What exactly is an export agent number? 10 key questions that foreign trade enterprises must know.

Export RepresentationWhat exactly is the number?

The export agent number (Customs Broker Code) is issued by the General Administration of Customs to enterprises with customs declaration qualifications.13-digit code, It consists of a 4-digit customs district code and a 9-digit organization code. Since the implementation of the General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 127 in 2019, this code has become an essential qualification credential for customs declaration enterprises to conduct business.

Why is it necessary to apply for this number separately?

According to current regulatory requirements, the export agent number serves three core functions:

• Identity Authentication: Verify the legal business qualifications of the customs declaration enterprise
• Liability tracing: Establish the correlation between customs declaration behavior and the specific handling personnel
• Data regulation: Achieve unified collection and analysis of national customs declaration data

How to verify the authenticity of an existing agent's ID number?

foreign tradeEnterprises can verify through the following two official channels:

• 中國國際貿易單一窗口（https://www.singlewindow.cn）
  • Enter the "Enterprise Qualification" query module
  • Please enter the enterprise name or unified social credit code.
• General Administration of Customs Official Website - Enterprise Information Publicity System

Is this number required for self-operated export?

According to the latest revised "Regulations on the Filing of Customs Declaration Entities" by the General Administration of Customs in 2024:

• Manufacturing enterprises: Self-filing does not require this number.
• trading companies：When entrusting an agent to handle customs declaration, it is mandatory to verify the other party's registration number.
• Cross-border E-commerce: Regardless of the customs clearance mode adopted, it is necessary to provide

How long is the validity period of the export agent number?

The number itself has no expiration date, but please note three possible scenarios that may render it invalid:

• The enterprise voluntarily cancels its customs declaration qualification.
• Annual customs audit failed.
• The enterprise had its qualification revoked due to major violations.

What materials are required to apply for an export agent number?

The applying enterprise shall prepare the following core documents:

• "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Information Form" (requires legal representative's signature and seal)
• Scanned copy of the business license
• Copy of the legal representative's identity document
• Document of Appointment for Customs Declaration Business Manager
• Proof of Right to Use Business Premises

How long does the entire application process take?

According to the latest customs clearance facilitation policy for 2025, the standard approval process is as follows:

• Material submission: 1 business day (electronic filing)
• Customs review: Completed within 3 business days.
• On-site verification: The sampling probability is approximately 15%.
• Issuance of Certificate: An electronic credential will be generated the next day upon approval.

What are the common misconceptions about the use of export agent numbers?

Based on our experience with over 200 corporate cases, special attention should be paid to:

• Misconception: Believing that "a group only needs one registration number" (in reality, each legal entity must apply separately).
• Operational Risk: Using Unregistered Agent Codes Across Customs Zones
• Legal Consequences: Lending out the registration number may result in a fine ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 yuan.

How to handle lost serial numbers or information changes?

Enterprises must complete the procedures within 30 days from the date of the change:

• Information Change: Apply online via the "China International Trade Single Window".
• Certificate Reissuance: Submit a written application to the customs at the place of registration.
• Emergency handling: The unified social credit code can be temporarily used as a substitute.

How to verify the authenticity of the number when selecting an agent?

It is recommended to make a comprehensive judgment based on three dimensions:

• System Verification: The aforementioned official inquiry channels
• Document Verification: Certified documents bearing the official seal are required.
• Historical Trace: Query the customs declaration records of this number for the past 3 years.