How to choose a reliable export agent service provider? What risks should be considered when using an export agent?

What basic qualifications are required for export agency services?

According to the latest 2025 Customsimport and export"Regulations on Goods Declaration Management" stipulates that enterprises must ensure the following when exporting through agents:

• The legal relationship between the two parties is clear.A written agency agreement must be signed to clarify the ownership of the goods.
• Basic qualifications are complete.:
  • The client must possess a business license (with a scope of business that includes related products).
  • The agent must possess import and export operation rights and AEO certification from customs.
• Special Industry CertificateFor goods subject to legal inspection, a quality and safety certification is required, while food products must provide a sanitary registration certificate.

What specific services are included in export agency services?

Professional agency companies should provide end-to-end services:

• Document serviceCustoms declaration form,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Production of 15+ types of trade documents, including commercial inspection certificates.
• Logistics Management: Transportation solution design under different trade terms such as EXW/FOB
• Tax Treatment:Export DrawbackDeclaration and Cross-border Tax Compliance Consulting
• Risk control:L/CReview, exchange rate locking, trade dispute legal aid

How to reasonably calculate the agency export fees?

The industry standard pricing models for 2025 include:

• Basic service feeCharged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (including customs clearance and document preparation).
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
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  • Tax refund advance financing: Annualized interest rate 6-8%
  • Special documents: such as CO expedited fee 500-2000 RMB/copy
• Risk WarningsBeware of the "duty-inclusive" trap. Compliant agents should clearly itemize details such as HS code verification fees and customs pre-classification fees.

How to Identify Unreliable Agency Companies?

It is recommended to screen through the "three checks and three inspections":

• Check credit history: Customs Enterprise Credit Publicity Platform verifies AEO certification status
• Assess service capabilityDo you have specific industry operational experience (e.g., hazardous chemicals/food, etc.)?
• Check fund safetyRequest to present a performance bond or proof of export credit insurance.
• Review the contract termsThe formal agreement should include 12 essential clauses such as liability allocation and dispute resolution.

What are the common legal risks in export agency?

According to the analysis of the 2025 International Trade Dispute Case Database, the main risk points include:

• Dispute over ownership of goods28% of disputes stem from the unclear ownership of goods in agency agreements.
• Penalty for False DeclarationIn 2025, customs authorities have implemented the "Cumulative Scoring System for Declaration Errors" for 23 enterprises.
• Foreign exchange settlement riskSpecial attention should be paid to the country restrictions on cross-border RMB settlement.
• Tax joint liabilityThe agent shall bear joint and several liability for the authenticity of the VAT invoices issued by the principal.

What key terms should be confirmed when selecting an agency company?

It is recommended that the contract must clearly specify:

• Responsibility boundary clauseParticularly regarding the delineation of responsibilities for customs inspections and delays in tax refunds.
• Document Handover StandardsTime limit for original bill of lading handover and compensation standards for loss
• Force majeure clauseIncluding contingency plans for special circumstances such as port strikes and wars.
• A case of a tax rebate dispute caused by an oral agreement of a certain electromechanical enterprise in 2024 shows that when there is a lack of a written agreement, the tax authorities may identify the actual owner of the goods as the declaration entity.It is recommended to agree on the jurisdiction of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.