Why is it necessary to entrust an agency company to handle exports?

For enterprises engaging in foreign trade for the first time,Agency export,Can be solved.Three core pain points:

• Qualification issue: No need to handle import and export rights independently, avoiding complex procedures such as customs registration and foreign exchange accounts.
• Professional Barriers: Preparation of Customs Declaration Documents, Application of Trade Terms,International logisticsProfessional operations such as solutions.
• Cost Control: Share the VAT refund qualification of the agency company to alleviate capital turnover pressure.

Taking a certain electromechanical equipment manufacturer in 2023 as an example, the first export order worth $2 million through an agent saved approximately 15% in operational costs.

What is the difference between agency export and export on behalf?

The fundamental difference between the two modes lies inThe subject of legal liability:

• Agency export,:
  • Sign a formal agency agreement
  • Declaration using the agent's letterhead.
  • The agency company assumes the responsibility for declaration.
• Export payments:
  • Purchase customs declaration documents only.
  • Incomplete trade chain
  • There is a compliance risk (the General Administration of Customs has strengthened supervision in 2025).

What new qualifications are required for export agency in 2025?

According to the latest "Cross-Border Trade Service Management Measures," legal export agency must meet the following requirements:

• The registered capital shall not be less than RMB 5 million.
• Hold AEO advanced certification qualification
• Equipped with customs-registered declarants.
• Have a clean compliance record for three consecutive years.

Special Reminder: Starting from January 2025, the digital signature system for electronic customs declarations will be implemented, requiring agency companies to upgrade their EDI systems.

What costs are involved in export agency services?

Standard service fees typically includeBasic service fees + floating commissions:

• Fixed fee (charged per ticket):
  • Customs declaration service fee: 800-1500 yuan per bill
  • Document preparation fee: 200-500 RMB/set
• Variable fees:
  • Agency commission: 0.8%-1.5% of the contract amount
  • Refund advance interest (if applicable)

Note: Some ports have abolished paper document processing fees in 2025. It is recommended to choose an agency company that adopts a fully electronic process.

How to evaluate the reliability of an agency?

Recommended fromFive dimensionsEvaluation criteria:

• Customs credit rating (preferably AA-rated enterprises)
• Years of industry service (recommended no less than 5 years)
• Special category handling experience (e.g., hazardous materials, cold chain products)
• Fund turnover capability (tax refund financing cycle)
• Dispute resolution mechanism (must be explicitly stated in the contract)

Typical Case: A textile exporter suffered a 35-day port detention of goods worth $800,000 due to the agency's lack of experience in handling dangerous goods packaging certificates.

How to ensure payment security in export agency?

Recommended adoption28. A triple - guarantee mechanism:

• Contract terms:
  • Specify the foreign exchange settlement time limit (generally no more than T+3).
  • Agreed default compensation ratio
• Payment Methods:
  • Priority should be given to settlement by letter of credit.
  • Avoid DP deferred payment
• Hedging:
  • Insure export credit insurance
  • Use a third-party payment escrow account.