Can food agency exports truly circumvent enterprise qualification issues?

According to the latest ImportExport foodSafety Management Measures, the agency export modelCannot completely replace a companys own qualifications. Core requirements include:

• Production enterprises must hold a Food Production License (SC certification)
• Export filing must include specific product categories
• Special foods (such as health foods) require additional registration

Agency companies mainly undertakeCustoms clearance operation responsibilities, but product compliance remains the responsibility of the production enterprise. The 2023 case where a freeze-dried food company was notified by the EU due to an agency company concealing additive issues is worth noting.

How to calculate agency export costs in 2025?

Main fee models can be divided into two categories:

• All-inclusive service(includingcustoms clearance, documentation, logistics):
  • Conventional food: 1.5%-3% of goods value
  • Cold chain food: 3%-5% of goods value
• Single-item service:
  • Customs declaration and inspection: 800-2000 yuan/ticket
  • Certificate of origin: 200-500 yuan/copy

It is recommended to require agency companies to provide 2024 Customs AEO certification records, which can reduce inspection rates by approximately 30%.

Which food categories suit the agency export model?

From an operational success rate analysis:

• Highly compatible product categories:
• Pre-packaged snack foods (shelf life >12 months)
• Dry goods transported at room temperature
• Categories requiring special caution:
• Short-shelf-life food (shelf life <6 months)
• Specially regulated infant formula

Note: The EU has updated its food contact materials regulation (EU) 2024/1243 in 2025, requiring additional testing for packaging materials.

How to verify an agency companys actual capabilities?

Recommended verification dimensions:

• Review the template of Customs-filed Customs Brokerage Service Agreement
• Require provision of export records for similar food products in the past 2 years (at least 3 customs clearance certificates from different countries)
• Confirm whether overseas partner warehouses possess local food storage qualifications

Special reminder: Starting from 2025, the US FDA requires importers to submit electronic traceability data, and agents must be equipped with corresponding systems.

What hidden risks exist in food agency exports?

In addition to regular trade risks, special attention should be paid to:

• Product liability insurance coverage(Most agency agreements exclude compensation for food safety incidents)
• Certification validity period(e.g. Halal certification typically only valid for 12 months)
• Label compliance(Japan will implement new nutrition labeling standards in 2025)

Recommended contract addendumStage 2: Handle, explicitly specifying the right to choose testing institutions.

For SMEs: Which is more cost-effective - self-operation vs agency?

Calculation based on a seasoning company with annual export volume of $5 million:

• Self-operation model:
  • Initial investment: approx. ￥800,000 (qualifications + team building)
  • Annual cost: ￥1.2-1.5 million
• Agency model:
  • Service fee expenditure: ￥750,000-1 million
  • Hidden costs: approx. ￥300,000 (communication/rectification, etc.)

When export volume <$2 million/year, the agency model offers greater cost advantages.

What special requirements apply to cold chain food agency in 2025?

Key confirmations required:

• Temperature recording system for the entire transportation process (EU requires at least hourly records)
• GDP certification of transit warehouses (especially for pharmaceutical-grade cold chain equipment)
• Emergency response plan (including container transfer capability within 30 minutes)

Typical case: An agency company failed to promptly address refrigeration unit failure, resulting in thawing of 18 tons of frozen food, ultimately compensating 85% of the cargo value.

How to avoid settlement risks in agency exports?

Recommended combined payment solution:

• 30% advance payment through agency company account
• 70% balance payment directly from overseas buyer to manufacturer
• Require agencies to provide bank payment guarantees

Note: The State Administration of Foreign Exchange has upgraded its systems in 2025Foreign Trade Enterprise Directory for Foreign Exchange Receipts and PaymentsVerification system requires prior completion of filing procedures.

Is the agency model reliable during special periods (such as trade wars)?

Based on China-US trade friction data from 2018-2024:

• Detection rate of tariff-increased goods with transferred origin through agencies reached 37%
• Success rate of professional agency avoidance solutions increased to 82% (requires additional 15%-20% service fee)

Recommended purchase ofTrade credit insuranceTo cover policy change risks.

Will the agency export model disappear in the next 3 years?

Based on the following trend analysis:

• Global food trade digital platform coverage will reach 65% by 2025
• Annual growth of 23% in compliance service demand from small and medium manufacturers
• RCEP regional customs facilitation reduces agency costs

Professional agencies will transform intoComprehensive service providersRather than simple intermediaries. Companies should choose cooperation models based on their digitalization progress.