1. What is an agency export? How does it differ from self-operated export?

Agency-commissioned export refers to the process where manufacturing enterprises export their products through qualifiedImport and exportqualificationsForeign tradeThe service model for companies to complete export procedures. The main differences compared to self-operated exports are:

• Qualification requirements: Under the agency model, production enterprises do not need to obtain import and export rights.
• Subject of responsibility: Foreign trade agency companies handle customs clearance,A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:, tax refunds, and other legal obligations
• Capital flow: The payment is collected by the agency company and then transferred to the manufacturing enterprise.

2. Which types of enterprises are suitable for adopting agency-based export consignment?

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, approximately 37% of export enterprises utilize agency services, primarily applicable to:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises with an annual export volume of less than $5 million.
• Manufacturers with a single product line
• Companies that need to quickly enter new markets
  • For example: a certainMedical DevicesThe factory completed the export of EU CE-certified products within 3 days through an agency company.

III. How to Choose a Reliable Foreign Trade Agency?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• Qualification review: Verify the AEO certification by customs and the qualification as a Class I enterprise for export tax refund (exemption).
• Service capabilities: Focus on assessing the ability to handle special documents (e.g., FORM E).Certificate of OriginTrade dispute settlement mechanisms
• : Document review process, historical data of error rates: Request for a certificate of no administrative penalties imposed in the past three years

IV. What is the complete process for export agency?

The standard operational procedure consists of seven key steps:

1. Sign a tripartite agreement (factory, agent, foreign merchant)
2. The agency prepares customs declaration documents.
3. ProcessTax RefundImporters must have import and export filings with the customs and quarantine. Importing food is not possible without the right to import and export. If an importer does not have the right to import and export, it can choose to affiliate with a qualified company for import.
4. ArrangementInternational logistics: Before the goods are exported, the freight forwarding enterprise needs to declare the relevant information of the goods to the customs, including the name, quantity, value, origin and other information of the goods, and pay the corresponding tariffs and taxes.
5. Handling foreign exchange settlement
6. Declaration of export tax rebate
7. Organize trade archives (retention period of at least 5 years).

5. What items are typically included in the agency service fee?

The industry's average fee standard for 2025 is 0.8%-1.5% of the export amount, specifically including:

• Basic service fee (customs declaration, document preparation, foreign exchange collection)
• Value-added service fee (e.g.:
  • Destination port clearance assistance
  • Special Document Authentication
• Risk deposit (typically 3%-5% of the cargo value)

VI. What are the potential risks of using export agents?

Three major risk points require special attention:

• Special reminder: In 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will strictly investigate the export with purchased forms behavior. The agency receipt of foreign exchange must ensure the integration of three flows (goods flow, capital flow, and document flow).: The agency company embezzled tax refunds (a typical case involving 230 million yuan occurred in a certain region in 2023).
• Record - filing of Foreign Trade Operators: Incorrect HS code declaration leading to customs inspection
• Commercial risks: The agency company privately contacted the end customer.

7. Will acting as an export agent affect the accumulation of corporate credit?

According to the latest foreign exchange management policies for 2025:

• Export proceeds collection records belong to the agency company.
• It is recommended to require the agency company to provideExport Data Endorsement Letter
• The actual export data can be queried through the Electronic Port System.

8. What should be noted when acting as an export agent for special products?

Special caution is required for the following categories:

• Hazardous Chemicals (MSDS and Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate required)
• Medical Devices (FDA Registration and Filing)
• Food category (requiring export food filing certificate)

IX. How to transition from agency export to self-operated export?

It is recommended to transition in three steps:

1. Apply for import and export rights simultaneously
2. Maintain complete trade records during the agency period.
3. Application for Classification Management Rating of Export Tax Rebate

What are common misconceptions about agency exports?

Three cognitive biases that need clarification:

• Misconception 1：The cost of export agency is higher (while actually saving labor costs and system investments).
• Misconception 2: Unable to establish a proprietary brand (can be resolved through OEM approach)
• Misconception 3: Funds are not secure (legitimate agency companies are all covered by professional liability insurance)