I.Agency export,What is the essential difference compared to self-operated export?

The core characteristic of export agency isSeparation of service entities: The manufacturing enterprise is responsible for product production, while the foreign trade company handles the export procedures. Under this model:

• Manufacturing enterprises do not need to apply for export qualifications.
• customs clearanceSingle display with dual headers (Agent + Principal)
• The tax rebate entity is the agency company
• Foreign exchange receipts and payments are completed through an agent account.

II. Which Enterprises Will Require Export Agency Services in 2025?

According to the latest market research, the following four types of enterprises most frequently utilize export agency services:

• Newly established foreign trade enterprises (lacking export qualifications)
• Small and medium-sized production enterprises (with annual export value below USD 3 million)
• Cross-border e-commerce transformation enterprises (requiring compliance with customs declaration)
• Special industry exporters (medical devices, chemical products, etc.)

3. What specific services does an export agency company provide?

Quality agencies should be providedThe entire process solution:

• Basic services:
  • Customs declaration document preparation
  • Foreign exchange receipt and settlement
  • Export tax refunddeclare
• Value - added services:
  • Commercial compliance review
  • Optimization of logistics programs
  • Exchange Rate Risk Management

IV. How is the fee structure for export agency services composed?

The 2025 agency fee structure presentsThe ladder fee.trends:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.2% of the cargo value (minimum 3000 RMB per order)
• Tax refund service fee: 10%-15% of the refund amount.
• Additional service fees:
  • LC document submission: USD150 per submission
  • Certificate of Origin: RMB200/copy

48. V. How to choose a reliable export agency company?

Recommended assessment from five dimensions:

• Customs AEO certification level (preferably Advanced Certification)
• Bank credit line (recommended to be no less than RMB 50 million)
• Industry Service Cases (Export Experience in the Same Category)
• Completeness of the risk control system (including trade compliance review processes)
• Information system integration capability (ERP data direct connection)

6. Will acting as an export agent affect customer relationships?

Professional agency companies will adoptInformation Isolation Mechanism:

• Confidentiality clauses for trade secrets are included in the contract.
• Customer contact information encryption processing
• The customs declaration form shows the name of the entrusting enterprise.
• Logistics documents to be issued in the name of the consignor.

7. How to Handle Tax Refund Risks in Agency Export?

Taking the 2024 export dispute of a certain electromechanical product as an example:

• The agency conducts preliminary review of supplier qualifications.
• Establish a special VAT invoice verification system
• Set up a tax refund risk reserve (2% of the goods value)
• Purchase export credit insurance (covering tax refunds)

8. Is the cross-border e-commerce model applicable to the agency export model?

According to the new customs regulations for 2025:

• The 9710/9810 models are recommended with priority for self-operation.
• For traditional B2B orders, it is recommended to adopt an agency approach.
• Small parcels (Category C express items) can still be cleared through the personal items channel.
• Special commodities (such as cosmetics) are subject to mandatory agency customs declaration.

9. What documents are required for export agency?

Essential document checklist:

• Agency Agreement (with Clear Division of Responsibilities)
• Proforma Invoice
• Procurement Contract (Including 13% VAT Clause)
• Product Compliance Certificate (e.g., CE Certification)
• Transportation Authorization Letter (required when appointing a freight forwarder)

10. How long is the fund turnover cycle for export agency services?

Typical fund cycle (taking USD settlement as an example):

• T+3: Foreign exchange arrival (TT prepayment scenario)
• T+15: Complete tax refund (Class A enterprise qualification)
• T+30: Full payment settlement (including tax refund)
• Special circumstances:
  • The L/C settlement will be extended by 10-15 working days.
  • New suppliers' first orders will undergo an additional 7-day review period.

11. Does acting as an export agent affect the accumulation of corporate credit?

After the reform of the customs credit system:

• The customs declaration data will still be attributed to the actual shipping company.
• Foreign exchange income is included in the enterprise's balance of payments declaration.
• Export tax refundRecord the associated actual production enterprise
• AEO certification can be shared with the agency company's qualifications.

12. Will the future agency export model disappear?

Based on the following three trends:

• The foreign trade comprehensive service platform continues to upgrade.
• The proportion of exports from small, medium, and micro enterprises is projected to rise to 68% (Ministry of Commerce forecast for 2025).
• International trade compliance requirements are becoming increasingly complex.

Agency export will be directed toSpecialization, digitalization, and ecologicalizationThe direction of evolution is expected to remain the mainstream choice for small and medium-sized enterprises for at least the next decade.