一、代理輸出What exactly is the concept?

Agency export refers toAn import-export-licensed enterprise (the agent) accepts a commission from an unqualified enterprise (the principal), a trade model in which the agent handles the full set of export procedures—including customs declaration, foreign-exchange collection, and tax rebates—under its own name. According to the latest 2025 customs data, China’s agency-export volume accounts for 37.6% of all SME exports and has become a key form of foreign-trade service.

II. How exactly does export agency work?

A typical export agency process consists of five key stages:

• Signing phase: Signing a tripartite agreement (factory, foreign trade company, overseas buyer)
• Document processing: The agent prepares export documents such as the commercial invoice and packing list
• 通関申告: Use the agent's customs code for export declaration
• Collection and settlement of foreign exchange: After the foreign exchange is received into the agent's account, it is settled and paid out.
• Tax refund operation: After the agent files for the tax refund, it settles the account with the principal.

3. What is the fundamental difference between self-operated exports and agency exports?

• Differences in Legal Subjects: In an agency export arrangement, the agent assumes primary responsibility for customs declaration.
• Differences in capital flow: Payment must flow through the agent's account.
• Differences in risk-taking: The agent shall be responsible for the compliance of the documents.
• Differences in Tax Refund Timelines: Professional agency companies shorten the average tax refund cycle by 15–20 working days

IV. What are the core advantages of choosing export agency services?

According to the 2023 Foreign Trade Services Survey Report, the top three drivers for companies choosing export agency services are:

• Reduce financial pressure: No need to pre-pay the full tax refund deposit
• circumvent professional barriers: Complex document processing is handled by professionals
• Improve customs clearance efficiency: The average customs clearance time of agency companies is 42% faster than that of self-operated enterprises

5. What potential risks should be noted in entrusted export?

• Document risk：2019年、ある地域の稅関が摘発した「買い取り輸出」案件は23の代理會(huì)社に関與していた
• Funding risk: A comprehensive fund supervision mechanism needs to be established
• Legal risk: The newly revised Foreign Trade Law of 2024 strengthens the responsibilities of agents.

VI. How is the agency export service fee usually calculated?

Mainstream monetization models include:

• Proportional to cargo value: Typically 0.8%–1.5% (including tax refund service)
• Itemized billing: Customs clearance fee + logistics fee + tax refund service fee
• Special Reminder：隠れた費(fèi)用を含む「超低価格」代理店にご注意ください

VII. How to guard against risks in export agency business?

• Qualification Review: Verify the customs AEO certification level of the agency
• 契約條項(xiàng): Clearly define the division of responsibilities and the clauses for breach-of-contract damages
• Process monitoring: Real-time inquiry of customs declaration and tax refund progress
• Logistics Tracking: It is recommended to purchase full-coverage cargo insurance for the entire journey.

8. Which types of companies are particularly well-suited to the export agency model?

• Small and medium-sized enterprises with annual export volumes below 20 million
• A trading company with a complex product portfolio
• a newly established manufacturer that has just secured an export order
• Production-oriented enterprises focused on core business

IX. How to Choose a Reliable Export Agency?

It is recommended to evaluate from four dimensions:

• Qualification Verification: Check customs filing and SAFE registration
• Industry Experience: Prioritize agents with extensive hands-on experience in the same category
• Service Scope: Confirm whether value-added services such as destination customs clearance are included
• System Integration: Requires the capability for ERP data integration

10. Will export through an agent affect customer relationship maintenance?

A professional agency will adoptDual-header document processing：

• The shipper on the bill of lading shows the name of the agency company.
• The commercial invoice must indicate the actual supplier's information.
• Provide dedicated factory-audit reports to assist clients with their audits
• Support customers in communicating directly with end buyers