What are the core functions of an export agency company?

Professional export agency companies mainly undertake three core functions:Customs process managementandForeign exchange fund settlementandExport tax refunddeclare. Specifically include:

• Handling complete customs declaration documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.)
• Coordinating logistics transportation and customs inspection
• Managing foreign exchange receipts/payments and exchange rate risks
• Agency VAT declarationExport tax refund(The tax rebate rate in 2025 remains in the range of 13%-17%)

What are the main differences between self-operated exports and agency exports?

The essential difference lies inLegal liability subjectandOperational cost structure:

• Legal level: Under the agency model, the agency company acts as the declarant and assumes customs declaration responsibilities
• Cost structure:
  • Self-operated exports require maintaining an in-house customs declaration team (annual cost approximately 200,000-500,000 yuan)
  • Agency exports pay service fees per order (typically 0.8%-2.5% of the goods value)

What items are included in the fee structure for agency exports?

In 2025, agency service fees mainly consist of three parts:

• Basic Service Costs: Routine services such as customs declaration and document preparation (0.5%-1.2% of cargo value)
• Special operating costs: Value-added services such as expedited clearance and special document certification
• Funds for services: Capital costs for advance tax rebate payments (reference LPR+3%-5%)

How to verify the reliability of an agency companys qualifications?

It is recommended to verify the following three core qualifications:

• Customs filing: China Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
• Foreign exchange management: Trade Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Enterprise Directory Registration
• Tax Certification: Export Tax Rebate Classification Management Level (For Class A enterprises in 2025, the tax rebate cycle will be shortened to 5 working days)

How does an agency company ensure cargo safety?

A standardized operating system should include three-level risk control:

• Cargo Risk: Require the agent to purchase full-transportation insurance (insured amount not less than 110% of the cargo value)
• Foreign exchange risks: Use financial instruments such as forward exchange locking to hedge exchange rate fluctuations
• Risk of compliance: Regularly update the trade country control list (especially for exports involving emerging markets)

How does an agency company handle complex customs clearance situations?

Taking our companys handling of an anti-dumping case in a Southeast Asian country in 2025 as an example:

• Pre-review the compliance of product HS codes in advance
• Coordinate with third-party institutions to issue certificates of origin
• Accelerate customs clearance through AEO mutual recognition channels (saving 12 working days)

Can agency exports solve cash flow problems?

High-quality agency companies provide three types of financing support:

• Tax Rebate Advance Financing: Advance 70%-90% of the tax rebate amount
• Letter of Credit Financing: Forward letter of credit discount services
• Supply Chain Finance: Credit loans based on export data

Which product types are more suitable for agency exports?

It is recommended that the following five types of enterprises prioritize the agency model:

• SMEs with annual export volume below 5 million yuan
• Products involving special supervision (medical devices, chemicals, etc.)
• Target markets with trade barriers (such as EU and US energy efficiency certifications)
• Enterprises with multiple small-batch exports
• Cross-border e-commerce B2B transformation enterprises

What service details should be noted when selecting an agency company?

It is recommended to focus on three service dimensions:

• The response speed.: 24-hour emergency response mechanism in case of emergencies
• system connected: ERP data real-time synchronization capability
• Overseas Network: Destination port customs clearance coordination capability (especially for RCEP member countries)

What are the new changes in agency export policies in 2025?

Two policy adjustments require special attention:

• Customs General Administration Order No. 178: Electronic customs declaration documents have the same legal effect as paper documents
• New Foreign Exchange Administration Policy: Pilot enterprises can transfer foreign exchange income domestically (15 new pilot cities added in 2025)