1. How to determine whether an agency company has a legal export qualification?

According to the data of the General Administration of Customs in 2023, the number of registeredimport and exportenterprises nationwide exceeds 600,000, but in fact, less than 15% of them have the ability to provide agency services. To verify the agency qualifications, three core documents need to be paid attention to:

• The business scope of the Business License includes import and export of goods or import and export agency
• Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
• Filed with the State Administration of Foreign ExchangeForeign currency settlement account

It is recommended to verify the validity of the enterprises customs code (10 - digit customs registration code) through the single - window system and require the provision of the past 6 monthsExport DrawbackRecord.

2. What are the specific service processes of agency exports?

The standardized agency export process is divided into seven stages:

• Sign the Entrustment and Agency Agreement to clarify rights and responsibilities
  • Pay special attention to the payment settlement terms
  • Clarify the force majeure handling mechanism
• The agent opens a foreign exchange supervision account
• Prepare a full set of export documents (including proforma invoice, packing list, etc.)
• Control of trade term risksExport Clearanceand logistics transportation
• Foreign exchange receipt, settlement and tax handling
• Declaration of export tax rebate (if any)
• After - sales service tracking (bill of lading delivery, document filing, etc.)

How to calculate the fees for export agency?

Industry data in 2025 shows that the agency fee is usually calculated according to0.8% - 1.5% of the export amountCharges, specifically including:

• Basic service fees: Document preparation, customs declaration and inspection
• Fund service fees: Foreign exchange,In order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.Advance payment of tax rebate
• Special service fees: Urgent customs declaration, special document certification

Beware of hidden charges:

• Destination port document fee (average $35 - 80 / ticket)
• Container detention fee ($100 - 300 / day)
• Amendment fee (RMB200 - 500 / time)

How to prevent risks in export agency business?

Recommended Triple Safeguard Measures:

• Control of goods ownership: Insist on usingTelex release guarantee of bill of ladingOriginal handover
• Fund supervision: Require the agent to provide a jointly - managed bank account
• Insurance coverage: PurchaseExport trade(ECIC) to cover the risk of buyers default

Pay special attention to the revision of the FOB clause in the new INCOTERMS in 2025. It is recommended to clearly specify the freight forwarder in the contract.

Will export agency affect the credit accumulation of enterprises?

According to the new regulations of AEO certification of the customs, the following records of export agency enterprises can be traced back to the principal:

• Export performance (data authorization needs to be agreed in the agency agreement)
• Compliance records (customs declaration accuracy rate, inspection pass rate)
• Credit rating (the affiliated relationship needs to be filed in advance)

It is recommended to require the agent to provideCustoms data vouchersevery month, and verify the data through the e - port system.

What should be noted in the agency export of special goods?

ForMedical EquipmentFor special categories such as chemicals:

• Qualification requirements: The agent needs to have specific business licenses
  • Medical devices require an Import and Export License
  • Dangerous goods require MSDS certification
• Document differences: Additional handling is required.Commodity Inspection and Quarantine Certificate
• Logistics restrictions: Some ports have loading and unloading restrictions on special goods.

How to handle disputes in agency exports?

It is recommended to handle disputes in three steps:

1. Initiate the negotiation mechanism in accordance with the agency agreement (within 7 working days)
2. Apply for mediation by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (average processing cycle: 45 days)
3. Submit for arbitration (It is recommended to stipulate that the Shanghai International Arbitration Center has jurisdiction)

In 2025, new rules for the admissibility of electronic evidence were added. Be sure to keep complete communication records of emails and WeChat.

How to choose between agency exports and self - operated exports?

Make a decision by comparing from three dimensions:

• Cost comparison:If the annual export volume is less than $5 million, it is recommended to use an agent
• Risk control ability:If there is a lack of a documentary team, agency is preferred.
• Business continuity:Temporary orders are suitable for agency.

Note that under the new foreign exchange policy in 2025, self - export enterprises need to meet higher foreign exchange compliance requirements.

How to evaluate the true service capabilities of an agency company?

We recommend adopting the four-dimensional evaluation method:

• Hardware indicators: Own customs declaration system, EDI docking ability
• Industry reputation: Member units of the China Customs Brokers Association are preferred.
• Emergency response ability: Inspection exception handling timeliness (response within ≤ 2 hours)
• Compliance records: Query the Customs Enterprise Credit Management System

In 2025Export RepresentationWhat are the important changes in policies?

Pay attention to three new policies:

• The retention period of electronic customs declarations is extended to 10 years
• Enterprises on the foreign exchange whitelist can enjoy instant settlement
• Newly added RCEP Certificate of Origin Declaration agency qualification requirements

It is recommended to require the agency company to provide a policy update briefing every quarter and participate in the customs - enterprise symposium held by the customs.