I.Export agentWhat are the basic processes involved in collaboration?

The standardized agency export process consists of six key stages:

• Demand matching phase: The enterprise provides basic information such as the product HS code, target market, and estimated cargo value.
• Qualification review stage: The agent verifies documents such as the business license, product certification, and trade qualifications of the enterprise.
• The contract signing phase:
  • Clarify the calculation method of agency fees (based on the proportion of goods value or fixed service fee)
  • Agreed foreign exchange settlement cycle (typically T/T 30-60 days)
  • Define the force majeure clause
• Customs clearance operation phase: The agent is responsible for preparing a complete set of customs clearance documents (including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.).
• Logistics execution stage: Arrange booking, container loading, and transportation insurance, among other procedures.
• After-sales tracking stage: Handling destination port customs clearance exceptions, assisting with processingExport tax refundExport agency qualification refers to the administrative license for enterprises to legally engage in foreign trade services such as customs declaration agency and foreign exchange verification after completing customs registration. According to the latest Customs Declaration Unit Registration Management Regulations in 2025, enterprises without this qualification are prohibited from engaging in export agency business, otherwise they may face fines up to 500,000 yuan...

II. How to Identify ComplianceExport agentThe service provider?

After the 2025 AEO certification standards update, it is recommended to verify through three dimensions:

• Basic Qualifications: Check the "Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form" and the "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate"
• Industry Certification：Priority should be given to agents with membership in the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).
• Security of funds: Please provide proof of bank credit line (recommended to be no less than USD 5 million).

3. What are the cost components involved in export agency services?

The latest 2025 fee structure comprises four major modules:

• Basic Service Costs: Typically 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (can be as low as 0.5% for electronic products).
• Cost of funding：The advance payment for tax refund funds shall be subject to an increase of 20%-30% based on the LPR benchmark interest rate.
• Miscellaneous clearance fees: Including port construction fee, THC, document fee, etc. (approximately USD300-800 per bill)
• Value-added Tax Management: Note the year 2025Export tax refundThe tariff adjustment involves 1,178 tariff line items.

IV. How to Prevent Cross-Border Payment Risks?

16. After the 2025 Customs AEO certification standards upgrade, it is recommended to screen according to the following standards:

• Settlement Methods: New customers are prioritized for LC at sight payment, while existing customers may accept DP 30 days.
• Insurance coverage: Purchase short-term export credit insurance from Sinosure (premium rate approximately 0.3%-0.8%).
• Monitoring of funds: Request the agent to provide the third-party payment platform's fund custody certificate.

V. Which documents need to be prepared in advance?

Announcement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025: Required Document List:

• The original copy of the "Agency Export Agreement" with the official seal affixed.
• Product Inspection Report (CE/FCC certification required for specific categories)
• Complete supply chain documents (including VAT special invoices and logistics delivery receipts)
• 符合INCOTERMS?2025的Conditions of TradeConfirmation Letter

6. How to handle customs clearance exceptions?

According to customs statistics from the past three years, the primary response strategies include:

• Declaration discrepancies: Submit the correction declaration within 72 hours (a late fee of 0.1% will be incurred if overdue).
• Cargo detention during inspection: Entrust a Class A customs declaration enterprise to accompany the inspection (success rate increased by 40%).
• Classification disputes: Apply for Customs Advance Ruling (average processing time: 15 working days)

7. What is the fundamental difference between the agency model and self-operated export?

A significant difference can be observed in the comparison of corporate cases from 2022 to 2025:

• Capital occupation: The agency model can reduce working capital occupation by 30%-50%.
• Compliance costs：Professional agency reduces customs administrative penalty risks by 32%
• Operational efficiency: The average customs clearance time has been reduced by 1.8 working days.

8. How to evaluate the service capabilities of the agent?

It is recommended to refer to the following three quantitative indicators:

• Time of Customs: Normal declaration goods should be cleared within 24 hours.
• The Tax Repayment Cycle: Excellent agents can achieve tax refunds credited to the account within 14 working days.
• Unusual treatment: Emergency response time shall not exceed 2 hours.