I. I. What basic conditions are required to apply for the right to act as an agent for import and export?

According to the latest Foreign Trade Law in 2025, enterprises applying for import and export rights need to meet the following basic conditions:

• Legal business entityPossess a valid business license with the scope of business including "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technologies."
• Registered capital requirementsFor general trading companies, it is recommended that the registered capital is not less than 1 million RMB (there are other regulations for special industries).
• Proof of Office PremisesProvide the property ownership certificate or lease contract of the business premises (the registered address must be the same as the actual business address).
• Professional staff allocation: At least 1 person holdscustoms clearanceFull - time staff with the qualification certificate of customs declarant/inspector

II. What steps are included in the latest application process in 2025?

Since January 2025, the electronic approval system for import and export rights has been implemented nationwide. The specific process has been optimized as follows:

• Step 1: Record-filing for Foreign Trade Operators
  • Log in to the unified platform of the Ministry of Commerce and submit an electronic application
  • Obtain the record-filing registration form within 3 working days
• Step 2: Registration of Customs Declaration Entities
  • Submit the registration application through the "Single Window" for international trade.
  • Handle the Electronic Port IC card simultaneously
• Step 3: Filing with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
  • Complete the registration of revenue and expenditure enterprises on the Digital Service Platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange

III. What common problems will small and medium - sized enterprises encounter when applying?

Based on 20 years of agency service experience, we have found that enterprises often encounter the following problems:

• The business scope does not matchIt is recommended to add the "import and export business" category in advance with the industrial and commercial department.
• Lack of qualifications for customs declaration personnelIt can be affiliated through an agency company or participate in the certification training of the General Administration of Customs.
• The electronic materials are not standardized.Special attention: The scanned copy of the business license should be stamped with a colored electronic seal.
• Cross - departmental data is not synchronizedIt is recommended to use the "Enterprise Code" to automatically link the three-certificate information.

IV. What important policy changes in 2025 need to be noted?

This year, the management of import and export rights mainly presents three major changes:

• Full - process electronizationCancel the submission of paper materials and implement electronic signature authentication.
• Credit Classification ManagementGrade A credit enterprises can enjoy the "instant approval" green channel.
• Inter - regional handlingIt is allowed to handle some filing procedures at customs offices other than the registered location.

V. Which is more cost - effective, handling it by oneself or entrusting an agent?

Suggestions from cost - benefit analysis:

• Self - handling costIt takes about 15 working days, and the government fees are 800 - 1200 yuan.
• Agent Advantages:
  • The professional team can shorten it to 5 - 7 working days
  • Avoid process delays caused by common declaration errors
  • Provide follow - up supporting services such as foreign trade documents and tax rebates