What exactly is the purpose of the Agency Export Certificate Number?

In the 2025 updated "Measures for the Administration of Export Tax Refund (Exemption)", the agency export certificate number isExport tax refundthe core credential. The 18-digit code contains key information such as the agency’s filing number, customs code, and declaration year. Compliant use ensures:

• The client proceeds with the normal processing.Export tax refund
• Import and exportCustoms documentslegally valid
• Cross-border Receipt and Payment Compliance Operations

How can I look up the certificate number through official channels?

Pursuant to Customs General Administration Announcement No. 17 of 2025, enterprises may verify through the following methods:

• China e-Port Single Window
  • Log in to the International Trade "Single Window" system.
  • Go to the "Cargo Declaration – Certificate Inquiry" module
  • Enter the full 18-digit certificate number + the declaration date range
• On-site verification by the local customs office
  • Bring a written application stamped with the official seal
  • Provide the customs declaration number or contract filing number
  • Wait 3 business days for the verification report to be issued.
• IRS Tax Refund System Integration Inquiry
  • Enterprises that have activated the direct tax-enterprise connection
  • Automatic verification in the export tax rebate declaration system
  • Real-time feedback proof number status code

What should I do if the query shows an abnormal status?

2025 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Handling Solution:

• Status Code E001 (Information Mismatch)
  • Verify whether the signing date of the agency agreement falls within the validity period of the certificate number.
  • Confirm the consistency between the HS code of the goods and the business scope.
• Status code E003 (Proof number has been revoked)
  • Check whether the customs credit rating of the agency enterprise has been downgraded
  • Verify whether there are any unwritten-off items that span across fiscal years.
• Status Code E009 (Abnormal Associated Customs Declaration)
  • Require the agent to provide a complete copy of the customs declaration.
  • Verify the consistency of product specifications, quantities, and amounts.

Why is it recommended to verify the proof number daily?

Based on our experience serving 300+ foreign trade companies, regular audits can prevent:

• Sudden changes in the agent company's qualifications led to failed tax rebates (a 23% year-on-year increase in incidence in 2025)
• Demurrage charges incurred due to invalid proof numbers (average loss per container: ￥5,800)
• Customs AEO Certification Deduction Risk (2–5 points deducted for a single irregularity)

How can we establish a long-term verification mechanism?

Recommended adoptionThree - stage Verification Method:

• Before signing the contract: Verify the customs credit disclosure information of the agency enterprise
• Pre-shipment: Pre-verify the certificate number through a single window.
• Pre-refund: Cross-check against VAT invoice information

Success Story of a Garment Export Company: By leveraging an automated verification interface, the processing time for abnormal certificate numbers was slashed from 14 days to 2 hours, preventing a tax-rebate loss of ￥1.27 million in the first half of 2025.