What basic qualifications are required for export agency services?
According to the latest 2025 "Customsimport and exportThe "Goods Declaration Management Regulations" stipulate that enterprises must ensure the following when exporting through agents:
The legal relationship between the two parties is clear.: A written agency agreement must be signed to clarify the ownership of the goods.
Basic qualifications are complete.:
The client must possess a business license (with the scope of business covering related products).
The agent must possess import and export operation rights and AEO certification from customs.
Special Industry Certification: For goods subject to legal inspection, a quality and safety certification must be provided, while food products require a sanitary registration certificate.
What specific services are included in export agency services?
Professional agency companies should provide end-to-end services:
Special documents: such as CO expedited fee of 500-2000 RMB per copy.
Risk Warnings: Beware of the "tax-inclusive" trap, and compliant agents should clearly itemize details such as HS code review fees and customs pre-classification fees.
How to Identify Unreliable Agency Companies?
It is recommended to screen through the "three checks and three inspections":
Look at service capability: Do you have specific industry operational experience (e.g., hazardous chemicals/food, etc.)?
Check fund safety: Request to present a performance bond or proof of export credit insurance.
Please translate the following Chinese into English:
Review the contract terms: A formal agreement should include 12 essential clauses such as liability allocation and dispute resolution.
What are the common legal risks in export agency?
According to the analysis of the 2025 International Trade Dispute Case Database, the main risk points include:
Dispute over ownership of goods: 28% of disputes stem from the unclear ownership of goods in agency agreements.
Penalty for False Declaration: In 2025, customs has initiated the "Cumulative Scoring System for Declaration Errors" for 23 enterprises.
Foreign exchange settlement risk: Special attention should be paid to the country restrictions on cross-border RMB settlement.
Joint tax liability: The agent shall bear joint and several liability for the authenticity of the VAT invoices issued by the principal.
What key terms should be verified when selecting an agency company?
It is recommended that the contract must clearly specify:
Responsibility boundary clause: Especially the division of responsibilities for customs inspection and tax refund delays
Document Handover Specifications: Time limit for the transfer of the original bill of lading and compensation standards for loss
Force majeure clause: Including contingency plans for special circumstances such as port strikes and wars.
A case of a tax rebate dispute caused by an oral agreement of a certain electromechanical enterprise in 2024 shows that when there is a lack of a written agreement, the tax authorities may identify the actual owner of the goods as the declaration entity.: It is recommended to agree on the jurisdiction of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.