I. When exporting through an agency, can the customer look up the customs declaration on their own?

According to the General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 37 of 2025, under the export agency model, the authority to query customs declarations is divided into three scenarios:

• Electronically Authorized Filing EnterpriseYou can log in directly to the China International Trade Single Window (https://www.singlewindow.cn）、「企業通関申告書照會」モジュールを通じて、通関申告データ全體を確認できます。
• Enterprises that have not submitted electronic authorizationTo be provided:
  • Original export agreement signed with the agency
  • Power of Attorney stamped with the official seals of both parties
  • Pre-entry Customs Declaration Number

  Apply to the Customs Integrated Business Section for an inquiry

• Enterprises within special customs supervision areasThe inquiry must be conducted using an IC card for the Electronic Port System that is declared through an agency company (self-service inquiry is not yet supported in some regions).

II. How should discrepancies between the declared customs value and the actual transaction value be handled?

After the implementation of the 2025 revised Customs Audit Regulations, it is recommended to handle data discrepancies following the steps below:

• Step 1: Evidence Collection
  • Keep the original Proforma Invoice and Commercial Invoice
  • Obtain the Shipping Advice issued by the freight forwarder
  • Verify the expense statement provided by the agency (including a detailed breakdown of customs clearance service fees).
• Step 2: Variance Analysis
  • Exchange rate translation difference (±2% fluctuation allowed)
  • Differences in Freight/Premium Calculation Methods (FOB vs. CIF Quotation Conversion)
  • Price adjustments due to commodity classification
• Step 3: Dispute Resolution
  • Submit a written objection to the agency within 15 working days
  • Apply for mediation through the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
  • For amounts exceeding USD 50,000, you may apply to Customs to initiate the price challenge procedure.

III. Why can’t the customs declaration for export under agency be found in the Single Window?

According to 2025 customs statistics, roughly 12% of export agency companies have encountered query anomalies, with the main reasons including:

• Data synchronization delay: Cross-border land transport declaration data may be delayed by up to 72 hours (ocean freight is usually synchronized within 24 hours)
• Differences in Filing Modes：「二段階申告」を採用する貨物は、完全申告を完了した後でなければ照會できません
• Permission configuration issue：一部の代理會社は「経営単位」の照會権限を制限しています
• System integration exception: Enterprises in bonded areas/comprehensive bonded zones must query through the local e-port platform

IV. How can you verify whether the agency is filing the declarations truthfully?

It is recommended to adopt a triple-verification method to ensure the authenticity of the declarations:

• Bank receipt verification: Require the agency to provide the foreign-exchange receipt and compare its amount with that on the customs declaration.
• Tax Refund Form Verification: Verify the invoice code through the VAT Invoice Verification Platform of the State Taxation Administration
• Third-party verification service: Use customs-certified third-party data service providers (such as COSCO Shipping’s EDI data verification services)

V. What are the new changes in the 2025 customs declaration inquiry?

Special attention must be paid in accordance with the latest policy adjustments:

• Enhanced Electronic Signature: Customs declaration inquiries must now be verified against the electronic signature of the authorized agency (the original paper power of attorney has been discontinued).
• RCEP-specific Inquiry: For exports involving ASEAN countries, please refer to the filed information on the origin declaration.
• Data Security Restrictions: Customs declarations for shipments valued over USD 500,000 require security certification before the PDF version can be downloaded
• Green Channel Service: AEO Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) advanced-certified enterprises enjoy 7×24 real-time data query access