1. How are the basic concepts distinguished?

にSelf-operated exportUnder this model, the enterprise signs contracts directly with overseas buyers and completes the process on its own.通関, logistics, foreign-exchange collection, and other end-to-end operations require import-export rights and a foreign-exchange account.代理輸出This involves entrusting a qualified third-party company (such as a comprehensive foreign-trade service provider) to handle export procedures on your behalf, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises that lack import-export qualifications.

2. What are the differences in applicable scenarios?

• Agency export is more suitable for:
  • New enterprises with annual export volumes below 5 million yuan
  • The product category is limited and export frequency is low
  • Start-ups lacking a dedicated foreign-trade team
• Self-operated exports are better suited for:
  • A mature enterprise with annual export revenue exceeding 20 million USD
  • Brand owners who need to maintain long-term relationships with overseas clients
  • Involving goods under special regulatory oversight (e.g., medical devices, chemicals)

3. Comparison of Operational Process Differences

• Agency Export Process:
  • Signing a tripartite agreement (factory – agent – foreign buyer)
  • The agency is responsible for preparing the customs declaration documents.
  • Foreign exchange settlement via omnibus account
• Self-operated Export Process:
  • The company prepares its own commercial invoice and packing list.
  • Arrange ocean freight booking and insurance independently
  • Direct manipulation輸出稅還付申告

IV. Analysis of the Risk-Bearing Mechanism

に代理輸出In China, the agent company usually bears the risk of documentation compliance (such as incorrect HS code declarations), but disputes over product quality remain the responsibility of the actual supplier.Self-operated exportThe enterprise must independently bear the full-chain risks, including customer default, transportation losses, exchange-rate fluctuations, and more.

V. Calculation of Financial Cost Variances

• The agency export service fee is typically 1.5%–3% of the cargo value.
• Self-operated exports entail:
  • Import and export license processing fee (approximately 5,000–8,000 RMB)
  • Annual fee for foreign-trade ERP system (USD 3,000–7,500)
  • Salary cost of professional customs declarers

VI. Key Differences in the Tax Refund Process

代理輸出Under this model, the entity eligible for tax refunds is the agency company, while the actual supplier must provide a special VAT invoice.Self-operated export企業は自ら申告して還付を受けることができるが、「輸出貨物の外貨収入」という要件を満たす必要がある。2024年に稅関総署が新設した電子収入外貨検証システムにより、手続きはより厳格になった。

VII. How to Choose the Optimal Solution?

• Situations where export through an agent is preferred:
  • Trial orders for testing new markets
  • Export product tax rebate rate is lower than 5%
  • Unable to assemble a professional team in the short term
• Situations in which self-operated export is mandatory:
  • related to processing trade handbook management
  • Need to apply for export credit insurance
  • Plan to establish overseas subsidiaries or warehouses

Enterprises with an annual export volume exceeding RMB 8 million are advised to begin building their own export system while retaining an agency channel for rush orders. Under the Foreign Trade Law revised in 2025, both models receive equal bonus points in the customs AEO certification scoring criteria.