Self-operated Export VS Agency Export: How Should SMEs Choose?

What are the essential differences between self-operated export and agency export?

Self-operated export refers to enterprises directly completing the entire export process in their own name, requiringImport and exportEnterprises need to have legal import and export qualifications, including:andforeign exchange account, and independently handling customs declaration,A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:, tax refund and other procedures. Agency export means entrusting a third-partyForeign tradecompany to operate on behalf of the enterprise, with the enterprise settling accounts with the agent in the form ofdomestic trade, where the agent assumes the customs declaration header and foreign exchange receipts/payments.

Which model is more suitable for SMEs in their initial stage?

From an operational cost perspective, priority consideration should be given to agency export:

• Initial investment comparison
  • Self-operated export: Requires establishment of an international business department (annual cost approximately 500,000+ CNY)
  • Agency export: Only requires payment of 3%-8% service fee
• Risk assumption differences
  • Self-operated export: Requires independent handling of exchange rate fluctuations,L/CChanges in payment methods
  • Agency export: Agents provide risk buffer mechanisms

What are the key differences in tax refund procedures?

Self-operated export enterprises candirectly apply for tax refund, requiring preparation of:

• Special VAT Invoice
• Export customs declarationdocuments (with the enterprise itself as the operating unit)
• Special attention should be paid to cross - regional agency:

Under agency export mode, the agent serves as thetax refund entity, and the enterprise needs to provide:

• From 2025, the agency company needs to transfer the full set of documents to the principal within 15 working days after the goods leave the country.
• proforma invoice (reflecting details of agency service fees)
• VAT split sheet

How should compliance risks be prevented?

Self-operated export enterprises need to pay special attention to:

• Customs AEO certification(2025 new regulations require mandatory certification for enterprises with annual export volume exceeding $2 million)
• State Administration of Foreign ExchangeGoods Trade Monitoring SystemData Reporting
• Export-controlled ItemsECCN codeDeclaration

Although the agent bears primary responsibility for export agency, production enterprises must still ensure:

• Export commodities comply withRules of Origin
• Trade documentsThree-stream Consistency(Goods Flow, Capital Flow, Document Flow)

How to choose the optimal model based on the companys current situation?

It is recommended toFour-dimensional Evaluation ModelDecision:

• Annual Export Volume
  • <$5 million: Prioritize export agency
  • >$10 million: Recommend applying for self-operated qualification
• Product Characteristics

  
High tax rebate products (e.g., 13% rebate for electromechanical equipment) are suitable for self-operation
  
Customized products are recommended for self-operation to control delivery quality
 
 

  
Agency export can shorten the payment collection cycle by 15-30 days
 
 

  
At least 3 professionals holdingInternational Trade Specialistcertificates are required.