1. Can I directly cooperate with a foreign trade company without import and export rights?

According to the latest 2025 "Customs Law," enterprises engaged in import and export operations must hold31. Record - filing of the consignor and consignee of customs import and export goods. Enterprises without qualifications can engage in trade through the following three legal methods:

• EntrustAgency export,: The agency company handles customs declaration, tax refund, and other procedures in its own name.
• Affiliated import and export company: Sign a cooperation agreement to share each other's import and export qualifications.
• Cross-border e-commerce comprehensive service platform: Suitable for small-scale B2C operations

2. How to Identify a Legitimate Foreign Trade Agency Company?

It is recommended to verify agent qualifications from five dimensions:

• Basic Qualifications
  • Customs AEO Certified Enterprises (with new digital certification standards to be added in 2025)
  • Listed Enterprises of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Business Capabilities
  • No major customs penalty records in the past 3 years.
  • Special commodities (such as medical devices) require specialized qualifications.
• Security of funds
  • The registered capital shall not be less than RMB 5 million.
  • Apply for international trade credit insurance

3. What items are included in the 2025 agency service fee?

The typical fee structure includes (taking a 20-foot container as an example):

• Basic service fee: 800-1500 RMB (including document preparation, customs declaration and inspection)
• VAT financing fee: charged at 0.8%-1.2% of the tax refund amount per month.
• Bank handling fee: 50-200 yuan per incoming remittance
• Special Handling Fees: Additional charges apply for fumigation, commodity inspection, etc.

IV. What risks should be noted when signing an agency agreement?

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

• Liability Allocation ClausesClarify responsibility attribution for customs declaration errors
• Foreign exchange settlement cycle: It is recommended to stipulate that foreign exchange settlement be completed within T+3 business days.
• Guarantee of Intellectual Property: Avoid getting involved in infringement disputes.
• Force Majeure Clause: New scenarios of digital trade disruptions to be added in 2025

V. How to Prevent the Misappropriation of Payment by the Agency?

Recommended triple safeguard measures:

• Request agency to provideBank escrow accountThe Service
• When signingThird-party Fund Custody Agreement(Recommended: Bank of China Global Cash Management Services)
• Insurance coverageExport Credit Insurance(Credit Insurance to Launch Exclusive Program for Small and Micro Enterprises in 2025)