I. Foreign tradeAgency export,What is the basic process of settlement?

A standardized settlement process includes five key steps:

• Contract confirmation stage: ClarifyTrade terms(such as FOB/CIF) and payment methods (T/T, L/C, etc.)
• Advance payment processing: Typically 30% advance payment is collected, the agent provides foreign exchange receipt certificate
• Export execution stage: The agent company submits complete shipping documents after completing customs clearance and transportation
• Final payment settlement period: Settlement to be completed within 15-45 days after goods departure as per contract terms
• Foreign exchange exports: Electronic foreign exchange monitoring system will be implemented from 2025, requiring declaration within 30 days after receipt of foreign exchange

II. What are the risks of commonly used settlement methods for agency exports?

Significant risk level differences among various settlement methods:

• T/T telegraphic transfer: Advance payment ratio determines risk, recommend collecting at least 50% advance payment for new clients
• credit card(L/C): Beware of soft clause traps, 2024 ICC revised UCP600 adds digital presentation requirements
• Open account (O/A): Recommend purchasing export credit insurance, China Credit data shows bad debt rate dropped to 0.8% in 2023
• DP Collection: Do not release documents before actual control of goods, payment rejection rate in South America remains as high as 12%

III. What hidden costs are included in agency fees?

Special attention required beyond agreed service fees:

• Bank charges (approximately $35-120 per cross-border remittance)
• Exchange rate locking cost (0.3%-1% margin required for forward settlement)
• Abnormal situation handling fees (such as amendment fees, port demurrage allocation)
• 2025 newly added Digital Services Tax (DST) allocation ratio

IV. How to verify the settlement compliance of an agency company?

Three key qualifications for 2025 verification:

• SAFE classification level (Class A enterprises enjoy fast settlement)
• Customs AEO certification status (Advanced certified enterprises see 40% clearance efficiency improvement)
• Electronic port operation permissions (new single window requires integration with tax blockchain)

V. How to handle settlement disputes?

Recommended three-step response:

• Immediately freeze pending payments and apply for commercial mediation with CCPIT
• Collect complete trade evidence chain (including emails, WhatsApp records)
• Handle cross-border disputes through ICC International Court of Arbitration, average case processing time shortened to 9 months in 2023

VI. How to optimize capital turnover efficiency for agency exports?

Three innovative methods recommended for 2025:

• Use central bank digital currency bridge project for real-time cross-border settlement
• Connect with supply chain finance platforms for accounts receivable financing (annualized interest rate 4.5%-6.8%)
• Apply for pilot free trade zone offshore trade enterprise qualification to enjoy foreign exchange convenience

VII. What are the differences in settlement cycles across different countries?

Latest payment term characteristics in major markets:

• European and American markets: Mainly use 30-day usance L/C
• ASEAN countries: E-payment penetration exceeds 70%, T/T accounts for 85%
• Middle East: L/C still holds 60% share but with strict document requirements
• African market: Recommend 100% advance T/T, some countries tightening foreign exchange controls

VIII. What documents are needed for agency settlement?

Seven essential documents for 2025:

• Proforma invoice (PI) and commercial invoice (CI)
• Blockchain electronic bill of lading
• Certificate of origin (RCEP certificate enjoys tariff preferences)
• The number of pieces/gross weight error between the customs declaration form andExport tax refundForeign exchange receipt and payment declaration form
• Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Declaration Form
• Logistics tracking proof (must include GPS positioning data)
• ESG compliance statement (EU CBAM requirements)

IX. How to choose a reliable foreign trade agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate from four dimensions:

• Historical settlement data (requires customer transaction records for the past three years)
• Bank credit line (quality agents should have over 50 million credit)
• Crisis handling cases (e.g. response plan during the 2022 shipping price surge)
• Digital system maturity (whether API integration capability is available)

X. What changes will occur in settlement methods in the next three years?

Key focus areas for 2025-2027:

• Digital RMBTransboundary PaymentsPilot program expansion
• Application of smart contract automatic settlement systems
• Impact of global minimum tax rules on transfer pricing
• Settlement document requirements related to carbon tariffs