What isforeign tradeExport Representation? How does it differ from self-operated exports?

Foreign trade export agency refers to an entity that possessesimport and exportQualified enterprises providing services for manufacturers or traders,End-to-end customs clearance, logistics, tax refund, and compliance servicesa professional institution. Compared to self-operated exports, the main differences are reflected in three aspects:

• Qualification requirements: The agent assumes the qualification as the export entity, and the principal is not required to independently obtain import and export rights.
• Liability division: The agency company is responsible for the compliance of customs declaration documents, while the client focuses on product and customer development.
• Capital Turnover：The agency model allows for the advance payment of tax refunds, enabling funds to be recovered 2-3 months earlier compared to self-operated exports.

Why is a professional export agent even more necessary in 2025?

With the changing international trade environment, the necessity for enterprises to opt for agency services in 2025 has significantly increased:

• Policy response: After the full implementation of RCEP, tariff rules have become more complex, and professional agents can accurately match the rules of origin.
• Record - filing of Foreign Trade Operators: The U.S. "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act" and other new regulations require full supply chain traceability.
• Professional support: The logistics resources integrated by the agency company can reduce transportation costs by 20%-35%.
• Technology empowerment: Leading agency companies have deployed AI-based customs declaration systems, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.7% in declarations.

What are the core components of export agency services?

A comprehensive export agency service should cover four major modules:

• Document management
  • Commercial invoice/packing list preparation
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Application for the...
  • Pre-declaration data review
• Customs clearance services
  • HS Code classification
  • Customs Declaration Exception Handling
  • Operations in special regulatory areas
• Tax Treatment
  • Export DrawbackDeclaration
  • Cross-border tax planning
• Value - added Services
  • Customs clearance support at destination port
  • Trade Compliance Training
  • Supply Chain Financial Support

What costs are involved in export agency services? How to evaluate the reasonableness of the quotation?

The agency service fees for 2025 typically include:

• Basic service fee (0.8%-1.5% of goods value)
• Customs declaration and inspection miscellaneous fees (charged per bill)
• Document preparation fee (50-200 RMB/set)
• Advance interest on funds (refer to LPR rate)

When evaluating quotes, please note:

• Be wary of quotes that are 30% below market price (hidden charges may apply).
• Confirm the exchange rate settlement mechanism (fixed rate or real-time rate).
• Check whether it includes fees for handling exceptional circumstances (such as customs inspection fees).

How to determine whether an agency is professional and reliable?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Qualification Verification: Check the AEO certification level with customs (priority given to Advanced Certified Enterprises)
• System Capability: Request a demonstration of the electronic customs declaration system and its data traceability function.
• Case study: Request service cases from the same industry (especially export records of special commodities)
• : Document review process, historical data of error rates: Understand the trade compliance review process (which should include supplier screening and logistics tracking monitoring).
• Emergency Response: Testing holiday exception contact channels (Premium agents provide 24/7 support)

How to ensure fund security under agency export model?

The following mechanisms can be established to build a risk firewall:

• SignTripartite Fund Supervision Agreement(Introducing the bank as the custodian)
• Require the agency company to take out insuranceProfessional Liability Insurance(It is recommended that the insured amount be no less than 5 million yuan.)
• EstablishInstallment payment mechanism(30% advance payment + 50% upon presentation of bill of lading copy + 20% final payment)
• RegularlyAccount Reconciliation Audit(Special attention to the matching of tax refund progress and foreign exchange verification)