I.Agency export,What is the basic settlement process?

Agency export settlement follows the three-step process of 'receipt of payment - foreign exchange settlement - account allocation'

• Foreign exchange collection stage: The agency company collects overseas payments (USD/EUR, etc.) in its own name
• Foreign exchange settlement stage: Convert foreign exchange to RMB through the bank, requiring provision ofcustoms clearanceDocuments and other trade authenticity proofs
• Fund allocation stage: After deducting agency service fees, according to the agreementThe exchange ratePay RMB funds to the principal

2. How do agency companies ensure settlement fund safety?

Standardized agency companies will take the following measures:

• Open a dedicated supervision account, segregated from own funds
• Provide original payment and receipt vouchers issued by the bank
• Sign a tripartite agreement to clarify fund flow (new regulation requirement for 2025)
• Using blockchain technology to achieve traceability of fund flows

3. What special regulations does SAFE have for agency settlements?

According to current foreign exchange management regulations (2025 revised edition):

• Agent export business requires registration with SAFE
• Complete international payment declaration within 15 working days after receiving payment
• Full set of trade documents required for single transactions above USD 50,000
• Strictly prohibit 'fake trade practices' such as export by purchase order

4. How different are the settlement costs between self-operated exports and agency exports?

Comparison with Year 2024 industry data shows:

• Exchange rate costAgent company quotes are typically 0.5%-1% higher than bank's spot exchange selling rate
• Service fee rateIndustry standard is 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value (including customs clearance, logistics and other services)
• Hidden costsSelf-operated exports bear annual foreign exchange account maintenance fees of 30,000-50,000 yuan

5. What are the key clauses that must be agreed in the settlement contract?

It is recommended to specify in the agency agreement:

• Settlement exchange rate determination method (listed price/agreed fixed rate)
• Fund payment time limit (3/5/7 working days after receiving payment)
• Dispute resolution mechanism (arbitration/litigation venue selection)
• Force majeure clause (handling plan for extreme exchange rate fluctuations)

6. How to handle tax refunds in the most compliant way?

Year 2025 tax policy requirements:

• Agent company must possessExport tax refundQualified
• Tax refund funds must be accounted for separately and not mixed with other funds
• Recommend adopting the 'payment against documents' model:
  • Payment within 3 working days after receiving tax refund from tax bureau
  • Provide original electronic tax bureau tax refund certificate

7. What factors affect the settlement cycle?

According to industry research, the average settlement cycle is:

• Normal circumstancesWithin 5-7 working days after receiving payment
• Influencing factors:
  • Bank anti-money laundering review (additional 3-5 days for large transactions)
  • Customs declaration form information matching rate (incorrect information causing delays)
  • Cross-border clearing system closure during holidays

8. How to prevent settlement losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations?

Recommended three risk control strategies:

• Foreign exchange locking operationSign forward exchange settlement agreement with the bank
• Batch settlement: Settle foreign exchange in stages according to agreed proportions
• Currency hedging: Purchase financial derivatives such as exchange rate options