Agency export,Will it lead to payment risk?

Fund security is the primary concern for foreign trade enterprises. Professional agency companies typically adopt57. Third-party escrow accountConducting payment settlements, industry data for 2025 shows that compliant agency companies have a fund loss rate below 0.3%. However, the following risks should be vigilant against:

• The commingling of accounts has resulted in unclear fund flows.
• Irregular agents misappropriating client funds
• Foreign exchange settlement exchange rate fluctuation loss

How to Identify Non-Compliant Export Agency Services?

The 2025 revised edition of the "Cross-Border Trade Service Management Measures" clearly stipulates that agency enterprises must possess:

• Customs AEO certification qualification
• Certificate of Foreign Exchange Administration
• 25. at least 3 certified customs declarers
• Certification of International Trade Compliance Management System

Proposal to passGeneral Administration of Customs Official Website Inquiry SystemVerify the qualifications of the agency company and request a certificate of no violations in the past three years.

Are there any hidden costs in the agency fees?

A legitimate agency enterprise should provide:Tiered Pricing List, including:

• Basic service fee (customs clearance, documentation, tax refund)
• Value-added service fee (pay-as-you-go)
  • Purchase of Port Assistance
  • Special certification processing
  • Trade financing services

Special attention should be paid toException Handling Clause, such as customs inspection surcharges, port demurrage fees, and other special circumstance fee standards.

Acting as an export agent may impact the company.Export tax refundAnnouncement No. 38 of the State Taxation Administration in 2025 clearly states that:

Compliance operations do not affect tax refund rights, but three requirements must be met:

• The agency agreement clearly stipulates the subject of tax refund.
• The flow of value-added tax special invoices is clearly traceable.
• The foreign exchange verification documents are fully matched.

Implemented by the General Administration of Customs in 2025Blockchain Tax Refund SystemFull-process data traceability has been achieved. It is recommended to select agency enterprises connected to this system.

How is liability for in-transit cargo risks allocated?

The division of international freight risks must adhere toINCOTERMS?2025Rules:

• The scope of an agent's corporate liability typically extends to the FOB (Free On Board) point at the port of shipment.
• It is recommended to purchase transportation insurance separately.
• Special requirements must be agreed upon in the contract:
  • Temperature-controlled cargo transportation
  • Special handling of dangerous goods
  • Packaging Standards for Fragile Items

How to evaluate the service capabilities of agency enterprises?

Taking advantage of scale to obtain preferential ocean freight rates

• Years of Industry Service (It is recommended to select companies with over 5 years of experience)
• Target market coverage (customs clearance capability in specific countries)
• Emergency response speed (inspection and processing time efficiency)
• IT System Maturity (Real-time Customs Declaration Status Query)
• Customer Industry Match Rate (Export Experience in the Same Category)

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

The new version to be implemented in 2025Measures for Credit Rating of Foreign Trade EnterprisesClearly stipulated:

• Export data attribution to the actual owner of the goods.
• The agency enterprise only serves as the service provider for recording purposes.
• Customs Advanced Certification (AEO) can be applied for sharing.

It is recommended to clearly stipulate in the cooperation agreement.Data Ownership Clause, and regularly obtain trade data certificates issued by customs.

Is the agency company liable in the event of a trade dispute?

The scope of liability depends on:

• Nature of Dispute (Commercial Dispute/Administrative Violation)
• The division of responsibilities as stipulated in the contract
• Determination of the Fault Party (requires third-party institution appraisal)

Recommended purchase ofTrade credit insurance, and request the agency to provideOccupational liability insurancePolicy.