Export agentWhat Are the Core Responsibilities?

ProfessionalExport agentThe service covers three core modules:

• Trade compliance management
  • HS Code Classification and Tariff Rate Confirmation
  • Preparation of Certificate of Origin documents
  • Export Control and Embargo List Verification
• Logistics process control
  • Optimization of Transportation Mode Combinations (New Multimodal Transport Solutions Added in 2025)
  • Real-Time Tracking System Integration
  • Emergency Handling of Abnormal Events
• End-to-end Documentation Services
  • Commercial invoices / container production
  • Letter of credit terms review
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) declaration

What are some common misconceptions about the scope of agency services?

According to the latest 2025 survey data from the General Administration of Customs, 68% of enterprises have cognitive biases regarding agency services:

• Misconception 1: Including payment collection services

  The actual agent only handles foreign exchange receipt and payment documents and does not get involved in transaction credit risks.

• Misunderstanding 2: Assuming Product Quality Responsibility

  Disputes over product quality remain the responsibility of the manufacturer, while the agent is only obligated to fulfill document compliance requirements.

• Misconception 3: Full Autonomy in Decision-Making

  The selection of key transportation routes requires written confirmation from the enterprise, with the agent providing professional recommendations.

How should agency fees be structured to be considered reasonable?

A standardized fee structure should consist of three tiers:

• Basic Service Costs(Fixed ratio)
  • Generally 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (2025 industry benchmark).
• Additional handling fee(Billed by project)
  • Special document certification: 200 - 800 yuan per copy
  • Urgentcustoms clearanceHandling: Starting from CNY 1,500 per ticket
• Risk reserve fund(Optional)
  • For AEO-certified enterprises, a 30% reduction can be applied.

How is responsibility allocated in the event of compliance risks?

Special attention should be paid to three types of liability determination scenarios:

• Responsibility for Documentation Errors

  The agent shall undertake the obligation of formal review, while the authenticity of substantive content shall be the responsibility of the enterprise.

• Compensation for Transportation Delays

  The carrier's liability must be claimed from the logistics provider through the agent.

• Customs inspection

  Case studies from 2019-2024 indicate that 62% of declaration errors stem from inaccurate information provided by enterprises.

How to verify the professionalism of proxy services?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Completeness of Qualification Certificates
  • AEO Advanced Certification (issued by the General Administration of Customs)
  • FIATA Freight Forwarding Qualification
• System connectivity capacity
  • Support direct data connection through a single window
  • Real-time Tracking API Interface
• Emergency response speed
  • Abnormal Customs Clearance 2-Hour Feedback Mechanism
  • Holiday Duty System

(Note: The data in this article is cited from the "White Paper on the Development of Import and Export Service Industry" released by the General Administration of Customs of China in January 2025. For specific operational details, please refer to the latest regulations.)