--- title: "What Qualification Requirements Do Enterprises Need to Entrust Import and Export Agents in 2026?" description: "Many enterprises face port detention or customs seizure risks when entrusting import and export agents for the first time due to unclear understanding of qualification requirements and incomplete document preparation. Core conditions including enterprises' own qualifications，agency capabilities and document compliance shall be clarified in 2026. Zhongshen helps enterprises realize compliant operation and cut customs clearance costs and risks through pre-audit and node connection contingency plan..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-09-14" dateModified: "2026-09-14" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What Qualification Requirements Do Enterprises Need to Entrust Import and Export Agents in 2026? ## Question I am the person in charge of a cross-border e-commerce enterprise established only half a year ago, mainly engaged in the import of beauty products from Japan and South Korea. Recently, a batch of beauty products worth 500,000 CNY will be shipped from Incheon Port to Shanghai Port, but we do not have self-operated import and export rights, so we intend to seek support from an agency. However, I have no idea about the conditions for entrusting an import and export agent -- does our enterprise need to apply for certain qualifications first, or can the agency handle all procedures on our behalf? I heard from friends previously that some enterprises encountered cargo detention at ports because they failed to meet agency requirements, with daily container detention fees reaching thousands of yuan, and I am extremely worried about such situations. In addition, are there any new policy requirements in 2026, such as special qualifications for cross-border e-commerce agencies? I hope to get a clear picture of the materials we need to prepare and the necessary capabilities of the agency to avoid potential risks. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer Enterprises entrusting import and export agents shall clarify conditions from three dimensions: their own qualifications，agency requirements and document compliance. First，the basic conditions required for enterprises themselves include: cross-border e-commerce enterprises shall hold a valid Record-filing Certificate of Cross-border E-commerce Business Entity，general trade enterprises shall complete customs consignor and consignee record filing and obtain the electronic port IC card. Second，core capabilities shall be inspected when selecting an agency: first，it shall hold the **Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification** (customs clearance efficiency for AEO agencies will be improved by 30% by the customs in 2026)，second，it has an independent logistics and customs declaration team to realize seamless connection between document review and customs clearance operation，third，it has established an exception contingency mechanism，which can quickly provide price basis in case of customs valuation disputes. Attention shall be paid to the document preparation link: for import business，the certificate of origin，packing list，invoice，contract and quarantine certificates for special commodities (such as the Import Record Certificate of Non-special Purpose Cosmetics for beauty products) shall be prepared in advance，for export business，the information on the customs declaration form shall be consistent with that on the bill of lading to avoid form deletion and re-declaration. New requirements added in 2026: cross-border e-commerce agencies shall access the Cross-border E-commerce Customs Clearance Service Platform of the General Administration of Customs to realize automatic comparison of three documents (order，waybill and payment slip). In addition，the agency shall provide **VAT deferral service** to help enterprises reduce capital occupation. Enterprises shall sign detailed agreements with the agency to clarify the ownership of goods and the scope of risk bearing，so as to ensure compliant implementation. **status:** accepted **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 2 From the perspective of customs declaration, the entrusted agency shall hold the Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate and have no abnormal records in the integrated customs clearance system. Enterprises shall provide authentic and valid trade contracts and invoices to avoid valuation disputes caused by false price declaration. In 2026, the customs will implement dual verification of "valuation + classification" for imported beauty products, and the agency shall be able to provide transaction price certificates of similar commodities in the past 3 months to cope with valuation challenges. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 3 At the logistics level, the agency shall have stable shipping space resources and cargo right control capabilities. For fragile goods such as beauty products, the agency shall choose direct shipping schemes to reduce transit risks, and clarify negotiation clauses for container detention fees and free storage period. In 2026, the free storage period for cross-border e-commerce goods at Shanghai Port will be extended to 7 days, but the agency shall file in the shipping company system in advance, otherwise the policy cannot be enjoyed. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 4 In terms of taxation, enterprises shall confirm whether the agency can provide VAT deferral services. In 2026, Shanghai will pilot the policy of "import VAT deferred to sales link payment", and the agency shall have tax planning qualifications to help enterprises reduce capital occupation. In addition, the agency shall be able to handle cross-border exchange difference optimization, and realize RMB cross-border payment through the CIPS system to reduce exchange rate fluctuation risks. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 5 In terms of foreign exchange receipt and payment compliance, the agency shall be familiar with SWIFT message and CIPS system operations. Enterprises shall provide authentic trade background materials to avoid foreign exchange supervision caused by inconsistency between receipt/payment amount and customs declaration amount. In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange requires agencies to conduct pre-filing for each single receipt or payment exceeding 100,000 US dollars, and the agency shall assist enterprises to complete the filing process in advance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 6 At the legal level, enterprises shall sign a clear entrustment agreement with the agency to specify the cargo right transfer node and force majeure clauses. For goods with intellectual property risks such as beauty products, the agency shall assist in handling customs intellectual property record filing to avoid customs seizure due to infringement. In the newly revised Incoterms 2026, under CIF terms, the agency shall bear the risks before the goods cross the ship's rail, and enterprises shall clarify the division of responsibilities in the agreement. