What isProof number?Why must it be filled out properly?

Export Agent Certificate NumberIt is an important identification code for customs supervision,composed of a 12-character combination of letters and numbers (for example: DL2025BJ001A).According to the latest amendment of the General Administration of Customs in 2025,"Specifications for Filling Out the Cargo Customs Declaration Form." This number must accurately reflect the filing information of the agency company.Improper completion will result in:

• Thecustomsdeclarationformwasautomaticallyrejectedbythesystem.
• ImpactProgress
• Demurragechargeswillbeincurred(averaging500-2000RMBperday).

II.What are the new changes to the export agency certificate number in 2025?

From January 1,2025,the customs has implemented three important adjustments:

• Upgradeofencodingrules:Addedcreditratingidentifierfornewproxyenterprises(the9thletter).
• Verifysystemupdates:ThevalidityofthenumbercanbeverifiedinrealtimethroughtheChinaInternationalTradeSingleWindow.
• Formatenforcementspecification:Onlyuppercaselettersandnumbersinhalf-widthformatareallowed;spacesorspecialcharactersareprohibited.

III.Five Steps to Correctly Fill Out the Export Agent Certificate Number

• Step1:Obtainvalidnumbers
  • Obtainthroughthe"CustomsRegistrationReceiptforImportandExportGoodsConsignor"oftheproxycompany.
  • From2025,youcancheckthereal-timestatusontheelectronicportsystem
• Step 2: Verify the coding structure
  • Standardformat:2letters+4-digityear+2-digitcustomsdistrictcode+3-digitserialnumber+1checkdigit
  • ExampleAnalysis:DL2025BJ001A(DL=AgentIdentifier,2025=Year,BJ=BeijingCustomsDistrict)
• Step 3: System Verification Entry
  • UsetheonlineverificationtoolprovidedbytheGeneralAdministrationofCustoms(service.customs.gov.cn/check).
  • Ensuretheentryiscompletelyconsistentwiththepaperdocument.

IV.High-Frequency Error Cases and Solutions in the Past Three Years

According to the customs statistics from 2023 to 2025,the common types of errors include:

• Formaterror(accountingfor38%)
  • Errorexample:dl2025sh001a(lettersnotcapitalized)
  • Solution:SwitchtouppercasemodeusingtheEnglishinputmethod.
• Information expired (accounting for 25%)
  • Errorexample:Usingtheoldnumberofaderegisteredproxycompany.
  • Solution:Conductquarterlyverificationofagencyenterprisequalifications.

V.Key Points for Completion in Special Trade Situations

• :Thecertificatenumbersofboththedomesticagentandtheoverseasagentmustbefilledinsimultaneously.
• Multi-partyagency:Tobefilledinbythecustomsdeclarationagencyactuallyhandlingtheprocedures.
• AnnualAgreementAmendment:Thetransitionperiodbetweentheoldandnewnumbersmustnotexceed30calendardays.

It is recommended that enterprises pay special attention to the requirements of the General Administration of Customs Announcement No.45 in 2025 and regularly participate in the training sessions organized by local customs authorities.Free application training(Reservations can be made through the 12360 Customs Hotline).For complex business scenarios,it is advisable to conduct prior tripartite communication with the local customs and professional customs brokers to avoid disruptions to the entire supply chain operation due to issues with proof number entries.