Export RepresentationWhat exactly is the code?

Export agency code (Customs Broker Code) is a13-digit numeric codeissued by the General Administration of Customs to enterprises with customs declaration qualifications, consisting of 4-digit customs district code + 9-digit organization code. This code became mandatory qualification credential for customs declaration enterprises after implementation of General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 127 in 2019.

Why is it necessary to apply for this code separately?

According to current regulatory requirements, the export agency number has three core functions:

• Identity Authentication: Verifying the legal operation qualifications of customs declaration enterprises
• Liability tracing: Establishing the association between customs declaration activities and specific handlers
• Data Supervision: Achieving unified collection and analysis of nationwide customs declaration data

How to verify the authenticity of an existing agency number?

foreign tradeEnterprises can verify through the following two official channels:

• 中國國際貿(mào)易單一窗口（https://www.singlewindow.cn）
  • Access the Enterprise Qualification query module
  • Enter the enterprise name or unified social credit code
• Customs General Administration official website enterprise information disclosure system

Is this number required for self-operated exports?

According to the latest 2024 revision of the Customs Declaration Unit Registration Management Regulations by the Customs General Administration:

• Manufacturing enterprises: Self-declaration does not require this number
• trading companies: Must verify the counterpartys number when entrusting agency declaration
• Cross-border E-commerce: Required regardless of the customs clearance mode adopted

What is the validity period of an export agency number?

The number itself has no expiration limit, but three possible invalidation scenarios should be noted:

• Enterprise voluntarily cancels customs declaration qualifications
• Failure to pass annual customs audit
• Enterprise has qualifications revoked due to major violations

What materials are needed to apply for an export agency number?

Applicant enterprises should prepare the following core documents:

• Customs Declaration Unit Registration Information Form (requires legal representatives signature and seal)
• Scanned copy of business license
• Copy of legal representatives ID document
• Appointment document of customs declaration business responsible person
• Proof of business premises usage rights

How long does the entire application process take?

According to the latest 2025 customs facilitation policy, the standard approval process is:

• Document submission: 1 working day (electronic declaration)
• Customs review: Completed within 3 working days
• On-site verification: Sampling probability approximately 15%
• Certificate issuance: Electronic credential generated the next day after approval

What are common misconceptions about export agency numbers?

Based on our experience with 200+ enterprise cases, special attention should be paid to:

• Misconception: Believing one group only needs one number (actually each legal entity must apply separately)
• Operational risk: Using unregistered agency numbers across customs districts
• Legal consequences: Lending numbers may face fines of 100,000-500,000 yuan

How to handle number loss or information changes?

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

• Information change: Apply online through the China International Trade Single Window
• Certificate reissuance: Submit a written application to the customs at the place of registration
• Emergency handling: Temporary replacement with the unified social credit code is allowed

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

It is recommended to make a comprehensive judgment from three dimensions:

• System verification: The aforementioned official query channels
• Document verification: Request qualification documents with official seals
• Historical traceability: Check the customs declaration records of the number for the past 3 years