The General Administration of Customs has revised and promulgated the "Measures for the Credit Management of Enterprises Registered and Filed with the Customs of the People's Republic of China" (hereinafter referred to as the "Credit Measures"). The updated regulations introduce a series of new measures, including optimized enterprise credit ratings, the establishment of an error tolerance mechanism for businesses, and the creation of a system for repairing credit infringement records. These changes will take effect on April 1st.
Customs credit certification is a critical factor affecting the ease of customs clearance for foreign trade enterprises. Industry experts indicate that this revision addresses the concerns of foreign trade businesses regarding streamlined customs procedures. It is expected to further unleash trade momentum, enabling foreign trade enterprises to expand into markets more swiftly.
The credit rating system has been expanded and refined. The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program is a significant system advocated by the World Customs Organization and has a long history in international trade. Companies certified as AEO can enjoy facilitative measures such as priority handling, reduced inspection frequency, and optimized services, making the certification a "green pass" for cross-border trade.
With the deepening of the national credit system construction, the acceleration of AEO international mutual recognition cooperation, and the continuous improvement in the modernization of customs enterprise credit management, the existing provisions regarding enterprise credit ratings, certification procedures, management measures, and credit repair in the current customs credit management framework no longer meet the latest developmental requirements, necessitating revision and enhancement.
The newly revised Credit Measures expand and refine the classification of enterprise credit levels. Previously, customs enterprises were categorized into three credit tiers: Advanced Certification Enterprises (AEO enterprises), Regular Enterprises, and Dishonest Enterprises. The revised framework adjusts this to five categories: Advanced Certification Enterprises, Certified Enterprises, Regular Enterprises, Dishonest Enterprises, and Seriously Dishonest Enterprises. It specifies that both Advanced Certification Enterprises and Certified Enterprises constitute China's AEO enterprises.
The addition of the Certified Enterprise level within the AEO framework provides a more suitably tailored credit recognition pathway for enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized foreign trade businesses. It also facilitates better alignment with international rules, laying an institutional foundation for expanding mutual recognition cooperation and allowing more eligible Chinese companies to benefit from customs clearance facilitations in mutual recognition partner countries.
The high threshold and difficulty of obtaining "Advanced Certification" had previously been a significant barrier for many foreign trade enterprises, especially smaller ones. The expanded and refined credit rating system now offers them a more accessible and practical stepping stone. Upon becoming Certified Enterprises, these small and medium-sized foreign trade businesses can benefit from faster clearance speeds and lower inspection rates compared to regular enterprises, building a foundation for accumulating creditworthiness and eventually applying for Advanced Certification.
Currently, major trading partners such as the European Union, Russia, South Korea, and the United States generally have AEO systems comprising two to three tiers. This revision aligns with international practices by adding the Certified Enterprise category as part of China's AEO system, better meeting the needs of international customs mutual recognition cooperation.
Furthermore, the Credit Measures introduce a new "Seriously Dishonest Enterprise" category. This includes enterprises involved in serious illegal activities within the import-export sector that severely endanger public health and safety, seriously disrupt fair market competition or social order, or those who refuse to fulfill legal obligations, significantly undermining administrative authority. Enhanced penalties for this category are established, with close linkage to the national joint惩戒 mechanism.
Industry analysts believe that the expanded credit rating system enables more precise supervision through finer gradations. This reflects both support and empowerment for law-abiding enterprises and strengthens deterrence and constraints against illegal activities, contributing to a healthier and more orderly foreign trade business environment.
The credit repair mechanism has been accelerated and improved. Given the high standards and numerous requirements for AEO certification, minor, non-intentional, or occasional compliance issues can arise during daily operations, such as improper document storage or lax control of business premises.
Previously, AEO enterprises with such issues would be downgraded to Regular Enterprise status. Now, under the error tolerance mechanism defined in the Credit Measures, these enterprises can apply to customs for rectification without immediate downgrading. After reviewing the application, customs may grant a rectification period of up to one year. During this time, the enterprise's credit rating is temporarily maintained, but associated clearance facilitations are suspended. Upon successful rectification, all benefits are restored; failure to rectify adequately results in a downgrade.
The establishment of an error tolerance mechanism for enterprises is another highlight of the Credit Measures. It aims to provide AEO enterprises and dishonest enterprises with opportunities for correction based on practical operational realities, reducing unnecessary disruptions caused by minor, unintentional violations, and supporting stable business operations.
However, it is emphasized that error tolerance does not mean relaxing regulatory standards. Instead, it encourages self-correction, embodying a principle of trust and opportunity for compliant enterprises. The mechanism essentially establishes a dynamic balance between包容审慎 (inclusive and prudent supervision) and strict law enforcement, offering room for self-correction while adhering to regulatory red lines, reflecting a modern governance philosophy of measured enforcement and precise oversight.
