Home»Logistics» Can International Freight Forwarding Companies Export Goods Directly? 2025 Latest Interpretation
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
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" New regulations for 2025 require: Original bills of lading must be obtained to confirm that the carrier has actual control over the goods.