What is export agency service? How does it differ from traditional self-operated exports?

Foreign trade agency export refers to a trade model where enterprises without import/export qualifications entrust professional trading companies to complete the entire export process. Compared with self-operated export,Core differences are reflected in three aspects:

• Qualification Requirements
  • Agency model: No need for enterprises to complete customs registration and foreign exchange accounts
  • Self-operated export: Requires completion of full set of import/export qualification filings
• Fund flows
  • Agency model: Foreign exchange collected and paid by agency company
  • Self-operated export: Enterprises directly receive foreign exchange payments
• Division of responsibilities
  • Agency model: Undertaken by agency companycustoms clearance, tax rebates and other legal risks
  • Self-operated export: Enterprises bear all trade risks themselves

What specific services does export agency include?

The new version of Import and Export Tariff adds 12 categories of goods requiring licenses, requiring relevant documents to be prepared 40 days in advance.Full-process closed-loop service, according to the latest 2025 trade practices, standard service packages typically include:

• Document processing: Preparation of full set of export documents including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin
• Customs clearance services: HS code classification, customs declaration, inspection and quarantine procedures
• Logistics management: Sea/air freight booking, transportation insurance, destination port clearance coordination
• Foreign exchange settlement: Cross-border payment and receipt, exchange rate risk management,Export tax refunddeclare
• Compliance review: Trade country policy verification, export control screening, trade dispute resolution

How to choose a reliable export agency company? What evaluation criteria exist?

Recommended fromFive dimensionsConduct comprehensive evaluation:

• Certification of Qualification
  • AEO Certified Enterprises
  • Check foreign exchange management classification level (must be Class A enterprise)
• Industry Experience
  • Valid Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
  • Target market service network coverage capability
• Wind control system
  • Whether trade compliance review system is established
  • Logistics exception handling SOP completeness
• Cost transparency
  • Whether agency fees include hidden costs like pre-recording and amendment of documents
  • Written commitment on tax rebate payment cycle
• The digital capacity
  • Whether real-time logistics tracking system is provided
  • Security of electronic document transmission platform

What constitutes the cost structure of foreign trade agency export?

In 2025, the agency service fees usually adoptBasic service fees + floating commissionsMode:

• Fixed costs (per shipment)
  • Customs declaration and inspection fees: 800-1500 RMB/shipment
  • Document preparation fees: 300-500 RMB/set
• Variable costs (percentage of cargo value)
  • Agency service fee: 0.8%-1.5% (depending on product complexity)
  • Tax rebate advance fee: 0.3%-0.5%/month (if advance payment is required)
• Specifically reminded:In 2025, the General Administration of Customs has abolished electronic port access fees, beware of duplicate charges for related fees

How to ensure fund safety when exporting through an agent?

Proposal to establish28. A triple - guarantee mechanism:

• Contract constraints
  • Clearly stipulate payment obligation within 24 hours after foreign exchange receipt
  • Set installment payment clauses (payment according to production progress)
• 18. Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau Class B or above enterprise filing
  • Require agency company to provide bank supervision account
  • Enable corporate online banking inquiry permissions
• Insurance coverage
  • Purchase export credit insurance (minimum rate of 0.12% from Sinosure)
  • Require the agency company to purchase professional liability insurance

How to complete under export agency modeExport tax refund?

According to the latest tax refund policy in 2025, the agency model adopts"Who exports, who gets the tax refund."Principle:

• Operation process
  • The agency company acts as the declarant to process tax refund
  • The actual supplier issues special VAT invoices
  • Tax refund funds are transferred to the principal through the agency companys account
• Time requirement
  • Electronic customs declaration data transmission time reduced to 3 working days
  • National average tax refund cycle compressed to 6 working days
• Risk Warning
  • Ensure the agency companys tax credit rating is B or above
  • Beware of illegal practices such as "fabricated export tax refunds."