How to choose an export agency company? What are the hidden risks of foreign trade agency services? 2025 latest selection guide

What kind of export agency company is considered compliant and reliable?

When selecting an export service provider, the following qualifications should be verified:

• Customs AEO certification: Priority given to enterprises with Customs Advanced Certification (enterprises within the 2025 certification validity period)
• The whole process is actually not complicated, and intermediary agencies can usually help you complete it within 1 - 2 months. So, applying for export rights is not an unattainable thing.: Verify enterprise directory registration status (can be checked via the State Administration of Foreign Exchange official website)
• Industry-specific qualifications: InvolveMedical Equipment, Special commodities such as food require corresponding business licenses
• Historical dispute records: Check enterprise litigation records through China Judgments Online

What hidden costs are included in the agency service fee?

In addition to the apparent agency fee (usually 0.8%-1.5%), special attention should be paid to:

• Capital occupation costs: Capital costs for tax refund cycles exceeding 45 days (calculated based on LPR interest rate)
• Abnormal handling fees: Customs inspection, amendment, and cancellation fees for unexpected situations
• Document Authentication Fees: Third-party agency fees such as CCPIT certification and embassy certification
• Exchange rate locking service: Hedging solutions under intensified two-way RMB fluctuations in 2025

How to avoid becoming a victim of export through purchasing orders?

2025 customs implementationGolden Customs Project Phase IIIAfter implementation, the following preventive measures are recommended:

• Insist on using your companys name for customs declaration (can request agents to provide real-time customs clearance status queries)
• Reject the "tax-inclusive" scheme proposed by the agent (potential smuggling risk).
• Verify VAT invoice flows (check invoice certification status through electronic tax bureau)
• Require agents to provide complete customs declaration forms,Maritime TransportationOriginal bills of lading

What compliance points should agents pay attention to for special commodities?

Agent requirements for different product categories:

• Medical Equipment: Must provide export sales certificates (new EU MDR certification requirements in 2025)
• Chemical Products: MSDS documents must comply with the latest standards of the target country (such as the revised US EPA 2024 regulations)
• Food category: Dual verification of export filing certificates + importing country health certificates
• Lithium battery: UN38.3 test reports + hazardous materials transportation qualifications

Agent export may affectExport DrawbackAccording to Document No. 38 of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2025,

Compliant agents will not affect tax rebate rights, but note:

• Must be issued by the agent companyAgent export certificate
• A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Must go through the manufacturers foreign exchange account
• The "Consignor within China" and "Production/Sales Unit" on the customs declaration form must correspond accurately.
• Maintain complete logistics documents (ocean bills of lading must show actual shipper)

How to protect rights when trade disputes occur?

It is recommended to clearly specify in the agency agreement:

• Title transfer point (recommended to use FCA terms)
• Document handover acceptance criteria (especially forIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:and other key documents)
• Dispute resolution mechanism (preferably China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
• Information security clauses (customer data confidentiality and anti-leakage measures)

How to evaluate an agency companys service responsiveness?

It is recommended to conduct tests through the following dimensions:

• Emergency order processing: Require issuance of proforma invoice + packing list within 24 hours
• Contingency response: Simulate customs inspection requiring complete documentation
• Multi-timezone service: Test emergency contact channels during non-working hours
• System integration capability: Examine ERPs data interoperability with Customs Single Window

How to choose between agency export and self-operated export?

Based on annual export volume recommendations:

• Below $5 million: For <5 million USD: Recommended to adopt agency model (can save approximately 30% operational costs)
• $5-20 million: Establish aimport and exportFor 5-20 million USD: Recommended department + agency hybrid model
• Above $20 million: For >20 million USD: Recommended to apply for Customs Advanced Certification for self-operated export