Is it legal to export goods purchased through agents?

According to the latest implementation of the "Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China" in 2025 and international trade practices,Purchasing goods through formal agents for export is completely legal,but three core conditions must be met:

• Theagentmusthavelegitimatebusinessqualifications:Requiresverificationofbusinesslicense,brandauthorizationletter,Authorizationcertificatesandotherdocuments
• Thegoodsmustcomplywithexportcontrolregulations:Specialattentionshouldbepaidtodual-useitems,biomedicalproductsandotherspecialcommodities
• Completeandtraceabledocumentationchain:Includingcompletetradedocumentssuchaspurchasecontracts,VATinvoices,andlogisticsdocuments

What are the potential risks of exporting goods purchased through agents?

Typical cases published by the General Administration of Customs in 2023 show thatApproximately 37% of trade disputes involve agent procurement.Main risks include:

• Authorizationchainbreakagerisk
  • AcertainDuetoagentsforgingbrandauthorizationletters,resultinginentirecontainershipmentsbeingdetainedatdestinationports
  • Specialattentionshouldbepaidtothevalidityofsub-authorizationsandauthorizedgeographicalscope
• Intellectual property infringement risk
  • In2024,amongtheinfringinggoodsseizedbytheEuropeanUnion,61%camefromagentswhowerenotdirectlyauthorizedbythebrand.
  • RecommendconductingglobaltrademarksearchesthroughtheMadridSystem
• Risks of resale restriction clauses
  • Somebrandagencyagreementscontainregionalsalesrestrictionclauses
  • Carefullyreviewdistributionclausesincontracts(especiallyArticles9and12)

III.Detailed Compliance Operation Procedures (2025 Edition)

Based on our experience serving 300+enterprises,we recommend the following steps:

• QualificationVerificationStage
  • VerifyagentperformanceauthenticityviatheNationalEnterpriseCreditInformationPublicitySystem
  • Requirecompletebrandauthorizationchaindocuments(notarizationrequired)
• Confirm the metal composition test report (Needs to include ASTM/EN/JIS standard parameters)
  • Clearlydefineexportresponsibilityallocationclauses
  • Includequalitydisputeresolutionmechanisms(recommendchoosingCIETACarbitration)
• Export Declaration Stage
  • Ensurethatthecommercialinvoicestates"Procuredthroughauthorizedagents".
  • Preparecompletesupplychaindocumentation(Chinese-Englishbilingual)

Authoritative Answers to Common Questions

Q: Is original manufacturer export authorization required?

A: Two scenarios: ① Not required if agency agreement includes re-export rights ② Mandatory written permission from rights holder for patented products

Q: Can agents directly provide export documents?

A: Agents with import and export rights can issue it directly; otherwise,it must be completed through a foreign trade comprehensive service enterprise.It is recommended to choose a service provider that holds both the qualifications of a "pilot enterprise for foreign trade comprehensive services" and "AEO certification."

Q: Any special requirements for emerging markets?

A: Taking Southeast Asia as an example,the new ASEAN regulations in 2025 require that: ① Halal certified foods must provide authorization certificates for the production process; ② Electronic products must be accompanied by a quality commitment letter from the agent (which must be certified by the embassy or consulate).

(Note: The operational specifications described in this article are based on GACC Announcement No.68 effective January 2025.For specific cases,it is recommended to consult a professional trade compliance consultant)