What exactly is export agency business? Analysis of 10 core questions foreign trade enterprises must know

What is export agency business?

Export agency refers toimport and exportqualified enterprises (the agent) accepting commissions from manufacturers or traders without import/export rights (the principal) to handle the entire export process in their own name.Core FeaturesLocal adaptation testing of parts (such as adjusting the national standard brightness of lamps);

• The agent bears legal responsibilities such as customs declaration and tax refund
• The principal retains ownership and pricing rights of the goods
• Uses dual-header customs declaration forms (principal + agent)

What is the fundamental difference between export agency and self-operated export?

The key differences are reflected inLegal RelationshipandRisk bearing:

• Contracting parties:
  • Export agency: The agent has no direct contractual relationship with foreign buyers
  • Self-operated export: The exporter directly signs contracts with foreign buyers
• Fund flow:
• Export agency: Foreign payments enter the agents foreign exchange account
• Self-operated export: Payments directly enter the exporters account

What core processes does export agency service include?

Professional agency companies usually provideEnd-to-end services:

• Document preparation (commercial invoice, packing list,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Damage during transportation
• Customs declaration and clearance
• Foreign exchange verification and tax refund declaration
  • 2025 New Regulations:Export DrawbackComprehensive upgrade of digital systems
• Logistics transportation plan design

How are export agency fees calculated?

The fee structure typically includesFixed service fee + variable costs:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.5% of goods value (depending on product complexity)
• Capital cost:
  • Tax rebate advance interest (current annualized rate approximately 4.35%)
  • Foreign exchange hedging service fee
• Special documentation fees (such as embassy certification, special testing reports)

What potential risks exist when choosing export agency?

Special attention should be paid toThree risk dimensions:

• Logistics risks:
  • 2025 General Administration of Customs strengthens dual-header customs declaration review
• Financial risk: Cases of agents misappropriating payments
• Document risks: Losses caused by incomplete tax refund documents

VI. How to choose a reliable export agency company?

It is recommended to adoptFour - dimensional Evaluation Method:

• Qualification verification:
  • Customs AEO certification
  • Foreign exchange income and expenditure directory registration
• Industry experience: Operation cases of similar products
• Financial strength: Registered capital not less than 5 million yuan
• Risk control system: Whether export credit insurance is purchased

VII. Which enterprises are most suitable for agency export?

Mainly applicable toFour types of market entities:

• Startupsforeign tradeEnterprise
• Manufacturing factories without import-export rights
• Cross-border E-commerceTransitioning traditional foreign trade
• Export of specially regulated commodities (such asMedical Equipment, chemical products)

VIII. What legal issues are involved in agency export?

Must signTripartite agreementRisk avoidance:

• Clearly agree on the calculation method of agency fees
• Agree on dispute resolution mechanisms (recommend arbitration clauses)
• 2025 new regulation: Expanded legal effect of electronic signatures

IX. Can agency export enjoy free trade agreement preferences?

According to theRCEP implementation rules:

• Complete raw material traceability certificates required
• Certificate of origin must reflect actual manufacturer information
• Recommended adoption of approved exporter self-declaration

X. What are the future development trends of agency export?

2025 industry presentsTwo major transformation directions:

• Digital Upgrade:
  • Application of blockchain technology in document circulation
  • Popularization of AI intelligent customs declaration systems
• Service integration:
• Supply chain finance + export credit insurance + logistics visualization