enteredExport agentCan businesses operate with just a business license?

According to the latest 2025 Foreign Trade Law, businesses with only a business license cannot engage in import/export agency. They must also possess the following qualifications:

• Foreign Trade Operator Registration Record(Ministry of Commerce system)
• Registration of customs registration of import and export goods
• Electronic Port IC Card and Corporate Card
• Register of Foreign Exchange Administration

What core materials are needed to apply for import/export qualifications?

The main change in the 2025 application material checklist is the full implementation of the electronic signature system. Special attention should be paid to:

• Basic documents:
  • Scanned copy of original business license (must include unified social credit code)
  • High-definition scanned copies of legal representatives ID card (front and back)
• Special documents:
  • Electronically signed Foreign Trade Operator Registration Record
  • Customscustoms clearanceUnit Filing Certificate (QR Code Online Generation Version)

Which is more cost-effective: self-application or hiring an agency?

Based on our service data from 300+ enterprises (2023-2025):

• Time Cost Comparison:
  • Self-processing averages 45 working days
  • Professional agents typically complete in 15 working days
• Hidden Risk Comparison:
  • Self-processing error rate reaches 62% (2024 General Administration of Customs data)
  • Professional agents can avoid over 95% of compliance risks

Do special product agencies require additional qualifications?

2025 Implementation of Import and Export Commodity Graded Supervision Catalog, Special Notes:

• Category II Controlled Goods:
  • Medical devices require Import/Export Special Items Health Quarantine Approval
  • Chemicals require Hazardous Chemicals Business License
• Category III Prohibited Agency Goods:
  • Goods listed in Chinas Prohibited Import/Export Goods Catalog
  • Sensitive items without Dual-Use Items and Technologies Export License

What are common reasons for qualification application failures?

According to 2025 first-half approval data, main rejection reasons include:

• Registered address mismatch with actual office location (38%)
• Inconsistency between customs filing and foreign exchange directory registration (29%)
• Electronic signature not certified by State Cryptography Administration (17% post new regulation)

Professional Advice:Recommended to delegate to agencies holding International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Certificate with AEO certification, which can simultaneously obtain Customs Advanced Certification Enterprise qualification (40% clearance efficiency improvement in 2025). Specific procedures should be customized based on enterprise export product categories, target market tariff policies and other individual factors.