--- title: "What Core Documents Are Required to Apply for Import and Export Agency Rights in 2026?" description: "Many small and medium-sized enterprises are not familiar with the latest 2026 policies，and face problems such as incomplete documents and process stagnation when applying for import and export agency rights，through the end-to-end service of professional agents，they can complete qualification application quickly，avoid compliance risks，and conduct cross-border trade legally.。" url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-11" dateModified: "2026-10-11" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 9 --- # What Core Documents Are Required to Apply for Import and Export Agency Rights in 2026? ## Question I am the owner of a cross-border e-commerce company established just six months ago, mainly exporting home goods to Europe. I recently received several large orders, but since we do not have import and export agency rights, we can only arrange shipment via third-party agents. This not only increases costs but also prevents us from directly controlling the title of goods. I tried to prepare documents and apply on my own last week, but was informed at the customs counter that 2026 has added a new requirement of "cross-border e-commerce entity qualification filing", and the lack of this document led to my application being rejected. Now there are only 15 days left until the order delivery date, I am so worried that I cannot sleep at night, afraid of delaying shipment and losing my clients. I want to know what the latest required documents are for applying for import and export agency rights now? Is the process very complicated? Is there an expedited channel to shorten the approval time? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer To apply for import and export agency rights in 2026，you need to follow the end-to-end process of "pre-filing - qualification application - system activation"，and the core is to ensure that your documents match the requirements of the latest policy. First，two newly added details need to be noted for pre-document review: First，cross-border e-commerce entities need to additionally provide the *Cross-border E-commerce Platform Store Operation Certificate* (screenshot of transaction records for the recent 3 months). Second，traditional trading enterprises need to submit an electronically signed version of the *Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators*，which requires digital authentication completed via the "Single Window". In terms of connection of key nodes，after submitting documents，you need to log in to the "Customs Enterprise Credit Management System" to complete real-name authentication within 3 working days，otherwise the application will be automatically suspended. If you encounter approval delays，you can submit the *Order Urgency Statement* (attached with customer contract and delivery date proof) via the "Expedited Approval Channel" on the Single Window. After approval，the approval cycle can be shortened from 7 working days to 3 working days. Contingency plans for exceptions should be prepared in advance: if the application is rejected due to missing documents，you should supplement and resubmit within 24 hours，to avoid exceeding the 10-day correction deadline (if exceeded，you need to restart the entire process). Final compliance requires activation of the "Electronic Port IC Card". Activation can be done on-site with the original ID card of the legal representative，or via remote face recognition activation through the "General Administration of Customs APP" (only available for Class A credit enterprises). **Special Reminder**: Starting from 2026，application for import and export agency rights requires simultaneous completion of "Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Directory" filing，otherwise foreign exchange settlement cannot be processed. In addition，newly registered enterprises can use the "Foreign Trade Agency Qualification Accelerated Package" service (a 300 RMB service fee is required)，a Customs-designated institution will assist with document pre-review，increasing the approval rate to over 95%. **status:** accepted **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 2 From the perspective of Customs valuation, when applying for import and export agency rights, you need to ensure that the "business scope" on the *Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators* is consistent with the actual imported and exported goods. If the business scope includes "general trade" but does not specify specific commodity categories, it may lead to "commodity code classification disputes" in subsequent customs declaration. For example, in 2026, a home furnishing enterprise only wrote "home goods" in its business scope, and was required by Customs to supplement the *Proof of Legal Source of Timber* when exporting wooden furniture, which delayed customs clearance. It is recommended to list the HS codes of main imported and exported goods in detail (at least 5 core codes) when applying, to avoid subsequent disputes. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 3 After obtaining import and export agency rights, you need to pay attention to the compliance of bill of lading endorsement for title control. Starting from 2026, Customs requires that all bills of lading for agency exports must display a dual header of "agent name + principal name", otherwise the pickup procedure cannot be processed. For example, when an enterprise exported via an agent, the bill of lading only displayed the principal's name, resulting in the inability to pick up the goods after arrival at the port, incurring a container detention fee of 80 USD per day. It is recommended to confirm the bill of lading endorsement format with the logistics provider when applying for agency rights, to ensure compliance with the latest requirements. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 4 Import and export agency rights are directly related to the VAT deferral policy. The 2026 EU VAT deferral policy requires that importing enterprises must hold valid import and export agency rights, otherwise they cannot apply for deferral. For example, an enterprise without agency rights needed to pay 20% VAT (about 50,000 RMB) in advance when importing goods, which tied up working capital. After obtaining agency rights, you can apply for VAT deferral via the Single Window, defer VAT payment to the sales stage, and ease capital pressure. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 5 Import and export agency rights are a prerequisite for compliance of cross-border foreign exchange receipts and payments. The 2026 requirement of CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System) states that enterprises must have import and export agency rights to open a direct payment channel. If no agency right is obtained, foreign exchange settlement must be done via a third-party agent, with a 0.5% increase in handling fees. For example, an enterprise with a monthly export volume of 1 million RMB pays an extra 5,000 RMB in handling fees per month due to lack of agency rights. It is recommended to open a CIPS account at the bank immediately after obtaining agency rights, to reduce foreign exchange settlement costs. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 6 From a legal perspective, the scope of authority of the entrustment agency must be clearly defined for import and export agency rights. The newly revised 2026 Foreign Trade Law requires that agency agreements must list clauses such as "title ownership" and "responsibility division". For example, an enterprise did not clearly define title ownership in its agency agreement, after the goods were damaged during transportation, the agent and the principal shifted blame to each other. It is recommended that the agency agreement be reviewed by legal personnel before applying for agency rights, to ensure clear clauses. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 7 After obtaining import and export agency rights, you need to present the electronic version of the *Customs Enterprise Registration Certificate* during on-site inspection. Starting from 2026, on-site customs inspection no longer accepts paper certificates, and the QR code of the electronic certificate must be presented via the Single Window. For example, an enterprise's goods were detained for 24 hours because it did not have the electronic certificate, incurring a port detention fee of 3,000 RMB. It is recommended to save a screenshot of the electronic certificate on your mobile phone, or download the "Customs Inspection Assistant" APP to access it at any time. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 8 Import and export agency rights are related to dangerous goods packaging compliance. Starting from 2026, if the business scope includes dangerous goods when applying for agency rights, you need to additionally provide the *Inspection Result List for Packaging Use of Dangerous Goods*. For example, a chemical enterprise's application was rejected because it did not provide this document, delaying its business development for 3 months. It is recommended to confirm whether dangerous goods are involved before applying, and complete the packaging inspection in advance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-10-11 ### Answer 9 Import and export agency rights are a necessary condition for export tax refund. The 2026 export tax refund policy requires that enterprises must have import and export agency rights to apply for tax refund. For example, when an enterprise exports via a third-party agent, it needs to provide the agency agreement and the tax refund certificate of the agent for tax refund, which is a complicated and time-consuming process. After obtaining agency rights, you can submit the tax refund application directly via the Single Window, shortening the processing time to 5 working days. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-11 ## 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 Core Documents Are Required to Apply for Import and Export Agency Rights in 2026?", "text": "I am the owner of a cross-border e-commerce company established just six months ago, mainly exporting home goods to Europe. I recently received several large orders, but since we do not have import and export agency rights, we can only arrange shipment via third-party agents. This not only increases costs but also prevents us from directly controlling the title of goods. I tried to prepare documents and apply on my own last week, but was informed at the customs counter that 2026 has added a new requirement of "cross-border e-commerce entity qualification filing", and the lack of this document led to my application being rejected. Now there are only 15 days left until the order delivery date, I am so worried that I cannot sleep at night, afraid of delaying shipment and losing my clients. I want to know what the latest required documents are for applying for import and export agency rights now? Is the process very complicated? Is there an expedited channel to shorten the approval time?", "answerCount": 9, "upvoteCount": 3, "datePublished": "2026-10-11T10:24:52Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-11T10:40:12Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "To apply for import and export agency rights in 2026，you need to follow the end-to-end process of "pre-filing - qualification application - system activation"，and the core is to ensure that your documents match the requirements of the latest policy. First，two newly added details need to be noted for pre-document review: First，cross-border e-commerce entities need to additionally provide the Cross-border E-commerce Platform Store Operation Certificate (screenshot of transaction records for the recent 3 months). Second，traditional trading enterprises need to submit an electronically signed version of the Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators ，which requires digital authentication completed via the "Single Window". In terms of connection of key nodes，after submitting documents，you need to log in to the "Customs Enterprise Credit Management System" to complete real-name authentication within 3 working days，otherwise the application will be automatically suspended. If you encounter approval delays，you can submit the Order Urgency Statement (attached with customer contract and delivery date proof) via the "Expedited Approval Channel" on the Single Window. After approval，the approval cycle can be shortened from 7 working days to 3 working days. Contingency plans for exceptions should be prepared in advance: if the application is rejected due to missing documents，you should supplement and resubmit within 24 hours，to avoid exceeding the 10-day correction deadline (if exceeded，you need to restart the entire process). Final compliance requires activation of the "Electronic Port IC Card". Activation can be done on-site with the original ID card of the legal representative，or via remote face recognition activation through the "General Administration of Customs APP" (only available for Class A credit enterprises). Special Reminder : Starting from 2026，application for import and export agency rights requires simultaneous completion of "Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Directory" filing，otherwise foreign exchange settlement cannot be processed. In addition，newly registered enterprises can use the "Foreign