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 7 In the on-site inspection link, the agency shall have rapid response capability. If the goods are selected for inspection by the customs, the agency shall provide the detailed packing list and original certificate of origin within 24 hours. In 2026, Shanghai Port will implement the "X-ray inspection priority" policy, and the agency shall ensure that the cargo packaging meets X-ray inspection requirements, so as to avoid manual container unloading caused by blurred packaging which will prolong inspection time. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 8 In terms of packaging, beauty products are fragile goods, and the agency shall provide buffer packaging solutions that meet UN standards. If the goods contain liquids, an MSDS report shall be provided and leak-proof packaging shall be used. In 2026, the customs has stricter requirements on packaging labels for imported beauty products, and the agency shall assist enterprises to mark Chinese ingredient lists and import record numbers on the packaging to avoid customs seizure due to incomplete labels. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 9 If export business is involved, the agency shall have export tax refund qualification. Enterprises shall provide authentic purchase invoices and customs declaration forms to ensure "four-stream consistency" (contract, invoice, logistics, capital flow). In 2026, the export tax refund review cycle will be shortened to 3 working days, but the agency shall complete document pre-declaration verification in advance to avoid tax refund delay caused by data errors. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-09-14 ### Answer 10 At the supply chain level, the agency shall be able to optimize logistics routes. For the import of Japanese and South Korean beauty products, the agency can choose the direct shipping scheme from Incheon Port to Shanghai Port to reduce transit time. In 2026, cross-border e-commerce logistics costs will rise by 5%, and the agency shall cut freight costs through bulk booking and provide inventory linkage strategies to help enterprises reduce inventory overstock risks. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-09-14 ## Related Categories - [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/) - [Export Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-agency/) - [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/) - [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/) - [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/) - [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/) - [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/) ## Related Resources - [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/) - [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/) - [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/) - [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/) - [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/) ## Structured Data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage":"en", "isPartOf": { "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#website" }, "publisher":{ "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#organization" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "What Qualification Requirements Do Enterprises Need to Entrust Import and Export Agents in 2026?", "text": "I am the person in charge of a cross-border e-commerce enterprise established only half a year ago, mainly engaged in the import of beauty products from Japan and South Korea. Recently, a batch of beauty products worth 500,000 CNY will be shipped from Incheon Port to Shanghai Port, but we do not have self-operated import and export rights, so we intend to seek support from an agency. However, I have no idea about the conditions for entrusting an import and export agent -- does our enterprise need to apply for certain qualifications first, or can the agency handle all procedures on our behalf? I heard from friends previously that some enterprises encountered cargo detention at ports because they failed to meet agency requirements, with daily container detention fees reaching thousands of yuan, and I am extremely worried about such situations. In addition, are there any new policy requirements in 2026, such as special qualifications for cross-border e-commerce agencies? I hope to get a clear picture of the materials we need to prepare and the necessary capabilities of the agency to avoid potential risks.", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 7, "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:00:58Z", "dateModified": "2026-09-14T12:01:41Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Enterprises entrusting import and export agents shall clarify conditions from three dimensions: their own qualifications，agency requirements and document compliance. First，the basic conditions required for enterprises themselves include: cross-border e-commerce enterprises shall hold a valid Record-filing Certificate of Cross-border E-commerce Business Entity，general trade enterprises shall complete customs consignor and consignee record filing and obtain the electronic port IC card. Second，core capabilities shall be inspected when selecting an agency: first，it shall hold the Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification (customs clearance efficiency for AEO agencies will be improved by 30% by the customs in 2026)，second，it has an independent logistics and customs declaration team to realize seamless connection between document review and customs clearance operation，third，it has established an exception contingency mechanism，which can quickly provide price basis in case of customs valuation disputes. Attention shall be paid to the document preparation link: for import business，the certificate of origin，packing list，invoice，contract and quarantine certificates for special commodities (such as the Import Record Certificate of Non-special Purpose Cosmetics for beauty products) shall be prepared in advance，for export business，the information on the customs declaration form shall be consistent with that on the bill of lading to avoid form