1. What is consignment export agency?

Entrusted agency export refers to a process where production enterprises/traders sign agreements with agency companies that possess import and export rights, allowing the agency partyIn one's own nameCompletecustoms clearance, logistics, foreign exchange collection, tax refund, and other comprehensive export procedures. This model enables enterprises without import and export qualifications to legally engage in international trade. For example, in 2025, a furniture factory in Zhejiang exported customized furniture worth $500,000 to Germany through a Ningbo agency company.

II. Why Choose Export Agency?

• Lack of qualifications: 80% of small and medium-sized enterprises do not have self-operated import and export rights.
• Cost Optimization：The agency fee is typically 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value.
• Risk avoidance: Professional handling of customs AEO certification, HS code classification, etc.
• Efficiency improvement: The average customs clearance time for single shipments is reduced by 2.7 days (2025 Customs Data).

What is the specific operation process of export agency?

• Signing an Agency Agreement to clarify rights and responsibilities
• Prepare the three documents (contract, invoice, packing list).
• Agency company declares export customs declaration.
• Handling cross-border receipt of funds and foreign exchange verification.
• CompleteExport tax refund(Average cycle: 15 working days)

IV. How are export agency fees calculated?

2025 Agency Service Fee Structure:

• Basic Service CostsProvided by value0.5%-1.2%
• Value Added Services:
  • Special document preparation: $30-80 per ticket
  • Customs clearance assistance at destination port: starting from $150
• Other expenses: Customs declaration fees, logistics fees, bank service charges, etc., will be reimbursed based on actual expenses.

How to choose a reliable agency company?

• verifiedCustoms AEO certificationQualified
• Request to provideRefund records for the past three years
• 11. Confirm whether it hasExperience in customs clearance for target markets
• Prioritize selectingElectronic data interfaceService Scope: It should include

VI. What risks are involved in export agency?

The typical cases reported by the General Administration of Customs in 2025 show:

• Contract risks: 21% of disputes stem from unclear delineation of rights and responsibilities.
• Funding risk: Cases of agents embezzling payment funds decreased by 38% year-on-year.
• Risk of compliance: Six companies were penalized for incorrect HS code declarations.

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

• Liability subject: The agent bears customs declaration responsibility
• Capital flow: Foreign exchange must be settled through an agent account.
• Tax refund method：The agency company first refunds the tax and then settles the account.
• Risk Bearing：The risk of customs declaration errors shall be borne by the agent.

8. How to handle tax matters for export agency?

According to Announcement No. 12 of the State Taxation Administration in 2025:

• The manufacturing enterprise needs to issueSpecial VAT invoicesTo the agency company
• For goods with a tax rebate rate of 13%, the actual amount received is approximately 11.5% (after deducting agency fees).
• Cross-border e-commerce businesses can enjoyVerified collectionPreferential policies

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I only delegate part of the business?
  A: Individual services such as separable customs declaration, tax refund, etc.
• Q: Does the agency need to bear quality responsibility?
  A: Only responsible for the trade process, product quality is the responsibility of the client.
• Q: How to prevent the risk of agency companies running away?
  A: It is recommended to choose an AEO enterprise that pays customs deposits.