Agency export,What is the difference from self - managed export?

Agency export is a model where foreign trade service providers handle the entire set of export procedures in their own name, and there are three core differences from self-operated export:

• Different legal entities: In the agency contract, the exporter is the agency party,customs clearanceDocuments must reflect dual-header information
• Division of tax refund responsibilities: Compliant agency companies can advance tax refunds, shortening the enterprises capital turnover cycle
• Risk - bearing methods: Professional agencies will provide value-added services such as L/C document review and exchange rate locking

What basic documents are needed to handle agency export?

According to the latest requirements of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, enterprises handling agency export for the first time need to submit:

• Duplicate of business license (business scope must include import and export of goods)
• Copy of the legal representatives ID card (front and back)
• Scanned copy of bank account opening license
• Notarized agency agreement (must specify payment settlement method)
• Product HS code pre-classification certificate (additional 3C certification required if involved)

AgentlyExport customs clearanceWhat specific steps are included in the process?

Based on our experience serving Fortune 500 companies, the standard process is divided into five stages:

• Pre - declaration stage
  • Preparation of provisional customs declaration form (note the new origin declaration field added in 2025)
  • Cross-border logistics solution comparison
• Customs phase
  • Electronic port data matching
  • Customs inspection exception handling (inspection rate for mechanical and electrical products has increased to 18% in recent years)
• Document filing stage
  • Ocean bill of lading/air waybill archiving
  • Electronic archiving of foreign exchange verification form

What items are included in agent export costs?

The 2025 market rate for agency service fees is 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value, with specific components:

• Basic Service Costs: Customs declaration fees, inspection fees, document processing fees
• Value Added Services: Export credit insurance, destination port clearance assistance
• Special Notice: Beware of low-price traps, some agencies will charge hidden destination port handling fees

How to verify the compliance of an agency company?

It is recommended to verify through three official channels:

• Query on the official website of the General Administration of CustomsCustoms declaration enterprise registration certificate
• Check on the State Taxation Administration websiteTax refund classification management level
• Confirmation in the Foreign Exchange Administration systemForeign Trade Enterprise Directory for Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments

What are the common risks in agency export?

According to 2024 international trade dispute case statistics, special attention should be paid to:

• Document risk: Bill of lading without endorsement records causing cargo ownership disputes
• Tax risks: Inconsistent names on input invoices and export customs declaration forms leading to tax refund failure
• Risk of settlementInsufficient financing capacity of the agent under usance L/C

What capabilities should be examined when selecting an agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate through "three dimensions":

• The response speed.Whether 24-hour online customs clearance status inquiry is provided
• Professional depthDesign capability for special supervision zone entry/exit solutions
• Resource breadthOverseas warehouse network covering major trading countries