents:
  • Agency partys Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form,
  • Principals business license (must bear the latest annual inspection seal)
• Transaction proof documents:
  • Power of Attorney for Application of (CO)
  • Sales contract (containing Incoterms®2025 clauses)
• Logistics and customs clearance documents:
  • Packing list (must indicate gross/net weight and volume)
  • Customs declaration pre-entry form
• Fund transaction proofs:
  • Foreign exchange receipt/payment voucher
  • L/CDuplicate copy (if applicable)

IV. What is the processing time and cost for export agency certificates?

According to 2025 industry research data:

• Standard processing time: 5-7 working days (including government department review time)
• Expedited processing service: 3 working days (30% expedited fee required)
• Basic service fee: RMB800-1500 per order (tiered pricing based on cargo value)

Note: The agent fee filing requirement canceled by the General Administration of Customs in 2023 remains in effect, and enterprises do not need to separately file for agency service fees.

What common issues may cause application rejection?

According to 2025年第一季度 customs statistics, main rejection reasons include:

• HS code classification errors (accounting for 42% of rejection cases)
• Currency declaration inconsistencies (especially in RMB cross-border settlement documents)
• Failed electronic signature verification (caused by new CA certificate upgrades)
• Mismatched logistics information and customs declaration (pay special attention to container number accuracy)

We recommend entrusting professional customs brokers for pre-declaration compliance review, which can reduce rejection risks by over 85%.

How to verify the authenticity of export agency certificates?

Triple verification mechanism implemented in 2025:

• Log in to the China International Trade Single Window verification system
• Scan the QR code on the certificate to obtain blockchain notarization information
• Verify the General Administration of Customs electronic seal feature code (new encrypted verification digits added)

Special reminder: Paper certificates have been completely discontinued, electronic certificates must be verified through official channels.