I.Export agentWhat exactly is the legal effect of a certificate?

Export agentThe Certificate (Export Agency Certificate) serves as confirmation of the agency relationship in international trade.Legal document, its effectiveness is manifested at three levels:

• Proof of the legal agency relationship between the exporter and the agent.
• AsCustoms documentsan important component
• It can serve as key evidence in trade disputes.

II. Under the 2025 Latest Policies, Which Situations Require Mandatory Processing?

According to the "International Trade Agency Management Measures" effective in 2025, the following circumstances require the submission of an export agency certificate:

• The agency export amount for a single transaction exceeds $500,000.
• Agency business involving the export of strategic materials
  • Including 36 categories of products such as rare earth and semiconductor materials.
• Agent transactions settled through third-party payment platforms

3. How many days does the complete processing procedure take?

The standard processing procedure typically requires7-15 business days, with specific steps including:

1. Notarization of Power of Attorney (2-3 business days)
2. Agent Qualification Filing (3 business days)
3. Customs system data integration (5 business days)
4. Issuance of supporting documents (1 business day)

IV. What risks should be considered when selecting an agency company?

• Qualification risks: Check the customs AEO certification status of the agency company.
• Contract risks: Pay special attention to the liability allocation clause.
  • It is recommended to include a "fault liability recovery" clause.
• Financial risks: Be wary of abnormal fee structures.
  • The average industry service fee rate for 2025 is 1.2-2.5%.

V. What is the difference between the electronic version and the paper version of the certificate?

Since the General Administration of Customs implemented the electronic document reform in 2024, both versions hold equal validity, yet differences exist:

VI. What should I do if the proof of validity has expired?

When encountering an expired validity period, it should be handled on a case-by-case basis:

• The goods have beencustoms clearanceNot shipped: Apply for extension filing
• Goods not declared for customs: Reapply for certification.
• Under special circumstances, applications may be submitted.Emergency Replacement Channel
  • Customs to introduce new 3-hour expedited service in 2025.

7. What consequences might common misconceptions lead to?

39. Our handled typical cases show:

• A company used an expired certificate for customs declaration, resulting in:
  • The cargo has been detained at the port for 15 days.
  • Late fees totaling 87,000 yuan were incurred.
• Joint and several liability arising from incomplete qualifications of the agency company:
  • Facing a maximum administrative penalty of 30% of the goods' value.

8. How to verify the authenticity of a proxy certificate?

Starting from 2025, verification can be done through the following methods:

1. Log in to the Single Window for International Trade to check the filing number.
2. Scan the anti-counterfeiting QR code on the proof document.
3. Call the local customs 12360 service hotline for verification.