What is the basic process for export agency of purchased products?

The complete export agency process consists of 6 key steps:

• Sign an agency agreement:Clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, especially regarding payment settlement, document handover, and dispute resolution clauses.
• Product Registration and Filing:Requires providing basic information such as the products HS code, technical parameters,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:and other fundamental documents.
• Customs Clearance Procedures:Includes preparation of customs declaration documents, inspection declarations, and license applications (for special commodities).
• Logistics Arrangements:InvolvesMaritime Transportation/Air TransportationProfessional operations including booking shipping space, dangerous goods declaration, and transportation insurance underwriting
• Foreign Exchange ReceiptsFX Settlement Agency:After collecting foreign exchange on behalf, the agency company conducts RMB settlement at the agreed exchange rate
• Export DrawbackDeclaration:Complete submission of full set of tax refund documents within 90 days after goods export

II. How to Choose a Reliable Export Agency Company?

It is recommended to evaluate the agency companys professional capabilities from four dimensions:

• Qualification Review:
  • Customs AEO Certified Enterprise (priority given to Advanced Certification)
  • State Administration of Foreign Exchange Class A Enterprise Qualification
  • International Freight Forwarding Qualification (NVOCC Certificate)
• Business Coverage Capability:Focus on evaluating customs clearance networks and tax processing experience in target markets
• Risk Control System:Must include multi-dimensional prevention mechanisms for contract risks, exchange rate risks, and transportation risks
• Information Technology Level:Requires provision of real-time order tracking system and electronic document management system

III. What Qualification Documents Are Required for Agency Export?

According to the latest 2025 regulatory requirements, enterprises need to prepare:

• Domestic Entity Qualifications:
  • import and exportBusiness Operation Rights (Foreignforeign tradeTrade Operator Filing Registration Form)
  • VAT General Taxpayer Qualification
• Agency Company Qualifications:
  • Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
  • Certificate of Registration in the List of Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments
• Overseas Client Qualifications:
  • Purchasers Business Registration Certificate (requires embassy authentication)
  • End-User Declaration (when involving controlled commodities)

What items are included in export agency fees?

Typical fee structure consists of 3 parts:

• Charged at 0.8% - 1.2% of the cargo valueUsually charged at 0.8%-1.5% of export value
• Government statutory fees:
  • Customs declaration and inspection fees (RMB 500-2000 per shipment)
  • Port miscellaneous fees (according to port tariff standards)
• Value - added service fee:
  • Foreign exchange hedging service (approximately 0.3% fee rate)
  • Export credit insurance agency (10%-15% of premium)

What potential risks need prevention in export agency?

Special attention required for 3 types of risk control:

• Trade compliance risks:
  • Administrative penalties caused by HS code misclassification
  • Anti-dumping investigations triggered by improper application of rules of origin
• Foreign exchange management risks:
  • A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Overdue (exceeding 210 days after export date)
  • Exchange losses caused by currency fluctuations
• Logistics transportation risks:
  • Demurrage charges due to unclaimed cargo at destination port
  • Transport accidents caused by undeclared dangerous goods

What settlement options are available for export agency?

Comparative analysis of mainstream payment methods:

• TT Wire Transfer:
  • Advantages: Simple procedures, fast fund arrival
  • Disadvantages: Lack of payment guarantee, suitable for established clients
• LCL/C:
  • Advantages: Bank credit guarantee, fund security
  • Disadvantages: Complex process, higher fees (approximately 1.5% fee rate)
• DP (Documents against Payment):
  • Compromise solution: Bank controls documents on behalf
  • Applicable scenarios: Trial transactions for first-time cooperation

How to handle export tax refund for agency exports?

Tax refund requires meeting 3 core conditions:

• Obtain legally valid VAT special invoices
• Complete foreign exchange receipt verification procedures
• Export goods fall within the tax refund catalog scope

According to 2023 General Administration of Customs data, standardized export agency companies now average a tax refund cycle of 45 working days, though actual timing still depends on documentation completeness.

How to handle customs clearance issues?

Common customs clearance exception handling solutions:

• Goods-document discrepancies:
  • Promptly apply for customs declaration amendment/cancellation
  • Prepare explanatory statements and supporting materials
• Inspection abnormalities:
  • Cooperate with customs sampling for inspection
  • Contact manufacturers to provide technical documentation
• Classification disputes:
  • Apply for customs classification pre-ruling
  • Commission professional agencies to issue appraisal reports

How to ensure after-sales service for agency exports?

Recommended 4 after-sales clauses to specify in agency agreements:

• Quality dispute resolution process and timelines
• Returned goods clearance and tax liability allocation
• Legal assistance provisions for claim cases
• Document retention period (recommended minimum 5 years)

Experience shows selecting agencies with overseas service networks can reduce average after-sales resolution time by 60%.

What are common misconceptions about agency exports?

3 critical cognitive misconceptions requiring special attention:

• Misconception 1:Agency companies can handle all matters entirely
  • Fact: Core information like product technical parameters still requires enterprise provision
• Misconception 2:Lower agency fees mean better value
  • Fact: Exception handling costs may far exceed basic service fees
• Misconception 3:No need to participate in specific operational processes
  • Fact: Key nodes (such as customs declaration confirmation) require enterprise signatures