deletion and re-declaration. New requirements added in 2026: cross-border e-commerce agencies shall access the Cross-border E-commerce Customs Clearance Service Platform of the General Administration of Customs to realize automatic comparison of three documents (order，waybill and payment slip). In addition，the agency shall provide VAT deferral service to help enterprises reduce capital occupation. Enterprises shall sign detailed agreements with the agency to clarify the ownership of goods and the scope of risk bearing，so as to ensure compliant implementation.", "upvoteCount": 7, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:21:24Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of customs declaration, the entrusted agency shall hold the Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate and have no abnormal records in the integrated customs clearance system. Enterprises shall provide authentic and valid trade contracts and invoices to avoid valuation disputes caused by false price declaration. In 2026, the customs will implement dual verification of "valuation + classification" for imported beauty products, and the agency shall be able to provide transaction price certificates of similar commodities in the past 3 months to cope with valuation challenges.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:20:06Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At the logistics level, the agency shall have stable shipping space resources and cargo right control capabilities. For fragile goods such as beauty products, the agency shall choose direct shipping schemes to reduce transit risks, and clarify negotiation clauses for container detention fees and free storage period. In 2026, the free storage period for cross-border e-commerce goods at Shanghai Port will be extended to 7 days, but the agency shall file in the shipping company system in advance, otherwise the policy cannot be enjoyed.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:18:38Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In terms of taxation, enterprises shall confirm whether the agency can provide VAT deferral services. In 2026, Shanghai will pilot the policy of "import VAT deferred to sales link payment", and the agency shall have tax planning qualifications to help enterprises reduce capital occupation. In addition, the agency shall be able to handle cross-border exchange difference optimization, and realize RMB cross-border payment through the CIPS system to reduce exchange rate fluctuation risks.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:17:02Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In terms of foreign exchange receipt and payment compliance, the agency shall be familiar with SWIFT message and CIPS system operations. Enterprises shall provide authentic trade background materials to avoid foreign exchange supervision caused by inconsistency between receipt/payment amount and customs declaration amount. In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange requires agencies to conduct pre-filing for each single receipt or payment exceeding 100,000 US dollars, and the agency shall assist enterprises to complete the filing process in advance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:14:53Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At the legal level, enterprises shall sign a clear entrustment agreement with the agency to specify the cargo right transfer node and force majeure clauses. For goods with intellectual property risks such as beauty products, the agency shall assist in handling customs intellectual property record filing to avoid customs seizure due to infringement. In the newly revised Incoterms 2026, under CIF terms, the agency shall bear the risks before the goods cross the ship's rail, and enterprises shall clarify the division of responsibilities in the agreement.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:12:55Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the on-site inspection link, the agency shall have rapid response capability. If the goods are selected for inspection by the customs, the agency shall provide the detailed packing list and original certificate of origin within 24 hours. In 2026, Shanghai Port will implement the "X-ray inspection priority" policy, and the agency shall ensure that the cargo packaging meets X-ray inspection requirements, so as to avoid manual container unloading caused by blurred packaging which will prolong inspection time.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:05:08Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In terms of packaging, beauty products are fragile goods, and the agency shall provide buffer packaging solutions that meet UN standards. If the goods contain liquids, an MSDS report shall be provided and leak-proof packaging shall be used. In 2026, the customs has stricter requirements on packaging labels for imported beauty products, and the agency shall assist enterprises to mark Chinese ingredient lists and import record numbers on the packaging to avoid customs seizure due to incomplete labels.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:02:20Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If export business is involved, the agency shall have export tax refund qualification. Enterprises shall provide authentic purchase invoices and customs declaration forms to ensure "four-stream consistency" (contract, invoice, logistics, capital flow). In 2026, the export tax refund review cycle will be shortened to 3 working days, but the agency shall complete document pre-declaration verification in advance to avoid tax refund delay caused by data errors.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:02:15Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At the supply chain level, the agency shall be able to optimize logistics routes. For the import of Japanese and South Korean beauty products, the agency can choose the direct shipping scheme from Incheon Port to Shanghai Port to reduce transit time. In 2026, cross-border e-commerce logistics costs will rise by 5%, and the agency shall cut freight costs through bulk booking and provide inventory linkage strategies to help enterprises reduce inventory overstock risks.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-enterprise-import-export-agent-qualification-requirements-3bel1l.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-09-14T12:01:41Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "General Trade Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What Qualification Requirements Do Enterprises Need to Entrust Import and Export Agents in 2026?"} ] } ] ```