I.Agency export,What exactly does it mean?

Agent export refers toEnterprises with import and export qualifications accept commissions, a service model that replaces enterprises lacking qualifications or unwilling to handle export procedures themselves to complete the entire export process. According to the latest revised "Customs Law Implementation Regulations" in 2025, the agent must handle customs declaration, tax refund, foreign exchange settlement, and other procedures in its own name while bearing corresponding legal responsibilities.

II. How does export agency specifically operate?

The typical export agency process includes the following key steps:

• Qualification verification phase
  • The client shall provide the business license and product compliance documents.
  • The agent reviews the creditworthiness of the enterprise and the legality of the goods.
• Customs clearance operation phase
  • The agent prepares customs declaration documents (including HS code classification).
  • Submit electronic declarations through the Single Window
• Fund settlement phase
  • Agent collects foreign exchange and handles settlement
  • Pay the payment to the client according to the agreed cycle.

III. What is the fundamental difference between export agency and self-operated export?

According to the International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS 2025), the core differences between the two are reflected in:

• Legal relationship: The agent, as the contracting party, shall bear the responsibility for customs declaration.
• Capital flow: Foreign exchange earnings first enter the agent's account before being transferred to the principal.
• Tax Treatment:Export tax refundDeclared by the agent and forwarded to the principal.
• Risk Bearing：The administrative penalties resulting from customs declaration errors shall be borne by the agent.

IV. Which enterprises need to choose export agency?

According to the World Bank's 2025 Trade Facilitation Report, the following three types of enterprises are recommended to adopt an agency model:

• Enterprises involving multiple - currency settlement or letter - of - credit operations: Small and micro enterprises with an annual export volume of less than 5 million yuan
• Save about 150,000 - 300,000 yuan in annual expenses for building an in - house foreign trade team: Involves highly regulated fields such as medical devices and chemical products.
• Cross-border supply chain enterprises: Traders requiring customs clearance services at multiple international ports

V. How to Avoid Common Misconceptions in Agency Export?

Based on 20 years of agency service experience, here are three key considerations:

• The Qualification Trap: Confirm that the agent holds AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification from customs.
• Cost Misconceptions: Be wary of service quotes that fall below industry standards (typically 1.2-2.8%).
• File vulnerability: A tripartite agreement must be signed (between the client, the agent, and the overseas buyer).

Special Reminder: According to Announcement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, export agency enterprises are required to72 hours prior to cargo declarationTo complete the filing of the entrusted relationship, it is recommended to prepare the following documents in advance:

• Power of Attorney Agreement (Notarization Required)
• Document of title to goods
• Payment Route Instruction Letter