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

Foreign trade export agents refer toimport and exportqualified enterprises that provideend-to-end customs clearance, logistics, tax refund, and compliance servicesfor manufacturers or traders. Compared with self-operated exports, the main differences are reflected in three aspects:

• Qualification requirements: The agent assumes export qualification, eliminating the need for clients to obtain import/export rights
• Liability division: The agency company handles customs declaration document compliance, allowing clients to focus on product and customer development
• Capital Turnover: The agency model can advance tax refund payments, recovering funds 2-3 months earlier than self-operated exports

Why is professional export agency more necessary in 2025?

With changes in the international trade environment, the necessity of choosing agency services has significantly increased in 2025:

• Policy response: After full implementation of RCEP, tariff rules become more complex, requiring professional agents to accurately match rules of origin
• Record - filing of Foreign Trade Operators: New regulations like the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act require full supply chain traceability
• Professional support: Integrated logistics resources from agencies can reduce transportation costs by 20%-35%
• Technology empowerment: Leading agencies have deployed AI customs declaration systems with 99.7% declaration accuracy

What core components do export agency services include?

Complete export agency services should cover four major modules:

• Document management
  • Commercial invoice/packing list preparation
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Application for the...
  • Customs declaration data pre-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
  • Destination port customs clearance support
  • Trade compliance training
  • Supply Chain Financial Support

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

Agency service fees in 2025 typically include:

• Basic service fee (0.8%-1.5% of goods value)
• Miscellaneous fees for customs declaration and inspection (charged per document)
• Document preparation fees (50-200 RMB/set)
• Advance payment interest (referencing LPR interest rates)

Points to note when evaluating quotations:

• Be wary of quotes 30% below market price (may have hidden charges)
• Confirm exchange rate settlement mechanism (fixed rate or real-time rate)
• Verify if exception handling fees are included (such as customs inspection fees)

How to determine if an agency company is professional and reliable?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Qualification Verification: Check Customs AEO certification level (prioritize advanced certified enterprises)
• System Capability: Request demonstration of electronic customs declaration system and data traceability functions
• Case study: Ask for service cases in the same industry (especially special commodity export records)
• : Document review process, historical data of error rates: Understand trade compliance review process (should include supplier screening, logistics tracking monitoring)
• Emergency Response: Test holiday exception contact channels (quality agencies provide 7×24 support)

How to ensure fund security under agency export model?

Risk firewall can be established through the following mechanisms:

• SignTripartite fund supervision agreement(introducing banks as custodians)
• Require the agency company to take out insuranceProfessional liability insurance(recommended coverage not less than 5 million RMB)
• EstablishInstallment payment mechanism(30% advance payment + 50% upon bill of lading copy + 20% final payment)
• RegularReconciliation audit(special attention to tax refund progress and foreign exchange verification matching)