Export RepresentationWhat exactly is the Certificate Number?

The Entrusting Export Agent Certificate Number is an important filing number required by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China. According to the latest Guidelines for the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Goods Trade in 2025, when a manufacturing enterprise entrusts a company to act as an export agent, both parties need to generate this number through the Digital Foreign Exchange Management Platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to prove the legality of the agency relationship.foreign tradeThe company acts as an export agent, and both parties need to generate this number throughthe Digital Foreign Exchange Management Platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchangeto prove the legality of the agency relationship.

Why is it necessary to apply for the Export Agent Certificate Number?

This number has three core functions in foreign trade practice:

• Foreign Exchange Verification Voucher: Banks handle receiptIn order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.business based on this
• Export DrawbackBasis: An important material for the tax department to review tax rebates
• Customs Declaration Element: Agent information that must be filled in on the customs declaration form

How to correctly apply for the Export Agent Certificate Number?

The latest application process in 2025 is divided into three steps:

• Step 1: System Filing
  • Log in to the Digital Foreign Exchange Management Platform of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE.gov.cn)
  • Select the Goods Trade - Agency Business Registration module
• Step 2: Material Submission
  • Upload a scanned copy of the agency agreement stamped by both parties
  • Fill in the expected export amount and time range
• Step 3: Obtain the Number
  • The system automatically generates an 18 - digit code (e.g.: 2025XXXXXXXXXXXXX)
  • The validity period shall not exceed 90 days after customs declaration for export

Authoritative Answers to Common Questions

Q: What is the difference between the agency agreement number and the Export Agent Certificate Number?
A: The agency agreement number is an internal management number independently compiled by the enterprise, while the Export Agent Certificate Number is a legal number generated by the foreign exchange administration system. The two shall not be used interchangeably.

Q: What should be done if the numbers validity period expires?
A: If an extension is required due to special circumstances, an extension application shall be submitted through the original declaration channel within 10 working days before the expiration date, and supporting materials such as a customs non - release certificate shall be provided.

Q：Cross-border E-commerceIs this Certificate Number required?
A: According to the new regulations in 2025, B2B export businesses declared through cross - border e - commerce comprehensive pilot zones still need to handle it, but for retail exports (B2C), platform transaction data can be used as a substitute.

Key Points of Policy Changes in 2025

• Newly addedIntelligent Verification Function, automatically check the consistency of the credit codes of both parties in the agency
• The declaration time limit has been shortened from before customs declaration to72 hours before shipment
• Allowelectronic signaturesto replace traditional physical seals (CFCA - certified certificates are required)

Special Reminder: Recently, it has been found that some enterprises failed to generate the number due to not updating the system in a timely manner. It is recommended to log in to the foreign exchange management platform every month to check the validity of the enterprises digital certificate. In case of technical problems, you can callthe 12363 Foreign Exchange Service Hotlinefor consultation.