Trade Agency Qualification Accelerated Package" service (a 300 RMB service fee is required)，a Customs-designated institution will assist with document pre-review，increasing the approval rate to over 95%.", "upvoteCount": 3, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T12:58:29Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of Customs valuation, when applying for import and export agency rights, you need to ensure that the "business scope" on the Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operators is consistent with the actual imported and exported goods. If the business scope includes "general trade" but does not specify specific commodity categories, it may lead to "commodity code classification disputes" in subsequent customs declaration. For example, in 2026, a home furnishing enterprise only wrote "home goods" in its business scope, and was required by Customs to supplement the Proof of Legal Source of Timber when exporting wooden furniture, which delayed customs clearance. It is recommended to list the HS codes of main imported and exported goods in detail (at least 5 core codes) when applying, to avoid subsequent disputes.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T12:52:49Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After obtaining import and export agency rights, you need to pay attention to the compliance of bill of lading endorsement for title control. Starting from 2026, Customs requires that all bills of lading for agency exports must display a dual header of "agent name + principal name", otherwise the pickup procedure cannot be processed. For example, when an enterprise exported via an agent, the bill of lading only displayed the principal's name, resulting in the inability to pick up the goods after arrival at the port, incurring a container detention fee of 80 USD per day. It is recommended to confirm the bill of lading endorsement format with the logistics provider when applying for agency rights, to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T12:49:00Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Import and export agency rights are directly related to the VAT deferral policy. The 2026 EU VAT deferral policy requires that importing enterprises must hold valid import and export agency rights, otherwise they cannot apply for deferral. For example, an enterprise without agency rights needed to pay 20% VAT (about 50,000 RMB) in advance when importing goods, which tied up working capital. After obtaining agency rights, you can apply for VAT deferral via the Single Window, defer VAT payment to the sales stage, and ease capital pressure.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T11:56:06Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Import and export agency rights are a prerequisite for compliance of cross-border foreign exchange receipts and payments. The 2026 requirement of CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System) states that enterprises must have import and export agency rights to open a direct payment channel. If no agency right is obtained, foreign exchange settlement must be done via a third-party agent, with a 0.5% increase in handling fees. For example, an enterprise with a monthly export volume of 1 million RMB pays an extra 5,000 RMB in handling fees per month due to lack of agency rights. It is recommended to open a CIPS account at the bank immediately after obtaining agency rights, to reduce foreign exchange settlement costs.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T11:33:01Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From a legal perspective, the scope of authority of the entrustment agency must be clearly defined for import and export agency rights. The newly revised 2026 Foreign Trade Law requires that agency agreements must list clauses such as "title ownership" and "responsibility division". For example, an enterprise did not clearly define title ownership in its agency agreement, after the goods were damaged during transportation, the agent and the principal shifted blame to each other. It is recommended that the agency agreement be reviewed by legal personnel before applying for agency rights, to ensure clear clauses.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T11:09:13Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After obtaining import and export agency rights, you need to present the electronic version of the Customs Enterprise Registration Certificate during on-site inspection. Starting from 2026, on-site customs inspection no longer accepts paper certificates, and the QR code of the electronic certificate must be presented via the Single Window. For example, an enterprise's goods were detained for 24 hours because it did not have the electronic certificate, incurring a port detention fee of 3,000 RMB. It is recommended to save a screenshot of the electronic certificate on your mobile phone, or download the "Customs Inspection Assistant" APP to access it at any time.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T10:43:12Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Import and export agency rights are related to dangerous goods packaging compliance. Starting from 2026, if the business scope includes dangerous goods when applying for agency rights, you need to additionally provide the Inspection Result List for Packaging Use of Dangerous Goods . For example, a chemical enterprise's application was rejected because it did not provide this document, delaying its business development for 3 months. It is recommended to confirm whether dangerous goods are involved before applying, and complete the packaging inspection in advance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T10:41:54Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Import and export agency rights are a necessary condition for export tax refund. The 2026 export tax refund policy requires that enterprises must have import and export agency rights to apply for tax refund. For example, when an enterprise exports via a third-party agent, it needs to provide the agency agreement and the tax refund certificate of the agent for tax refund, which is a complicated and time-consuming process. After obtaining agency rights, you can submit the tax refund application directly via the Single Window, shortening the processing time to 5 working days.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/2026-import-export-agency-rights-required-materials.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-11T10:40:12Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } ] } }, { "@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 Core Documents Are Required to Apply for Import and Export Agency Rights in 2026?"} ] } ] ```