What is export agency? How does it differ from self-operated export? How to choose reliable service providers?

I. What exactly is the operational model of export agency?

Export agency refers toimport and exportA professional company that acts as an agent for enterprises without qualifications or capabilities to complete the entire export process trade model.Core FeaturesLocal adaptation testing of parts (such as adjusting the national standard brightness of lamps);

• The agent handles professional procedures including customs declaration, logistics, and foreign exchange settlement
• The principal retains product ownership and pricing rights
• The tax rebate entity is typically the agent company

II. What are the key differences between agency export and self-operated export?

The core differences between the two can be clearly identified through a comparison table:

• Qualification requirements
  • Agency export: Only requires the agent to have qualifications
  • Self-operated export: Enterprises need to apply for import-export rights independently
• Risk bearing
  • Agency export: The financial risk is borne by the principal
  • Self-operated export: The enterprise fully assumes the operational risks

3. What practical benefits can be obtained by choosing agency export?

According to the latest 2025 statistics from the General Administration of Customs, the proportion of SMEs using agency export has increased by 37% compared to 2020, with main benefits including:

• Saving 20-30% of operating costs (including personnel, system maintenance, etc.)
• Reducing customs clearance time by over 60%
• Avoiding over 85% of documentation error risks

4. What is the specific operation process for agency export?

The typical business process is divided into five stages:

1. Signing agency agreement (responsibilities division must be clarified)
2. Stock preparation and loading supervision (recommended participation in container sealing)
3. Document preparation (special attention to special certificates like FORM E)
4. Customs clearance and shipment (focus on HS code accuracy)
5. Foreign exchange settlement (pay attention to exchange rate locking timing)

5. What items are included in the cost structure of export agency services?

The industry average charging standard for 2025 is:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value
• Document processing fee: 200-800 RMB per shipment
• Advance payment interest: Refer to LPR rate plus 10-15%
• Special reminder: Beware of 'ultra-low price' services containing hidden fees

6. How to evaluate the professional capabilities of export agency service providers?

It is recommended to assess service providers from three dimensions:

• Qualification review
  • Customs AEO certification level
  • Foreign exchange management classification rating
• System Capability
  • Whether equipped with EDI customs clearance system
  • Real-time tracking system response speed

7. What are the potential risks in export agency? How to prevent them?

Three major risk points that need special attention:

• Cargo ownership disputes (recommend using independent third-party inspection)
• Foreign exchange controls (select agents with cross-border RMB settlement qualifications)
• Tax audits (retain complete fund flow documentation)

Special note: According to the new 2025 edition of theExport DrawbackThe 'Administrative Measures' have extended the retention period for export tax rebate documents under agency export arrangements to 10 years. It is imperative to ensure the agent has a compliant archival management system.