What is an agency export certificate? Why is it necessary to standardize the reporting?

Certificate of Agency Export (AEO Certificate) isforeign tradeThe core documents in agency business, with main purposes including:

• Proof of the legal relationship between the exporter and the agent.
• DeclarationExport Drawbacknecessary credentials
• Important Basis for Responding to Customs Audits

According to Announcement No. 38 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, in cases where the customs declaration form does not match the agency agreement information,68% of the non-compliant declarations involve errors in the submission of agent certifications.. Accurate completion directly impacts corporate credit ratings and customs clearance efficiency.

What are the new changes in the 2025 agency export certification filing?

The new regulations to be implemented from March 2025 require:

• Newly addedDigital signature verificationLink
  • It is required to use a certified electronic seal system.
  • The validity period of customs recordation has been shortened to 90 days.
• The customs declaration form and agency agreement are required.Two-way association filing
  • The HS code of the goods must be completely consistent.
  • The discrepancy in foreign exchange receipts and payments shall not exceed ±3%.

How to prepare the declaration materials for an export agency 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 and Purchase ContractandMust indicate commercial samples with zero value,
• New additions in 2025Electronic Filing Receipt

Special reminder: Starting from 2025,Cross-border RMB settlement agency businessAdditional submission of the foreign exchange administration filing number is required.

What are the common errors in filling out the agency export certification form?

According to the customs notification data for the first quarter of 2025, high-frequency errors include:

• Time logic error(The agreement signing date is later than the customs declaration date)
• Deviation of goods value exceeds the standard.(Actual transaction price differs from declared price by ≥5%)
• Incorrect commodity classification(The HS codes of the entrusting party and the agent are inconsistent.)
• Insufficient signature validity(Not using a registered electronic signature system)

How to fill in the agency certificate under special trade methods?

Key points for filling out forms under different trade models:

• Cross-border E-commerce: It is required to mark "Supervision Code 1210".
• Market procurement: Attached Market Procurement Trade Method Filing Form
• Bonded maintenance: Indicate "For bonded maintenance only" in the remarks column.
• Entrepot Trade: Third-party proof of cargo ownership documents must be provided.

What technical details should be considered for electronic filing?

After the full implementation of electronic filing in 2025:

• UseIn 2025, the agency service fee usually consists of three parts:The latest version of the client
• The PDF file mustCompliant with the AEO-2025 format specification
  • Resolution not less than 300dpi.
  • Keep the file size under 20MB.
• Digital certificate required.Monthly updatesKey

How to verify the declaration results of the agency export certificate?

New verification channels to be added in 2025:

• General Administration of Customs Government Service PlatformReal-time query
• WeChat Mini Program "Customs Enterprise Service" Push Notification
• Download the Electronic Port ClientInspection Receipt

It is recommended that enterprises, after declaration,Within 72 hoursComplete the verification of results to avoid exceeding the 15-day deadline for filing an appeal.

How to remedy errors in the agency export certificate application?

Scenario-based handling plan:

• Errors discovered before customs declaration: Directly withdraw the modification
• Released but not refunded: Apply to the customsChange order
• The tax refund has been processed.: Need to goVoluntary Disclosure Procedure
  • Payment of back taxes and late fees
  • Submit a written explanation of the situation.

How long should the export agency certificate be kept on file?

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

• The retention period for paper archives has been extended to10 years
• Electronic records must be permanently preserved.
• Conduct at least annually:Two rounds of archival compliance self-inspections

Special Notice: Enterprises in the pilot regions must useBlockchain-based Evidence Storage SystemPerform electronic archiving.

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

It is recommended to focus on the following:

• Whether they possessCustoms AEO Advanced Certification
• Whether equipped withProfessional Trade Compliance Team
• new guarantee plans, etc.Error Reporting Liability Insurance
• Does it supportFull-process electronic docking

According to the 2025 China Foreign Trade Service Provider White Paper, service providers with the aforementioned qualifications have a compliance rate in agency business that is higher than the industry average.42% higher.