What is export agency? What are the fundamental differences between it and self-operated export?

Agency export refers to the situation where a company does not haveImport and exportQualified enterprises, by entrusting professionalForeign tradeThe company has completed.Customs declaration, tax refund,A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:A service model covering the entire export process. The key difference from self-operated exports lies in:

• Subject Qualification: The agent holds a full set of qualifications including Customs Registration Certificate and Electronic Port.
• Division of Responsibilities: The agency company assumes the compliance risks of documents, while the client focuses on product production.
• Fund flow: Foreign exchange payments are collected and disbursed through the agent company's account.
• Tax refund process: The agency company will uniformly handle the VAT refund procedures.

Which enterprises require export agency services?

The following three types of enterprises are most suitable for adopting the agency export model:

• Production-oriented enterprises: Newly established factory without import and export operation rights
• Small and medium-sized enterprises: Growth-oriented companies with annual export revenues below $5 million.
• Cross-border service provider: Enterprises engaged in cross-border logistics, overseas warehouses, and other supporting services.

What is the specific operational process for export agency?

Standard agency export includes six core steps:

• Sign the agency agreement (clearly stipulating terms such as service fees, division of responsibilities, etc.)
• After the goods are ready, entrust customs declaration.
  • Please provide the complete packing list and invoice.
  • Confirm the trade terms (FOB/CIF, etc.)
• The agency prepares customs declaration documents.
• Foreign exchange receipt, settlement, and verification
• Issuance of Special Value-Added Tax Invoice
• Tax refund settlement (typically takes 2-3 months)

What risks should be considered when selecting an export agency company?

Three major risk points requiring heightened vigilance:

• Fund Security Risks: Verify the foreign exchange account management capabilities of the agency company.
• Document Compliance Risk: Ensure accurate HS code classification,Certificate of OriginPlease translate the following Chinese into English: Ming and others accurately.
• Tax audit risk: Retain complete logistics vouchers and fund flow records.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of export agency?

Advantages:

• Save approximately 60% of qualification application and maintenance costs.
• Please translate the following Chinese into English: Circumvent customs AEO certification and other compliance requirements.
• Professional team handles cross-border settlements and document review.

Disadvantages:

• There is a risk of commercial information leakage (a confidentiality agreement is required).
• The fund turnover cycle will be extended by 5-7 working days.
• The service fee typically ranges from 0.8% to 1.5% of the transaction amount.

How to evaluate the professional competence of an export agency company?

It is recommended to focus on evaluating the following seven indicators:

• Customs credit rating (must reach General Certification or above)
• Foreign Exchange Administration Classification Rating (Priority for Category A Enterprises)
• Specific industry operational experience (e.g.Medical Devices(Medical Device Business License Required)
• ERP system docking ability
• Case Study on Handling Overseas Customs Clearance Issues
• International settlement network of cooperative banks
• Historical Tax Refund Dispute Resolution Records

What policy changes should be noted for export agency in 2025?

According to the latest announcement from the General Administration of Customs:

• The validity period of the electronic agency customs declaration authorization has been extended to 180 days.
• Added RCEP Agreement-based Origin Declaration Agency Service
• Cross-border e-commerce retail export business requires separate filing.
• Tax RefundThe scope of paperless declaration has been expanded nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Export Agency Services

• Q: Is agency export legal?
  A: It is entirely legal. The "Customs Law" explicitly defines the legal status of customs declaration agents.
• Q: How is the service fee calculated?
  A: Generally charged at 0.5%-2% of the cargo value, with negotiable tiered rates for bulk commodities.
• Q: Can a specific shipping company be designated?
  A: The client has full authority to choose the mode of transportation.
• Q: How long does the entire process take?
  A: It takes approximately 60-90 calendar days from booking to tax refund.