I.Agency export,What is a certificate? Why is it called the "passport for foreign trade"?

The Agency Export Certificate (AEO, Authorized Economic Operator) is a legal document issued by customs-certified import/export enterprises when conducting agency business. Since the implementation of the 2025 revised Customs Credit Management Measures, this certificate has become indispensable in foreign trade agency services as acompliance document, with the following core features:

• Unified General Administration of Customs registration number, valid nationwide
• Including enterprise information of both the principal and the agent
• Clearly recording key data such as export time and amount of goods
• Forming a complete evidence chain with customs declaration forms and VAT invoices

In which scenarios must agency export certificates be used?

According to the latest foreign trade regulatory requirements in 2025, the following 3 situations must provide agency export certificates:

• Export tax refunddeclare: Important basis for tax authorities to verify agency relationships
• Foreign exchange verification and cancellation filing: Necessary document for banks to handle foreign exchange settlement
• Cross-border payment guarantee:International SettlementKey materials proving transaction authenticity

How to optimize tax refund processes through agency export certificates?

Professional foreign trade agency services can achieve30% reduction in tax refund cyclePractical effects:

• Compliance guarantee: Avoid tax refund delays caused by incomplete documents
  • In 2025, a cross-border e-commerce enterprise standardized declarations and reduced tax refund cycle from 90 days to 60 days
• Risk prevention: Effectively respond to sampling inspections by tax authorities
• Data matching: Ensure consistency among customs documents, invoices, and certificate information

How should small and medium foreign trade enterprises handle agency export certificates?

For SMEs with annual export volume below $5 million, the following operational solutions are recommended:

• Select agency service providers with AEO certification
• Establish electronic document management system
  • Use electronic certificate filing function of customs single window
• Conduct regular document compliance reviews

What are common misconceptions about agency export certificates?

Based on 200+ cases weve handled, we found 3 common misconceptions among enterprises:

• Misconception 1: "Self-export does not require an agency certificate" (In reality, it must be provided when third-party services are involved).
• Misconception 2: "Electronic certificates and paper versions have different legal effects" (By 2025, they will have achieved equal legal validity).
• Misconception 3: "Proof content can be filled in afterwards" (Customs requires real-time declaration).

How to choose reliable agency export service providers?

High-quality agencies should possess the following 4 core capabilities:

• Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification
• Professional customs clearance team and ERP system integration capability
• Industry-specific qualifications (e.g., medical devices require FDA filing)
• Insurance services providing full-process risk control