1. What are the basic requirements for applying for import and export agency rights?

Pursuant to the latest Foreign Trade Law of 2025, enterprises applying for import and export rights must meet the following basic conditions:

• Legally established business entity：有効な営業(yè)許可証を保有しており、かつ営業(yè)範囲に「貨物輸出入」または「技術輸出入」を含むこと。
• Registered capital requirements: General trading companies are advised to have a registered capital of no less than RMB 1 million (special industries are subject to separate regulations).
• Proof of Office Premises: Provide the property ownership certificate or lease agreement for the business premises (the registered address must match the actual operating address).
• Professional staffing: At least 1 holder通関full-time personnel holding an Inspector/Declarant Qualification Certificate

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

Starting January 2025, a nationwide electronic approval system for import and export rights will be implemented, with the specific process optimized as follows:

• Step 1: Filing for Foreign Trade Operator
  • Log in to the unified platform of the Ministry of Commerce to submit your electronic application.
  • Obtain the filing registration form within 3 working days
• Step 2: Registration of Customs Declaration Entity
  • 國際貿(mào)易「単一窓口」を通じて登録申請を提出する
  • Simultaneously apply for the E-Port IC card
• Step 3: Filing with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
  • Complete the income and expenditure enterprise registration on the SAFE Digital Service Platform

III. What common issues do SMEs typically encounter during the application process?

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

• Business scope mismatch：事前に工商部門で「輸出入業(yè)務」カテゴリを追加することをお勧めします
• Missing qualifications for customs declarers: Can be affiliated through an agency or participate in the General Administration of Customs certification training
• Non-standard electronic materials: Please note that the scanned copy of the business license must bear a color electronic seal.
• Cross-departmental data desynchronization：「企業(yè)コード」を使用して三証情報の自動紐付けを?qū)g現(xiàn)することを推奨します

4. What are the key policy changes to watch for in 2025?

This year’s management of import and export rights is marked by three major changes:

• Full-process electronicization: Cancel the submission of paper documents and implement electronic signature authentication
• Credit tiered management：A級信用企業(yè)は「秒承認」グリーンチャンネルをご利用いただけます
• Cross-regional handling: Permit the completion of certain filing procedures at a customs office other than the place of registration.

V. Is it more cost-effective to handle it yourself or to hire an agent?

Cost-benefit analysis recommendation:

• Self-operating cost: Approximately 15 working days, government fees: 800–1,200 RMB
• Agency Advantages：
  • A professional team can shorten the turnaround to 5–7 business days
  • Avoid delays in the process caused by common filing errors
  • Provide follow-up services for foreign trade documentation, tax rebates, and other related support.