Additionally, the revised Credit Measures dedicate a specific chapter to standardizing "Public Disclosure of Dishonest Information and Credit Repair." It classifies dishonest information scientifically into three categories: minor, general, and serious, setting different minimum and maximum public disclosure periods, and clarifying the conditions, required materials, time limits, and procedures for repair.
The credit repair system is a crucial component of the national social credit system. A unified, standardized,协同共享 (collaboratively shared), scientifically sound, and efficient credit repair system can better assist entities in efficiently and conveniently rebuilding their credit, further stimulating development vitality.
Notably, the new Credit Measures bring key supporting entities directly related to import-export activities, such as freight forwarders and logistics companies, fully under the scope of credit management. This move breaks the previous limitation where credit supervision only covered enterprises registered or filed with customs, upgrading supervision from single-point risk control to full-chain联防联控 (joint prevention and control), and extending credit oversight across the entire supply chain.
Some enterprises, while not directly registered or filed with customs, are integral nodes in the import-export process, involved in the entire cycle of cargo collection, transportation, and warehousing. By implementing information collection and disclosure, credit rating determinations, and applying differentiated management measures, a multi-dimensional credit profile can be established—from cargo owners to logistics providers, from ports to the entire chain. This enables precise identification of high-risk enterprises engaging in practices like "shell company swapping" or becoming "double-unreachable," thereby constructing a new信用-based (credit-based) customs监管机制 (supervision mechanism).
Faster clearance translates to a competitive edge. Benefiting from the trade便利化 (facilitation) afforded by the AEO "golden signboard," American Eagle Outfitters reported outstanding performance in the European consumer electronics market in 2025.
In trade with the European Union, by leveraging its AEO status, American Eagle Outfitters' cargo inspection rate at the Małaszewicze口岸 (port) in Poland was only 18.9% of that for regular enterprises, while logistics efficiency improved by 30%. This efficiency advantage directly translated into market competitiveness—over the past year, American Eagle Outfitters' market share in the European consumer electronics sector increased by 0.8 percentage points year-on-year.
The fertile ground for trade cultivated under the AEO system has enabled more enterprises to achieve success in global competition. Since signing the first mutual recognition agreement in 2012, China has established AEO mutual recognition agreements with 32 economies, covering 58 countries and regions. Both the number of agreements signed and the number of mutual recognition partners rank first globally.
Lower document review rates and cargo inspection rates mean a significantly reduced probability of goods being detained for inspection at ports, leading to faster clearance and more stable, efficient logistics supply chains. Additionally, priority inspection and clearance provide strong support for enterprises dealing with unexpected situations and seizing market opportunities.
Furthermore, AEO enterprises can enjoy over 40 incentive measures, including "green channels" and simplified procedures offered by various departments such as market regulation, taxation, and finance.
By the end of 2025, China had 6,876 AEO enterprises. Although they represent only about 1% of all enterprises with actual import-export records, they contributed nearly 40% of the national trade volume, acting as the main force in foreign trade.
Efforts will continue to intensify enterprise credit cultivation, supporting more诚信守法 (honest and law-abiding) enterprises in becoming AEOs and continuously enhancing the contribution of AEO enterprises to foreign trade. The focus for expanding credit cultivation will prioritize strategic emerging industries and future industries, identifying key foreign trade leaders, core supply chain enterprises, enterprises embodying new quality productivity, and specialized, sophisticated, distinctive, and innovative SMEs. Deepening cross-departmental credit information sharing, establishing and dynamically updating a key AEO cultivation enterprise database, and collaborating with local governments and industry associations to provide guidance and training will broaden the reach of AEO policies and expand the reserve of potential AEO enterprises.
Regarding diversifying enterprise credit cultivation methods, local customs authorities are encouraged to adapt measures to local conditions and specific enterprises, exploring innovative pilots such as group-based cultivation, supply chain-based cultivation, and regional joint cultivation, tailored to local industrial characteristics and enterprise development needs. This aims to provide more vivid, multi-dimensional, intuitive, and effective credit cultivation services.
Cultivating a cohort of high-quality AEO enterprises, compiling and publishing best practice case studies, promoting typical experiences, organizing site visits, and facilitating experience exchanges will create a multiplier effect where excellence promotes further excellence.
Concurrently, while intensifying cultivation efforts, it is crucial to strictly maintain certification quality. Ensuring the quality of AEO certification is paramount while assisting more enterprises in obtaining the AEO "golden signboard."