What is tradeExport agent? How does it differ from self-operated exports?

TradeExport agentRefers to professional service institutions withCustomsAEOCertificationandImport and Export Rightsa specialized company that provides end-to-end services for enterprises lacking the qualifications or capability to complete the export process on their own. Compared to self-operated exports, the agency model offers three key advantages:

• Qualification Threshold: Addressing the issues of enterprises lacking import/export rights and foreign exchange accounts
• Cost Control: No need to build your own customs clearance or logistics teams
• Risk Mitigation: Expert handling of complex matters such as HS code classification and origin certification

What specific services are included in export agency services?

In the 2025 international trade environment, professional agency companies typically provide the followingCore service modules:

• Document Processing:
  • Commercial invoices / container production
  • Certificate of Origin Application (including new versions such as RCEP)
• Customs clearance services:
  • HS code classification consultation
  • Application for Pre-Classification Recommendation
  • On-site coordination during customs inspection
• Foreign Exchange Settlement:
  • Cross-border RMB receipts and payments
  • Export tax refundAdvance Payment Service

How is the cost structure calculated for agency exports?

2025 Agency Service Fee StructureTransparency + ModularityTrends, mainly include:

• Base agency fee: 0.8%–1.5% of the cargo value (depending on product category)
• Additional service fees:
  • Document Authentication: USD 200–800 per copy
  • Expedited customs clearance: 500-2000 RMB per shipment
• Financing Cost: The interest on the tax-refund advance is approximately 0.6%–1.2% per month.

How to determine whether a proxy agency is legitimate and reliable?

It is recommended to proceed from three dimensions.Qualification Verification:

• Customs Credit: Check whether the company is on the Customs AEO Certified List (verifiable on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China).
• Foreign Exchange Management: Check whether it is availableForeign Trade Enterprise Directory for Foreign Exchange Receipts and PaymentsQualified
• Industry Reputation: Provide case studies of clients in the same industry served within the past three years.

Will using an export agent affect our customer relationships?

Properly executed proxy services will not harm customer relationships; on the contrary, they enhance professionalism. Note:

• The shipper on the bill of lading may show your company’s English name (with the agent company as the notify party).
• The commercial invoice shall be jointly issued by your company and the agent.
• The receipt route can be either collected through an intermediary account or received directly into your company's overseas account.

How should a freight forwarder respond when faced with customs inspections or trade disputes?

High-quality agencies should provideEnd-to-end risk control support:

• Inspection response: Arrive at the inspection site within 2 hours (major ports)
• Legal Support: Partnered customs attorneys provide classification dispute resolution solutions
• Insurance Integration: Assist in underwriting credit insurance and cargo transportation insurance

What new changes should you pay special attention to when choosing an export agent in 2025?

Pursuant to Customs General Administration Announcement No. 79 of 2024, special attention is required:

• Digital capability: whether direct connection to the Single Window system is supported
• Green Trade: Can ESG services such as carbon footprint accounting be provided?
• Sanctions Compliance: Whether a controlled-item screening system is in place

It is recommended that companies pay close attention when signing agency agreementsLiability Allocation Clauses, particularly the attribution of administrative penalties arising from misclassification and the handling protocols in force majeure situations. Choosing an agency with experience in the same industry can markedly reduce trade risks. For example, 2023 customs statistics show that the declaration error rate of professional agents is 62% lower than that of self-filing enterprises.