1. Export RepresentationWhat is the difference from self-operated exports?

The essential difference between export agency and self-operated export lies inLegal subject relationship。When you use export agency services:

• The agency company serves as the "operating unit" on the customs declaration form.
• You retain the actual ownership of the goods.
• The agency company bears the legal responsibility for customs declaration.

Self-operated export requires the enterprise to handle the full set of procedures independently.import and exportQualifications, while the agency model can save over 60% in compliance costs. According to the latest customs data for 2025, the proportion of small, medium, and micro enterprises using export agencies has reached 78%.

2. What specific services does an export agent provide?

Professional export agents should provideEnd-to-end solution:

• Basic services:
  • Customs Declaration Document Preparation and Submission
  • Foreign Exchange ReceiptsFX Settlement AgencyApply for exemption from certification (meeting the conditions of the Implementation Rules for Exemption from Compulsory Product Certification)
  • Export DrawbackAgency
• Value - added services:
  • Optimization of trade terms (e.g., choice between DDP and EXW)
  • Customs clearance pre-review for destination country
  • Supply Chain Financial Support

3. What items are included in the agency fees?

The typical composition of agency fees includes:Fixed service fee + Floating operation fee:

• Basic service fee: Typically charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value
• Document handling fee: CNY 200-500 per shipment.
• Exception handling fee:
  • Customs inspection coordination: 500 RMB per time.
  • Amendment fee: 300 RMB per bill.

Starting from 2025, some agencies will begin offeringTiered pricing, an annual export volume exceeding $5 million is eligible for preferential rates.

4. How to determine if an agency is reliable?

When selecting an export agent, focus on evaluating three key dimensions:

• Compliance of qualifications: Check Customs AEO Certification and SAFE Registration
• Service network: Does it cover major export ports and destination countries?
• Risk Control: Request to provide compliance records for the past 12 months.

It is recommended to prioritize agencies that have been established for over 10 years and handle more than 2,000 shipments annually.

5. How can export agents prevent trade risks?

Professional agency companies should establishThree-level risk control system:

• Pre-review: HS code pre-classification, trade country policy early warning
• In-process monitoring: Real-time verification system for customs declaration data
• Post-event traceability: Establish a digital archive for each shipment.

By 2025, 89% of agencies had adopted blockchain technology to store transaction data as evidence.

6. What should be noted for the export of special goods?

For hazardous materials, food,Medical EquipmentSpecial cargo:

• It is essential to confirm that the agency possesses specific qualifications:
  • Dangerous Goods: IMDG Certification
  • Medical Devices: FDA Filing
• Request for advance compliance pre-review:
  • a component analysis report
  • Packaging Certification Documents

7. Cross-border E-commerceIs it suitable to use an export agent?

For cross-border e-commerce sellers, agency services can address two major pain points:

• Fragmented order processing: Reduce logistics costs by 30% through LCL (Less than Container Load) customs declaration.
• Compliant Declaration: Proper handling of the 9810/9710 regulatory codes

By 2025, the cross-border e-commerce agency market size has reached 38 billion yuan. It is recommended that sellers with monthly orders exceeding 500 adopt the agency model.

8. How do export agents handle cargo inspections?

The inspection response process for professional agents includes:

• Anticipate high-risk products in advance.
• Prepare a complete technical documentation package.
• Arrange dedicated personnel to assist with on-site inspection.

According to statistics, the inspection rate for professional agents can be reduced by 40% compared to self-operated exports.

9. Will acting as an export agent affect customer relationships?

The following methods can help avoid customer concerns:

• Indicate the agency as a service provider in the PI.
• Request the agent to use the designated letterhead document.
• Establish a tripartite information sharing system

A mature agency will signNon-Disclosure AgreementProtect customer information.

10. How to monitor the quality of agency services?

It is recommended to establish four monitoring indicators:

• Customs declaration accuracy rate (Target >99.5%)
• Document processing time limit (not exceeding 24 hours)
• Abnormal response time (within 2 hours)
• Refund processing period (average 45 days)

11. What are the new trends in export agency for 2025?

The industry is undergoing three major transformations:

• Digital Services:
  • Automated Customs Declaration System
  • Real-time tracking platform
• Green Supply Chain:
  • Carbon footprint certification
  • Eco-friendly packaging solution
• Regionalized Services:
  • RCEP special services
  • African Free Trade Area Corridor

12. When should you switch export agents?

It is recommended to change the proxy under the following circumstances:

• The customs declaration error rate has exceeded 1% for three consecutive months.
• The tax refund processing period exceeds 60 days.
• Unable to provide customs clearance support for the destination country.
• The system interface response speed is sluggish.

It is recommended to conduct an annual service audit of the agency to ensure the quality of cooperation.