1. How to IdentifyAgency export serviceQualification risks of the merchant?

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, there are a total ofExport agentOnly 23% of enterprises possess the required qualifications among registered foreign trade companies. When selecting an agency service provider, it is recommended to verify the following documents:

• Business License Operating ItemsThe content must include licensing items such as "import and export of goods" or "customs declaration agency."
• Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate: Verify the validity of the certificate through the Single Window System.
• Foreign Exchange Administration records: Check whether it has the qualification for foreign exchange receipts and payments
• Industry Confirmation: Query the credit rating of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade

II.Agency export,What are the security risks in payment settlement?

In foreign trade dispute cases over the past three years, 65% involved issues related to agency payment collection. The following protective measures are recommended:

• Third - party payment supervision: Funds are processed through a joint bank account or cross-border payment platform.
• The contract terms stipulate:
  • Specify the foreign exchange settlement timeline (recommended not to exceed T+3).
  • Agreed Exchange Rate Locking Mechanism
  • Set default compensation clauses
• Payment Voucher Management: Request to provide the original bank statement and verify its authenticity.

III. How to Avoid the Risk of Loss of Control Over Cargo Ownership in Logistics?

The 2025 revised edition of INCOTERMS clearly stipulates: When using an agent for export, the following operational standards are recommended:

• Bill of Lading Control Rights：Insist on retaining control of the original bill of lading or the right to issue telex release instructions.
• Transportation Insurance Clauses：When applying for insurance, you should designate yourself as the primary beneficiary.
• Cargo tracking mechanism:
  • Request real-time sharing of manifest information.
  • Regularly obtain the cargo in-transit certificate issued by the shipping company.

IV. What legal risks may be involved in export agency?

According to the Supreme People's Court's 2025 White Paper on Foreign-Related Commercial Trials, disputes over export agency primarily involve:

• Intellectual Property Infringement: It is recommended to stipulate the division of liability for infringement in the agency agreement.
• Forgery of certificate of origin: Request the agent to provide the original customs documents.
• Tax refund dispute: Clearly stipulate the deadline for submitting tax refund documents and the allocation of responsibilities.
• Prevention of smuggling risks: Regularly verify the consistency between customs declarations and contracts.

5. How to address the risks arising from changes in international trade policies?

In response to the situation where multiple countries will adjust their import control policies in 2025, the following response mechanisms are recommended:

• Dynamic Monitoring System: Subscribe to the Ministry of Commerce's Global Trade Alert Service
• Risk Reserve Fund System: Set aside a policy change reserve of 3-5% of the cargo value.
• Alternative plan contingency:
  • Alternative Logistics Transshipment Port Options
  • Parallel application for multi-country certification systems

6. How to verify the actual service capabilities of a proxy service provider?

It is recommended to screen agency service providers through a three-dimensional evaluation system:

• Hardware capability verification:
  • Size of in-house customs clearance team (recommended to have a professional team of 10 or more members)
  • Number of countries covered by the overseas customs clearance network
• Software system verification: Request a demonstration of the ERP system's customs data integration functionality.
• On-site case inspection: Randomly select three practical cases from its served clients for verification.