
Export agentWhat specific tasks does the company carry out?
As an important link to international trade, professionalExport agentThe company provides three main module services:
- Commercial compliance services
- HS Code Classification and Export License
- Certificate of origin, quality certification
- Export tax refundDeclaration and Foreign Exchange Trading Procedures
- Integrated logistics management
- International Transportation Program Design and Cost Optimization
- Container packaging / whole box arrangement management
- Pre-examination of port clearance documents
- Risk control system
- Trade terms(Compliant application of Incoterms? 2025)
- Professional Audit of Credit Cards
- Exchange rate volatility scheme design
What is the difference between an export agency and a foreign trade company?
The two main differences lie in the positioning of services:
- Export agency companiesAs a professional service provider, not involved in merchandise ownership transactions, focusing on providing full-process trade solutions
- Traditional foreign trade companiesUsually self-driving import and export business, both the subject of trade and the executor
According to the General Administration of Customs data for 2024, approximately 73% of small and medium-sized export enterprises opt for the agency model, which can reduce compliance risks by about 40%.
How to assess the professional qualifications of an export agency?
Selection of partners should be checked:
- Official Certification Qualifications
- Customs AEO Certified Enterprises (Priority for Advanced Certification)
- Membership of the International Freight Agents Association (FIATA)
- Experience in industry
- Export cases for specific product categories (e.g. medical devices require FDA registration experience)
- Successful record of target market clearance (e.g. processing of EU CE certification documents)
- Capacity for Digital Services
- Real-time tracking system (such as data linking to a single window in customs)
- Electronic certificate management system (compliant with WCO data standards)
What is the cost of export agency services?
The typical fee structure includes:
- Basic Service Costs(0.8%-1.5% of the contract amount)
- Processing fees(Per order 200-800 yuan)
- Additional logistics costs(Floating according to the mode of transport)
2025 Industry New Trends: Some agencies begin adoptingPerformance model of gambling.part of the service costs andExport tax refundKPIs are linked to accounting time and logistics cost savings.
How can export agents help deal with trade friction?
The core values of professional agencies are reflected in:
- Early Warning MechanismsPush target market policy changes 60 days in advance
- The Alternative ProgramOptimization of origin rules under RCEP
- Legal supportCo-operation Law provides anti-dumping response support
Typical Case: A food export enterprise successfully avoided the impact of the EUs new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implemented in 2025 by quickly adjusting the certificate of origin through an agency company.
Which is more expensive for self-exporting and commissioning agents?
Decision-making requires comprehensive consideration:
- Annual Export LimitsFor enterprises with less than $2 million, it is recommended to prioritize using an agent.
- Cost of reserve.Self-employment requires at least3 professional team
- Efficiency of fundingProfessional agency reduces average tax refund cycle by 15 working days
According to the China International Trade Promotion Commission2025 year survey, the incidence of export disputes between enterprises using agency services is lower than between self-employed enterprises62.