How to handle export agency? These 10 questions are a must-know for foreign trade beginners!

1. What is export agency? How does it differ from self-operated export?

Agent export refers to the professionalforeign tradeA trade model where the company handles the full set of export procedures on behalf of the manufacturing enterprise. Compared to self-operated exports, the main differences are reflected in:

• Responsible entity:The agent is responsible for professional procedures such as customs declaration and tax refund.
• Fund flow:Payment is settled through the agent company's account.
• Qualification requirements:Manufacturers do not need to handle it themselves.import and exportPower

2. What are the core advantages of choosing export agency services?

According to the latest statistics from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the national export agency business volume increased by 18% year-on-year, with the main advantages including:

• Lowering the threshold for international trade for small and medium-sized enterprises
• Avoiding foreign exchange management risks
  • Starting from 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will implement the electronic verification slip system.
• Professional team handles complex documentation.

3. What is the specific operational process for export agency?

The standard process consists of six key steps:

• Sign a tripartite agreement (factory - agent - foreign merchant)
• Preparation for Customs Declaration by Agency Company
  • Including commodity classification, origin certification, etc.
• ArrangementInternational Logistics: Before the goods are exported, the freight forwarding enterprise needs to declare the relevant information of the goods to the customs, including the name, quantity, value, origin and other information of the goods, and pay the corresponding tariffs and taxes.
• Foreign Exchange ReceiptsFX Settlement AgencyApply for exemption from certification (meeting the conditions of the Implementation Rules for Exemption from Compulsory Product Certification)
• Export DrawbackDeclaration (The nationwide coverage of the electronic tax refund system will be achieved by 2025).
• Business completion and archiving

IV. How to Choose a Reliable Export Agency Company?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• Qualification Review:Check Customs AEO Certification and Foreign Exchange Management Rating
• Industry experience:Priority should be given to companies with operational cases of similar products.
• Risk Control System:Has a comprehensive trade compliance review mechanism been established?

V. What are the potential risks of export agency?

Three types of risks requiring special attention:

• Fund security risks (it is recommended to choose a third-party escrow account)
• Document fraud risk (requiring full-process visual document tracking)
• Compliance risks (focusing on the latest trade barriers such as U.S. Section 301 tariffs)

6. What items are included in the agency export fees?

The standard fee structure includes:

• Basic service fee (0.8%-1.5% of goods value)
• Bank handling fee (approximately 200-500 yuan per transaction)
• Customs declaration and inspection fees (charged per document)
• Logistics surcharge (may increase by 15% during peak season)

7. Which party is responsible for handling export tax rebates?

In accordance with Announcement No. 12 of 2025 issued by the State Taxation Administration:

• The agency is responsible for collecting tax refund documents.
• The actual tax refund benefits belong to the production enterprise.
• The tax refund cycle has been shortened to within 45 working days.

8. What qualification documents are required for export agency?

The production enterprise needs to provide:

• Duplicate of Business License (Business scope must include goods production)
• Proof of General VAT Taxpayer
• Declaration of Product Compliance (Additional Requirements of REACH Regulation Annex XVII as of 2025)

9. What are the policy changes for export agency in 2025?

Three key new policies to focus on this year:

• Customs fully implements electronic customs declarations (eliminating paper documents).
• The EU CBAM carbon tariff has entered the implementation phase.
• Updates to the Rules of Origin in the ASEAN Free Trade Area

10. What are the common pitfalls to avoid when acting as an export agent?

Based on the analysis of agency dispute cases from the 1920s, special attention should be paid to:

• Misconception 1: "The lower the agency fee, the better" (Lower prices may come with reduced services).
• Misconception 2: "Customs declaration amounts can be arbitrarily modified" (involves fraudulent tax evasion, which is illegal)
• Misconception 3: "No need to participate in the trade process" (Still required to fulfill quality supervision responsibilities)