What isExport agentService? How does it differ from self-operated export?

Export agentService refers to professional institutions providing for enterprises that lack import/export qualifications or operational capabilitiesEnd-to-end foreign trade solutionsAccording to statistics released by Chinas General Administration of Customs in 2024, approximately 68% of SMEs nationwide conduct export business through agency models.

The main differences compared to self-operated exports are reflected in:

• Qualification requirements: The agency holds full certifications including Customs AEO certification
• Division of responsibilities: Undertaken by the agency companycustoms clearanceLegal compliance responsibilities such as inspection declaration
• Cost structure: Enterprises dont need to maintain a dedicated foreign trade team

What does export agency service include?Core businessModules?

The latest 2025 industry service standards include six core modules:

• Qualification Management: HS Code Classification, Certificate of Origin Processing
• Customs clearance services:
  • Electronic Port System Integration (to be fully upgraded to Smart Customs Declaration System in 2025)
  • Cross-border Special Commodity Registration
• Tax Treatment:Export tax refundAgency Services, Foreign Exchange Verification
• Logistics coordination: Sea/Air Freight Space Guarantee, Dangerous Goods Transport Qualification
• Compliance Risk Control: Trade Sanctions Screening, Intellectual Property Protection
• Data Services:Export tax refundProgress Tracking, Customs Clearance Efficiency Analysis

How to evaluate the professional capabilities of an agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate from the following dimensions:

• Customs credit rating (priority given to AEO Advanced Certification enterprises)
• Special business handling cases (e.g., a successful case in 2023 where an agency handled lithium battery exports detained by EU customs)
• System integration capabilities:
  • Depth of Single Window system integration
  • Level of real-time data visualization
• Emergency response mechanism (customs clearance guarantee during holidays, emergency handling procedures)

What items are included in agency service fees? How to avoid hidden charges?

The mainstream charging models in the industry by 2025 will be:

• Basic Service Costs: Charged per customs declaration (approximately 200-500 yuan per declaration)
• Value Added Services:
  • Expedited customs clearance service (additional charge of 300-1000 yuan per instance)
  • Customized document preparation (50-200 RMB per order)
• Annual service package: Suitable for enterprises with over 200 export shipments annually (approximately 30,000-80,000 RMB/year)

It is recommended to clearly stipulate in the contract: dispute-prone clauses such as foreign exchange rate fluctuation handling rules, maximum inspection response fees, and special regulatory condition surcharges.

What legal risks should be considered when selecting agency services?

Three risks that require special attention:

• Agency agreement regardingCustoms declaration responsibilitiesprovisions (refer to typical cases published by the Supreme Peoples Court in 2024)
• Legal validity determination ofexport tax rebate documents
• Export of sensitive technologiesEnd User Commitment LetterValidity

It is recommended to require the agent to provide its compliance audit reports for the past three years and confirm the coverage scope of its professional liability insurance.