I.Export agentWhat exactly is it?

Export agent(Export Agency) is a professional service organization approved by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and equipped with import and export rights, representing enterprises to complete the whole process of international trade operations. In accordance with the newly revised "Foreign Trade Law" in 2025, formal agency enterprises must holdThe Sea Code.andRecord-filing Qualification with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Its core functions include:

• Sign foreign trade contracts on behalf of clients
• Processingcustoms clearance, customs clearance procedures such as inspection declaration
• Manage foreign exchange receipts and payments andExport tax refund
• CoordinationInternational logisticsTransportation is

II. What practical problems can professional agents solve?

Taking a bathroom products export enterprise as an example, the export volume has increased by 37% through agency services, with the main problem-solving aspects reflected in:

• Document Compliance Challenges:
  • Correctly prepare 12 types of foreign trade documents such as CI (Commercial Invoice), PL (Packing List), etc.
  • Handling the special certification requirements of the destination country (e.g., Saudi Arabia's SABER certification)
• Fund flow difficulties:
  • Advance paymentExport tax refund(Average reduction of 45 days in payment collection cycle)
  • Negotiation of Documents under Letter of Credit

III. Six Core Criteria for Selecting Export Agents

According to the agency rating data released by the General Administration of Customs in 2025, it is recommended to pay attention to:

• Customs AEO Certification Level (Priority given to Advanced Certified Enterprises)
• Specific industry operation experience (such as medical devices, hazardous chemicals, etc.)
• Overseas customs clearance network coverage capability
• Digital management system docking level
• Historical tax refund success rate (should reach over 98%)
• Case Library for Handling Emergency Issues (e.g., Application of RCEP Rules of Origin)

IV. Analysis of Agency Service Fee Structure

Take a typical order with an FOB value of $1 million as an example:

• Basic Service Fee: 0.8%-1.2% (including customs declaration and documents)
• Value Added Services:
  • Export Credit Insurance Agency: 0.3%
  • Destination Port DDP Customs Clearance: 1.5%
• Special Note: Compliance agents should not charge gray fees such as "container consolidation fees"

V. Three Major Misconceptions About Export Agency

According to the clarification of the 2025 survey data from the International Trade Center (ITC):

• Myth 1: Self-operated export is more cost-effective

  Actual calculation: The average annual cost for small and medium-sized enterprises to build their own team exceeds 500,000 yuan, and agency services can save 68% of operating costs.

• Myth 2: Agents are only suitable for small businesses

  Fact: 73% of multinational trading companies use agents to handle regional business

• Myth 3: Using an agent will result in the loss of client resources

  Standard Operation: The agency contract clearly stipulates the confidentiality clause for customer information, and trade secrets are protected by law.