I. Foreign tradeExport agentHow to collect foreign exchange on behalf? What is the operational process?

The standard process for collection through export agencies includes 4 key steps:

• Four key stagesClarify collection terms in the agency agreement, including settlement currency, exchange rate locking mechanism, and handling fee calculation method (typically 0.5%-1.5% of collection amount)
• Foreign exchange receipt stage:
  • The agency company provides overseas collection account information
  • Clients must ensure commercial invoices match customs declaration information
  • 2025 foreign exchange policy requires advance reporting for large collections (single transaction exceeding $500,000)
• Foreign exchange verification processThe agency company completes export collection verification procedures, providing bank slips and verification certificates
• RMB settlement stageSettle at agreed exchange rate, deduct agency fees, then pay to exporter

II. What are the compliance red lines for foreign trade collection in 2025 that must not be crossed?

According to the latest foreign exchange management regulations, enterprises should pay special attention to:

• Strictly prohibit collection through unregistered accounts (including third-party collection)
• Collection amounts deviating over ±5% from customs declaration values require explanatory documents
• Emerging market countries require verification of payer qualifications for foreign exchange receipts (e.g., Middle East and Africa regions require KYC documents from payers)
• Cryptocurrency settlement has not yet obtained regulatory approval

III. Which collection method offers the fastest fund arrival and lowest handling fees?

Comparison of mainstream foreign exchange receipt methods in 2025:

• T/T telegraphic transfer:
  • Time to receipt: 1-3 business days
  • Handling fees: Agency fee + bank fee (approximately 0.1%-0.3%)
  • Applicable scenarios: Single transactions below $500,000
• Letter of credit settlement:
  • Time to receipt: 7-15 business days
  • Handling fees: 1.5%-3% (including bank charges)
  • Applicable scenarios: First-time cooperation or high-risk countries
• Cross-border currency settlement:
  • Time to receipt: 1-2 business days
  • Handling fees: 0.5%-1%
  • Advantages: Avoid the risk of exchange rate fluctuations

IV. How to calculate taxes and fees generated from agency collection?

Tax treatment needs to distinguish enterprise types:

• Production - type enterpriseaccording toExport tax refundRate calculation (2025 machinery and electronics product export rebate rate 13%, textiles 9%)
• Trading Company: Need to pay VAT (exemption, credit, refund policy)
• Small-scale taxpayers: Eligible for quarterly tax-free quota of 450,000 yuan

V. How to prevent agency companies from misusing foreign exchange funds?

Recommended triple safeguard measures:

• Select agency companies withQualified financial institution statusAuthorized agent (holding Payment Business License issued by SAFE)
• Request agency to provideBank escrow accountRegulatory plan
• Clearly specify in the agency agreementFund clearing cycle(Typically not exceeding 3 business days after receipt of payment)

VI. What to do if encountering bank freezes during collection in 2025?

Emergency plan for account freezing:

• Prepare completeTrade authenticity documentation(Including PI, BL, original customs declaration)
• Apply through agency companySAFE compliance certificate
• For transactions involving sensitive countries, apply in advance forSinosure insurance policy
• Can be applied for when necessaryForeign exchange dispute mediation(New fast-track channel established in 2025)

According to General Administration of Customs 2025 data, enterprises using formal agency collection services have an 82% higher fund security rate than those collecting payments independently. Export enterprises are advised to choose agency service providers with the following characteristics:

• Possess over 10 years of foreign exchange operation experience
• Have branches in major global trade regions
• Provide real-time foreign exchange risk warning systems
• Maintain professional trade compliance teams