Can international freight forwarders handle customs declaration on behalf of exporters?

According to the latest 2025 "Administrative Regulations on International Freight Forwarding," forwarding companies must holdCustoms AEO certificationand?Import/export?customs declaration rights registrationto act as a customs declaration agent. In practice:

• Forwarders with self-operated import-export rights can act as declaration agents
  • A dual-headed customs declaration is required (Exporter + Forwarder)
  • Joint liability for customs declaration is assumed
• Forwarders without import-export rights must use:
  • Cooperation with a third-party customs broker
  • Entrusting a qualified trading company

5 Core Questions Customers Must Understand

• Question 1: Do I need to obtain export qualifications myself?

  Starting in 2025, using theMinistry of Commerce online filing system, a forwarder can assist with the application, but the exporter still needs to provide:

  • Business license with "import and export" in the scope of business
  • Customs Registration Certificate
• Question 2: How to verify a freight forwarder's export qualifications?

  Three-step verification method:

  • Check on the Ministry of Commerce official websiteInternational freight forwarder registration number
  • Inspect the business license?Ocean shipping?/?air freight?Require the provision of a tax payment certificate and a special VAT invoice.designation
  • Request to see theFIATA member certificate
• Question 3: What risk points are included in forwarder fees?

  Key 2025 considerations:

  • EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) pre-declaration fees
  • U.S. Customs ISF-5 filing surcharge
  • RCEP?Certificate of Origin?clear service fees

Key Points of Compliance Operations in 2025

According to the latest WCO guidelines, it is recommended that:

• Contract terms must be explicit

  Specify "Freight Forwarder" status, not "Exporter," to avoid seller's obligations

• Three-tier document review mechanism
  • Forwarder's initial review of commercial invoice/packing list
  • Customs broker's review of declaration elements
  • Final confirmation of HS code by the exporter
• Special Reminder for Tax Compliance

  ?Tax Refund?Documents must include:

  • Transport documents stamped by the freight forwarder
  • Bank's foreign exchange verification slip
  • Proof of customs clearance status from the electronic port

Real Case Warning Analysis

Case 1:A tech company in Shenzhen entrusted an unqualified forwarder, resulting in:

• Goods detained at Hong Kong terminal for 27 days
• Incurred USD 12,600 in demurrage fees
• Missed the RCEP tariff reduction period

Case 2:A machinery manufacturer in Suzhou chose an AEO forwarder:

• Achieved 72-hour customs clearance for China-Japan-South Korea
• Saved 14% on logistics costs
• Received priority inspection treatment from customs

Clarification of common misconceptions

• Myth 1: "A freight forwarder can handle all export procedures"

  Actual boundary: Foreign exchange collection?Foreign exchange settlement?/export tax rebates still need to be completed by the exporter

• Myth 2: "The larger the registered capital, the more reliable"

  Key indicator: Customs credit rating > registered capital

• Myth 3: "No need to supervise the forwarder under FOB terms"

  2025 new regulations require:

  
    
  必須獲取正本海運提單
    
  確認承運人實際控貨權
   
   

(Note: This article is based on the "Implementation Rules for the Administration of the International Freight Forwarding Industry" effective January 2025 and WCO Global Trade Security Standards. Please refer to the latest customs announcements for specific operations)