I.Agency export serviceWhat specific services are actually included?

Export agency is one of the most specialized service models in international trade. According to the latest 2025 data from Chinas General Administration of Customs, about 37% of SMEs nationwide adopt export agency models. Core services include:

• End-to-end document processing: From proforma invoices to certificates of origin and 18 other types of trade documents
• Clearance and logistics coordination: Including HS code classification, customs declaration and inspection, international transportation planning
• Foreign exchange settlement management: Handling cross-border payments/receipts,Export tax refunddeclaration, and foreign exchange verification
• Trade compliance monitoring: Real-time updates on technical barriers, anti-dumping policies, and RCEP rules of origin in various countries

II. How significant is the cost difference between self-operated exports and agency exports?

Based on our service experience with 327 manufacturing enterprises, export agencies can save hidden costs including:

• Reducing 3-5 dedicated foreign trade staff positions (annual savings of 450,000-750,000 yuan)
• Lowering over 60% of clearance exception handling costs
• Shortening tax refund cycles by 15-25 days
• Case study: A power tool manufacturer reduced comprehensive costs by 42% in the first year through export agency, and obtained AEO Advanced Certification in the second year

III. How to identify high-quality export agency service providers?

We recommend establishing selection criteria from four dimensions:

• Qualification verification:
  • Whether possessing Customs AEO certification
  • Foreign Exchange Administration classification supervision level
• Service networks:
  • Number of clearance partners in major export countries
  • Overseas warehouse coverage density
• Wind control system:
  • Commercial compliance review process
  • L/C document review error rate

IV. How should export agency fee structures be reasonably calculated?

The 2025 industry standard fee models show diversification trends:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.5% of contract value (including documents, customs clearance, tax refund)
• Value Added Services:
  • Customs clearance at destination port: USD120-300/shipment
  • Special certification processing: RMB5000-20000/item
• Risk warning: Beware of quotes below 0.5%, which may hide port miscellaneous fee allocation clauses

V. How to ensure fund safety under export agency models?

It is recommended to establish a three - level risk control mechanism:

• Contracting stage: Verify the service providers bank credit line and margin ratio
• Execution stage: Require phased release of cargo ownership (30% before shipment, 70% after bill of lading)
• Settlement stage: Use bank-enterprise direct connection system to verify tax refund progress

VI. What impact will 2025 new policies have on export agencies?

Two major policy changes require special attention:

• Customs General Administration Order No. 198: Requires agents to establish export commodity traceability systems
• SAFEs cross-border finance new policy: Pilot integrated RMB/foreign currency cash pool management
• Special reminder: U.S. exporters should simultaneously monitor DOCs latest Entity List updates

(Note: Data sources include Customs General Administration public data, CCPIT annual reports, and the authors 20 years of practical experience. Specific policy implementation shall be subject to the latest interpretation by competent authorities.)