What 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 "Guide for Foreign Exchange Management of Commodity Trade" in 2025,when a production enterprise entrusts another company to export its products,it must obtain this certificate number.The 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:

• ForeignExchangeVerificationVoucher:Bankshandlereceiptbusiness
• Basis:Animportantmaterialforthetaxdepartmenttoreviewtaxrebates
• CustomsDeclarationElement:Agentinformationthatmustbefilledinonthecustomsdeclarationform

How to correctly apply for the Export Agent Certificate Number?

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

• Step1:SystemFiling
  • LogintotheDigitalForeignExchangeManagementPlatformoftheStateAdministrationofForeignExchange(SAFE.gov.cn)
  • Selectthe"GoodsTrade-AgencyBusinessRegistration"module.
• Step 2: Material Submission
  • Uploadascannedcopyoftheagencyagreementstampedbybothparties
  • Fillintheexpectedexportamountandtimerange
• Step 3: Obtain the Number
  • Thesystemautomaticallygeneratesan18-digitcode(e.g.:2025XXXXXXXXXXXXX)
  • Thevalidityperiodshallnotexceed90daysaftercustomsdeclarationforexport

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: Is this Certificate Number required?

A: According to the new regulations of 2025,B2B export businesses declared through cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones still need to be processed,but retail exports (B2C) can be replaced by platform transaction data.

Key points of policy changes in 2025

• NewlyaddedIntelligentVerificationFunction,automaticallychecktheconsistencyofthecreditcodesofbothpartiesintheagency
• Thedeclarationtimelimithasbeenshortenedfrombeforecustomsdeclarationto72hoursbeforeshipment
• Allowelectronicsignaturestoreplacetraditionalphysicalseals(CFCA-certifiedcertificatesarerequired)

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.