Export RepresentationWhat Exactly Does It Do?

The Core Functions of an Export Agent AreRepresenting Enterprises in Completing Full International Trade Processes, Specifically Including:

• Handling Customs and Inspection Documents (98% Electronic Declarations Achieved by China Customs in 2025)
• Coordinating International Transportation and Logistics Solutions
• Managing Foreign Exchange Payments and Tax Declarations
• Handling Trade Disputes and Claims
• ProvideManagement of foreign exchange receipt and payment(e.g. responding to the EUs latest carbon tariff policy)

Whats the Difference Between Self-Export and Agency Export?

The core difference between the two lies inLegal entityandRisk bearing:

• Self-operated export: The enterprise handles all processes independently and must possessimport and exportrights, bearing all trade risks
• Foreign Trade Agency Agreement: Operated in the name of an agency company, suitable for the following situations:
  • Startups that have not yet obtained import/export qualifications
  • Single batch of goods involves complex customs declaration for multiple categories
  • Requires special transportation channels (e.g. international dangerous goods transport)

What Are the Hidden Costs of Agency Export?

In addition to regular agency fees (typically 0.8%-1.5% of goods value), special attention should be paid to:

• Document certification fees (e.g. some countries requireCCPIT certificationTrade dispute settlement mechanisms
• Abnormal situation handling fees (customs inspection, document amendment, etc.)
• Exchange rate locking service fee (2025 RMB exchange rate fluctuation range increases)
• Special packaging/warehousing surcharges

How to Evaluate the Professional Capabilities of an Agency Company?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Customs clearance efficiency: Request provision of export clearance time data for the past six months
• Risk control system: Whether an AEO certification management system has been established
• Service network: Coverage capability of overseas customs clearance partners
• Crisis handling cases: Such as contingency plans during the 2024 Red Sea crisis
• Technical support: Whether equipped with intelligent customs declaration systems (e.g. AI document review)

What Legal Risks Exist in Agency Export?

Common risk points and preventive measures:

• Unclear liability attribution: Must be stipulated in the contract:
  • Quality Dispute Resolution Mechanism
  • Intellectual Property Infringement Liability Allocation
  • Force Majeure Clause
• Fund Security Risks: Require the agent to providePerformance Bond
• Trade Data Leakage: Sign a confidentiality agreement and stipulate breach penalties

What New Changes Should Be Noted When Choosing an Agency in 2025?

Three major trends require special attention:

• Digital Trade Regulation: Implementation of EU DAC7 Tax Information Exchange Rules
• Green Logistics Requirements: International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Carbon Emission Monitoring System
• Intelligent Customs Clearance Technology: The Smart Port 2025 plan implemented by the General Administration of Customs

It is recommended that enterprises require service providers to provide solution explanations for the latest policies before signing agency agreements, and verify their qualifications throughChina International Trade Single Windowofficial websites. For special category goods (such as lithium batteries, chemicals), it is advisable to chooseHazardous goods transportation qualificationprofessional agency companies with relevant expertise.