What exactly is an import-export window agency?

Import & Export Window Agent refers to a professional service institution registered with the General Administration of Customs, which provides services for enterprises that do not have the qualification for independent import and export.Full-process Foreign Trade Agency Service. In accordance with the newly implemented "Measures for the Administration of Customs Agency Services" in 2025, such institutions must possess:

• CustomsAEOAdvanced certification qualifications
• Cross-border Payment Business License
• At least 5 certifiedcustoms clearancepersonnel
• Electronic port system integration capability

What specific content does the agency contain?

The services provided by professional window agencies can be divided into three major modules:

• Customs clearance services
  • HS Code Classification and Pre-Ruling Application
  • Preparation and declaration of customs declaration documents
  • Certificate of Origin (including RCEP and other Free Trade Agreements)
• Logistics coordination
  • Sea/Air Freight Booking and Space Management
  • Fund security control
  • Bonded Warehousing and Distribution
• Compliance support
  • Export control compliance review
  • Cross-border Tax Planning (including VAT Declaration)
  • Trade Barrier Response Plan

What is the difference between self-operated import and export and agency mode?

According to 2025 customs statistics, the proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises choosing agency services increased by 23% year-on-year, with the main differences reflected in:

• Qualification Requirements: For self-operation, import and export rights need to be applied for; for agency, qualifications can be directly borrowed.
• Cost of funding: The agency model can save initial investments such as deposits by approximately 40%
• Risk Bearing: Professional agencies can transfer the risk of fines caused by document errors
• Timeliness Guarantee: The average customs clearance speed of agency companies is 1.8 working days faster than that of self-operated ones.

What are the key points to note when choosing a window agent?

Based on the supplier evaluation system of Fortune Global 500 companies, it is recommended to focus on the following aspects:

• System connectivity capacity: Whether it supports real-time data exchange with the Customs Single Window and the Golden Tax Phase III system
• Emergency response case: Request to provide more than 3 successful cases of customs inspection exception handling
• Cost transparency: Be wary of "all-inclusive prices" that include hidden fees; legitimate agents should clearly break down the costs:
  • Basic Service Fee (per ticket)
  • Tax payment agency fee
  • Special service surcharges
• Area Coverage Network: Is there an in-house team at major ports (such as Shanghai Port, Shenzhen Qianhai)?

What are the policy benefits for agency services in 2025?

According to the "Trade Facilitation Implementation Plan" newly released by the Ministry of Commerce, agency enterprises can enjoy:

• Electronic License "One-Code Access" service reduces document preparation time by 60%
• The number of AEO mutual recognition countries has increased to 52,Customs clearanceThe inspection rate has been reduced to 3.2%
• The cross-border e-commerce B2B export pilot program has been expanded to all comprehensive bonded zones nationwide.
• Agent service fees are included in the scope of VAT additional deductions.

How to verify an agency companys authentic qualifications?

Recommended verification through these official channels:

• "Agent Enterprise Record-filing Inquiry System" on the website of the General Administration of Customs
• State Administration of Foreign Exchange "Directory of Enterprises for Trade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments"
• China Customs Brokers Association Star-rated Enterprise Certification Public Notice
• Electronic Port Enterprise IC Card Information Verification