I.Export RepresentationWhat industry classification does it belong to?

According toChina National Economic Industry Classification (GB/T 4754-2025)Latest standards clearly classify export agency business under:

• Major category: Wholesale and retail trade (Category F)
• Medium category: Trade brokerage and agency (Code 518)
• Sub-category: Goodsimport and exportAgency services (Code 5183)

In practice, export agency enterprises also need to be involved inTransportation, storage and postal services (Category G)for logistics services, as well asLeasing and business services (Category L)for business consulting services, forming a cross-industry comprehensive service system.

II. What are the core services of export agency?

Professional export agency institutions provide services withfull-chain coveragecharacteristics, mainly including:

• Trade compliance services
  • HS code classification and compliance review
  • Export license application
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Customs clearance
• Logistics customs clearance services
  • Full-process customs declaration and inspection operations
  • Transportation mode optimization combination
  • Special transportation handling for dangerous goods
• Financial supporting services
  • Export DrawbackAgency
  • Trade financing solution design
  • Foreign exchange risk management

How is the legal status of export agents defined?

According to the relevant provisions of theforeign tradeArticle 37 of the Foreign Trade Law (2025 Revised Edition) stipulates:

Enterprises engaged in import and export agency business shall obtain foreign trade operator registration and undertake corresponding customs declaration and tax payment obligations,. This means legitimate export agents must possess:

• Customs AEO certification qualification
• (Enterprises of category B and above are in normal status)
• Electronic port operation authority
• Trade compliance management system certification

Notably, the newly implemented in 2025Cross-border Trade Service Liability Identification Measures,explicitly require agency enterprises to purchase professional liability insurance with single coverage no less than 2 million RMB.

What are the development trends in the export agency industry?

According to the World Customs Organizations 2025 annual report, the industry is showing three major transformation directions:

• Digital transformation
  • Blockchain customs clearance system application
  • AI intelligent classification system
  • Digital twin warehouse management
• Compliance specialization
  • ESG supply chain auditing
  • Carbon tariff declaration services
  • Anti-money laundering compliance review
• Service integration
  • Customs + tax + legal integration
  • Overseas warehouse and customs clearance agent linkage
  • Cross-border E-commerceIntegration with traditional trade services

How to choose a compliant export agency service provider?

It is recommended that enterprises screen from four dimensions:

• Qualification review: Verify customs registration number and original AEO certification certificate
• Industry compatibility: Prioritize agents with over 3 years of experience in handling similar products
• Service network: Confirm the presence of localized service teams in target markets
• Risk Control: Request complete liability insurance documents and emergency plans

According to International Trade Centre 2025 research data, choosing professional agents can help enterprisesImprove customs clearance efficiency by 40%,Reduce compliance costs by 25%, especially showing significant advantages when dealing with new free trade agreement rules like RCEP and CPTPP.