Is self-operated export really more cost-effective than agency export?

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, new filingsForeign trade78% of enterprises opt for the agency export model. On the surface, self-operated exports save on agency fees, but hidden costs are often overlooked:

• Qualification acquisition cost：Customs AEO certification requires an investment of 150,000 to 300,000 yuan.
• Capital occupation costs:Tax RefundThe average cycle has been extended to 6 months.
• Professional team costs: The combined annual salary for customs declaration, documentation, and logistics positions exceeds 400,000 yuan.

A case study from an auto parts company revealed that the actual cost of self-operated exports was 23% higher than that of the agency model, with the primary losses stemming from customs declaration error penalties and delayed tax refund interest.

What key issues can a foreign trade agency company address?

The value of a professional agency lies not only in handling procedures, but also in its risk prevention and control system:

• Trade Compliance Assurance: Track the latest policies such as the U.S. EAR and EU anti-dumping measures in real time.
• Working capital optimization：Obtain 80% of the tax refund in advance through the credit line.
• : By integrating the shipping line resources of the West Coast of the US (Los Angeles/Long Beach Port) and the East Coast of the US (New York/Savannah Port), agent services can shorten the transportation cycle by 30% and reduce the loss of LCL space.: Container Freight Rate Fluctuation Alert and Slot Booking Service
• Document Risk Avoidance: The new RCEP Rules of Origin intelligent verification system will be added in 2025.

How to identify a reliable foreign trade agency company?

It is recommended to establish selection criteria from five dimensions:

• Qualification Verification: Verify the AA-class enterprise qualification for customs (valid until 2027)
• : Document review process, historical data of error rates: Please provide the customs declaration accuracy report for the most recent 12 months.
• Financial strength: Registered capital exceeding 5 million and bank credit line surpassing 30 million.
• Service network: Major exporting countries must have local customs clearance partners.
• Technical capabilities: Capable of interfacing with blockchain customs declaration systems

What are the potential risks of the export agency model?

Three major risk points that need special attention:

• Joint liability risk: The customs credit rating of the agent affects the inspection rate.
• Fund Security Risks: Be wary of institutions that request payment to be made through a proxy account.
• Intellectual Property Risk: By 2025, new EU regulations will require agents to bear 30% of infringement liability.

It is recommended to adopt the "dual-header customs declaration" model, which not only maintains independent business records but also enjoys agency services.

Is it mandatory to use an agent for special trade circumstances?

The following three scenarios strongly recommend entrusting an agent:

• Processing trade: The manual write-off error rate is reduced to below 0.5%.
• E-commerce: Professional requirements for handling the 9810/9710 regulatory codes
• TemporarilyImport and export: The international guarantee system involved in the use of ATA Carnet

A certainMedical DevicesThe exporter incurred $280,000 in demurrage fees due to self-handling temporary admission permits, resulting in cargo detention at the port.

How should agency fees be calculated reasonably?

Reference Market Prices for Agency Service Fees in 2025:

• Basic Service Package: 0.8%-1.2% of the contract amount (including customs clearance and tax refund)
• Value-added logistics services: Conversion from EXW to DDP charges 3%-5%.
• Special Document Services：ECFACertificate of OriginEach copy costs 200-500 yuan.

Be wary of agencies that adopt the "low initial price + subsequent price hikes" model, and opt for a tiered pricing structure instead.