What isAgency export,Trade?

Export agency trade refers to an export model where manufacturing enterprises entrust foreign trade service providers with import-export qualifications to complete the entire process of customs declaration, tax refund, and foreign exchange collection in the agents name. According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, approximately 63% of small and medium-sized export enterprises in China adopt the agency model, representing a 17 percentage point increase from 2020. The core features of this model are:The ownership of goods belongs to the entrusting party, while the agent provides professional qualifications and export services.

How does export agency specifically operate?

The standard export agency process includes five key steps:

• Qualification review stage: The agency company reviews the enterprises products and qualification documents
• Contract signing stage: Clarify service scope, fee standards, and responsibility division
• Logistics execution process: The agent arranges booking, customs declaration, and transportation
• Foreign exchange collection and tax refund management: The agent transfers payment to the entrusting party after collecting foreign exchange and handles tax refund procedures
• Document archiving and retention: Complete set of documents must be preserved for at least 5 years for future reference

Is export agency more cost-effective than self-operated export?

Cost comparison should consider hidden costs:

• Explicit costs:
  • Agency service fee: Typically 0.8%-1.5% of the goods value
  • Logistics costs: Approximately 15% savings through bulk purchasing discounts
  • Tax refund sharing: High-quality agents can improve tax refund rates by 3-5%
• Hidden costs:
  • Self-operated export requires maintaining a customs declaration team (annual cost of 200,000+ CNY)
  • Foreign exchange risk control costs
  • International dispute handling costs

What are the policy risks of export agency in 2025?

Three key regulatory aspects require special attention:

• New regulations on Customs AEO certificationThe agent must meet advanced certification standards
• Foreign exchange classification management systemCategory B enterprises foreign exchange collection period shortened to 60 days
• Electronic special VAT invoiceFull-chain electronic deduction requirements

How to Choose ReliableExport agentThe company?

It is recommended to evaluate from four dimensions:

• Qualification verificationCustoms registration number, SAFE list
• Industry matching degreeSpecific categories (such as medical devices) require special qualifications
• Wind control systemWhether equipped with trade compliance review system
• Service networksActual clearance capability test in major export countries

Does the agency export affect the accumulation of corporate credit?

Effective from 2025Foreign trade enterprise credit rating 2.0 systemClearly stipulated:

• Agent export performance can be linked to the principals customs code
• Foreign exchange collection data included in the principals foreign exchange assessment
• Quality agent records can improve corporate credit score

In which situations must export agency be adopted?

Three typical scenarios recommended for agency model:

• Product access restrictionsRequires third-party testing certification (such as EU CE certification)
• Special trade methodsProcessing trade, cross-border e-commerce B2B export
• Emerging market developmentRegions with special clearance requirements (e.g. Africa, Middle East)

How to handle tax issues in export agency?

VAT processing points:

• Agent issues agency service fee invoice (6% VAT)
• Goods sales invoice issued by principal (13% VAT)
• Export tax refundFunds directly returned to principals account

The content herein is based on currently effective 2025 Foreign Trade Law and Customs Administrative Penalty Implementation Regulations, specific operations shall follow professional institution guidance.