How to safely collect payment for export agency? How to settle the agency fee? How to avoid the risk of foreign exchange collection?

I.Export RepresentationWhat steps must be followed for payment collection and disbursement?

A standardized payment collection and disbursement process includes five core steps:

• A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Path confirmation: Select settlement methods such as TT, LC, or DPU based on trade terms.
• Foreign Exchange Declaration: The agent shall handle foreign exchange income declaration based on the export contract (electronic customs declaration required from 2025)
• Payment Splitting: Settle net amount after deducting agency fees, prepaid freight and other costs
• Cross-border Settlement: Transfer via bank in cross-border RMB or foreign currency
• Tax Treatment: The agent pays VAT on behalf, the manufacturer retains tax refund documents

What new risks should be noted for agency foreign exchange collection in 2025?

According to the latest foreign exchange policies, special attention is required:

• Enhanced Authenticity Verification: Transactions exceeding USD 50,000 require logistics tracking proof
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Compensation: Recommend signing a supplementary exchange rate lock agreement (referencing 2023 case with 12% RMB fluctuation)
• Sanctions List Screening: 37 additional sanctioned overseas buyers added (updated as of March 2025)
• Digital Currency Risks: Explicitly reject cryptocurrency payment methods like USDT

How to determine a reasonable agency fee settlement standard?

Industry Standard PracticesTiered Pricing Model:

• Basic Service Fee: 0.8%-1.2% of goods value (including customs clearance, documentation, and receipt of payment)
• Value - added service fee:
  • L/CDocument Submission: RMB 500-2000 per transaction
  • Foreign Exchange Hedging: 0.15% of goods value
  • Exception Handling: Charged based on labor costs

It is recommended to require the agency to provide2024 Customs AEO Certification, ensuring compliance qualifications.

How to prevent the risk of agents misappropriating payments?

Recommended Triple Safeguard Measures:

• Account Supervision: Require opening a joint account with dual-signature payment
• Document Loop: Customs declaration, VAT invoice, and payment receipt must match
• Insurance HedgingPurchase credit insurance (China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation premium rate approximately 0.3%-0.8%)

How to handle overdue payments from overseas buyers?

Phased response plan:

• 30 days overdueInitiate collection assistance procedures through agency
• 60 days overdueFile claim through Sinosure (requires prior insurance)
• 90 days overdueEngage professional law firm (recommend ICC-accredited institutions)

Special attention to theCross-Border Debt Collection Regulationsimplemented in 2025, prohibiting unlicensed institutions from conducting overseas debt recovery.