What is?Export Agency?Proof number? Why must it be filled out properly?

Export Agent Certificate NumberIt is an important identification code for customs supervision, consisting of a 12-character alphanumeric combination (e.g., DL2025BJ001A). According to the latest revision of the "?Import/export?"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:

• The customs declaration form was automatically rejected by the system.
• Impact?Tax Refund?Progress
• Demurrage charges will be incurred (averaging 500-2000 RMB per day).

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

Starting from January 1, 2025, customs has implemented three major adjustments:

• Upgrade of encoding rules: Added credit rating identifier for new proxy enterprises (the 9th letter).
• Verify system updates: The validity of the number can be verified in real time through the China International Trade Single Window.
• Format enforcement specification: Only uppercase letters and numbers in half-width format are allowed; spaces or special characters are prohibited.

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

• Step 1: Obtain valid numbers
  • Obtain through the "Customs Registration Receipt for Import and Export Goods Consignor" of the proxy company.
  • Starting from 2025, real-time status can be checked in the electronic port system.
• Step 2: Verify the coding structure
  • Standard format: 2 letters + 4-digit year + 2-digit customs district code + 3-digit serial number + 1 check digit
  • Example Analysis: DL2025BJ001A (DL = Agent Identifier, 2025 = Year, BJ = Beijing Customs District)
• Step 3: System Verification Entry
  • Use the online verification tool provided by the General Administration of Customs (service.customs.gov.cn/check).
  • Ensure the entry is completely consistent with the paper document.

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

According to customs statistics from 2023 to 2025, common error types include:

• Format error (accounting for 38%)
  • Error example: dl2025sh001a (letters not capitalized)
  • Solution: Switch to uppercase mode using the English input method.
• Information expired (accounting for 25%)
  • Error example: Using the old number of a deregistered proxy company.
  • Solution: Conduct quarterly verification of agency enterprise qualifications.

V. Key Points for Completion in Special Trade Situations

• ?Transit Trade?: The certificate numbers of both the domestic agent and the overseas agent must be filled in simultaneously.
• Multi-party agency: To be filled in by the customs declaration agency actually handling the procedures.
• Annual Agreement Amendment: The transition period between the old and new numbers must not exceed 30 calendar days.

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 events organized by local customs.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.