Foreign tradeExport agentWhat exactly is the business?

Foreign tradeExport agentIt refers to professional service institutions providing for enterprisesFull - process export solution, The core services include:

• Document preparation and compliance review (invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.)
• Customs declaration, clearance and transportation coordination (booking for sea/air freight, customs clearance procedures)
• Foreign exchange settlement and tax refund handling (foreign exchange receipt and payment verification, tax refund declaration)
• Trade risk control (letter of credit review, trade barrier early warning)

According to the latest data of the General Administration of Customs of China in 2025, the number of filings of national import and export agency enterprises has increased by 47% compared with 2020, reflecting the continuous market demand for professional foreign trade services.

What is the essential difference between self - export and agency export?

The core differences between the two are reflected inLegal entitywithDivision of responsibilities:

• Legal entity:
  • Self - export: The enterprise undertakes the responsibility of import and export rights by itself.
  • Agent - based export: The agency company acts as the nominal exporter
• Operating cost:
  • Self - operation requires maintaining declaration/logistics/document teams
  • The agency mode pays service fees according to the business volume

How is the export agency service fee calculated?

The mainstream charging models in 2025 include:

• Basic Service CostsCharge 0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value (including customs declaration and documents).
• Value Added Services:
  • Special document certification: 500 - 2000 yuan per order
  • Expedited customs clearance: 300 - 800 yuan per ticket
• The risk guarantee: 3 - 5% of the cargo value (refundable)

It should be noted that some agents may charge hidden fees. It is recommended to request forExact cost checklist.

How to evaluate the professional ability of a foreign trade agency company?

Five dimensions should be mainly inspected:

• Compliance qualificationsCustoms AEO certification and filing with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.
• Industry ExperienceExport cases of similar products (3 recent cases are required to be provided).
• Emergency TreatmentResponse time limit for abnormal customs clearance (the standard should be ≤ 2 hours).
• Technical capacityEDI customs declaration system, logistics tracking platform.
• Security of fundsWhether to set up a third - party supervision account.

What potential risks are there in using an export agent?

Three types of risk scenarios need to be paid special attention to:

• Document riskThe customs penalty caused by the agency companys unauthorized modification of the HS code.
• Funding riskMisappropriation of payment for goods caused by the failure to set up a special account.
• Joint riskRestrictions on customs clearance caused by violations of other clients of the agency.

It is recommended to clarify in the contractFault liability clause, require the agent to purchase professional liability insurance.

What new trends will there be in the foreign trade agency industry in 2025?

The industry presents three significant changes:

• Digital servicesPopularization of blockchain authenticity verification and intelligent customs declaration systems.
• Upgrade of compliance requirementsThe declaration of EU CBAM carbon tariff has become a new service item.
• Extension of the service chainValue - added services such as overseas warehouse supervision and tax declaration in the destination country.

It is recommended to give priority to those withCross - border digital abilityService providers to cope with the new trade regulations after the full implementation of RCEP in 2025.