
I. What isAgency export,? How does it differ from self-operated exports?
Export agency refers to a trade model where manufacturing enterprises entrust qualified foreign trade service providers toconduct operations under the agencys namecomplete full export procedures including customs declaration, foreign exchange collection, and tax rebates. The core differences from self-operated exports are:
- The customs declaration form displays the agency companys information
- The foreign exchange account is managed by the agency
- The tax rebate entity is the agency company
Why will enterprises need moreAgency export service?
With the full implementation of RCEP and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the foreign trade environment in 2025 presents three major characteristics:
- Regional trade agreements bringTariff reduction opportunities
- Increased customs declaration requirementsEnvironmental factor disclosures
- Cross-border payments must comply withNew anti-money laundering regulations
Professional agency companies can help enterprises meet complex compliance requirements. For example, correctly applying rules of origin in ASEAN exports can reduce tariff costs by 5-10%.
What is the specific operational process of export agency?
The standard process includes six key steps:
- Signing a tripartite agreement (factory, agency, overseas buyer)
- Logistics arrangement and customs declaration
- Starting from 2025, reporting carbon emission data corresponding to HS CODES will be required
- Foreign Exchange Settlement and Risk Review
- Export tax refunddeclare
- Document Archiving and Tax Compliance
How to choose a reliable export agency company?
It is recommended to evaluate agent reliability from five dimensions:
- Whether possessingCustoms AEO certification
- State Administration of Foreign ExchangeClassification Management Level
- Past three yearsTax refund dispute cases
- Whether equipped withTrade Compliance Specialist
- Whether the information system can achieveFull-process traceability
What items are included in export agency fees?
In 2025, agency service fees typically consist of three components:
- Basic service fee (0.8%-1.2% of contract amount)
- Capital usage fee (referencing LPR interest rate)
- Special service fee
- For example, CBAM report preparation fees
- RCEP Certificate of Origin application fee
How to ensure fund security through export agency?
The following risk control measures are recommended:
- Require the agent to provideBank escrow account
- AgreedT+3 foreign exchange settlementTime limit
- Insurance coverageExport Credit Insurance
- Regular verificationCustoms Single WindowData
Will export agency affect a companys credit accumulation?
This is a common misconception. In reality:
- CustomsCorporate credit ratingAssess actual operators
- State Administration of Foreign ExchangeTotal volume verificationLink to ultimate beneficiaries
- Export data can be verified throughAgency agreementSupporting evidence
In which situations must the export agency model be adopted?
Three types of enterprises are recommended to mandatorily use agency services:
- Special equipment imports: The special aspects that cannot be ignored
- involveDual-use itemsControlled commodity exports
- Target market isForeign exchange control countries(e.g. Argentina, Nigeria)
What legal risks exist in export agency?
Three risk scenarios require special attention:
- AgentMisappropriation of tax rebates
- Customs declaration name vs. actual goodsSevere discrepancy
- Agency companyCredit downgradeAffects customs clearance
It is recommended to clearly specify in the contract:Breach of contract deposit clauseandDispute resolution mechanism.
What insights can be drawn from successful export agency cases?
A Suzhou electronic components factory achieved through agency exports:
- ASEAN market development cycle shortened by 60%
- Single transaction savings onCustoms declaration error fines28,000 RMB
- Utilizing agency services forForward exchange lockingAvoiding 3% exchange rate loss