How to choose reliable export agency companies? What qualifications are needed to start a company? Latest answers for 2025

Export RepresentationWhat qualifications does a company need to operate legally?

According to the latest International Trade Agency Service Management Measures in 2025, legally operating export agency companies must possess:

• Basic licenses:foreign tradeForeign Trade Operator Registration Record Form, Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
• Special qualifications:
  • Dangerous goods transportation requires MSDS certification
  • Food products must obtain CIQ registration
• Credit credentials: Sinosure AAA credit certification (mandatory requirement starting from 2025)

Case: In 2024, an agency company caused its clients goods worth 3 million yuan to be detained by EU customs due to lack of CE certification agency qualification, serving as a cautionary lesson.Medical EquipmentWhich model is more cost-effective: self-operated export or agency commission?

Differences illustrated through cost comparison table:

: Initial investment of 500,000-800,000 yuan required to establish a complete foreign trade team

• Self-operated export: Service fee charged at 0.8%-3% of cargo value (2025 industry average data)
• Entrusting an Agent: Companies with annual export volume below 20 million yuan are recommended to adopt agency model, saving 32% operating costs (Source: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade 2025 White Paper)

Decision-making suggestionsHow to identify capable export agency companies?

Recommended verification through three checks and three verifications:

Check historical cases

• : Request export customs clearance records of similar products in the past 2 yearsVerify system integration
• : Possess data direct connection capability with Single Window and Electronic PortCheck risk response
• : Inquire about solutions for new trade barriers like RCEP rules of origin and carbon tariffsWhat specific items are included in export agency fees?

2025 standard fee structure includes:

Basic service fee (customs declaration, document preparation)

• Destination port pre-declaration (new EU customs requirement in 2025)
• Value - added service fee:
  • Green trade certification service
  • Green trade certification services
• Risk deposit (refundable)

Notice: Starting from 2025, customs will fully implement the Sunshine Charging system, requiring all fee details to be publicly displayed and verifiable on the electronic port.

How to ensure fund security under agency export model?

Recommended adoption of a dual protection mechanism:

• Fund supervision: Settle payments through a bank joint account
• Risk hedging: Require the agent to purchase liability insurance with a minimum coverage of 5 million yuan

Typical case: A garment company successfully recovered $870,000 in defaulted payments from a South American buyer through an agent insured by Sinosure.

What are the new changes in the export agency industry in 2025?

Focus on three major trends:

• Digital Upgrade: Full implementation of customs HS code intelligent classification system
• Green trade: Formal implementation of EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• Regional integration: Accelerated customs clearance integration process among RCEP member countries

Recommended to choose agents with AEO advanced certification and familiarity withNew energyproduct export regulations.