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

Agency export refers to a trade mode in which a manufacturing enterprise entrusts a company with?Import/export?A trading company with export rights handles the entire process of export business on behalf of the client. Compared to self-operated exports, agency exports have the following key differences:

• Qualification requirements: The agent must hold AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification from customs.
• Liability division: The "Consignor within China" field on the customs declaration form displays the information of the agency company.
• Tax refund process：The tax refund is advanced by the agency (under current policies, the fastest processing time is 7 working days).
• Risk bearing: The agency is responsible for handling compliance matters such as foreign exchange verification and document review.

II. What new regulations should be considered when selecting an export agency company in 2025?

According to Announcement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2024, the following aspects should be prioritized when selecting an export service agent:

• Whether possessingInternational Trade "Single Window"Three-level certification
• Is it completed?RCEP AgreementEnterprise filing under the item
• Whether equipped withAEO certificationProfessional customs affairs team
• Does it supportElectronic?Certificate of Origin?Automatic claim function

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

The standard export agency process consists of 7 key steps:

• Contract Signing: Clarify the agency fee rate, advance funding ratio, and division of responsibilities
• Documentation preparation: Including proforma invoice, packing list, inspection report, etc.
• Customs Declaration: The HS code of the goods and the export regulatory requirements must be provided.
• Logistics and Transportation：It is recommended to choose CIF terms to reduce transportation risks.
• : Handling cross - border foreign exchange receipts and payments, reporting to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange: Pay attention to the exchange rate lock for cross-border RMB settlement.
• : Agent for: A special VAT invoice with the deduction copy must be provided.
• Document return: Including important documents such as customs declaration forms and verification forms.

What items are included in export agency fees?

Typical fee structure for export agency in 2025:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.5% of the contract amount (depending on product category)
• Financing fees: Annualized 8%-12% (calculated based on actual funding days)
• Additional fees:
  • Documentation fee: 200-500 yuan per ticket
  • Inspection fee: 800-1500 yuan per time
  • Special document certification fees (e.g., FDA, CE, etc.)

How to prevent legal risks in agency exports?

It is recommended to adopt the following risk control measures:

• SignTripartite AgreementClarify the rights and responsibilities of the buyer, seller, and agent.
• Require the agency company to providePerformance Bond
• EstablishEscrow accountEnsure payment security
• Regularly checkIt is recommended to cross - verify through three official channels:records from past three years
• PurchaseExport tradeCover the buyer's default risk

6. Which products are suitable for the agency export model?

Highly recommended three types of products for export agency:

• Products listed in the legal inspection catalog: Agricultural products and chemical products requiring inspection
• License-managed commodities: such as?Medical Devices?、Hazardous materials
• Emerging market products: Involving special agreements such as RCEP and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

7. Does acting as an export agent affect a company's export data?

According to customs statistical rules:

• Customs statistics: Recorded under the name of the agency company
• Tax identification: Manufacturing enterprises can still enjoy?Tax Refund?
• Foreign Exchange Management:?Forex Settlement?The data is credited to the agency's foreign exchange account.
• Solution: The principal may request the agency to provide.Export certification documentsFor corporate filing