What is export agency?

Export agency refers to a trade model where a foreign trade service enterprise with import and export qualifications handles the entire export process on behalf of a client. According to the latest 2025 Implementation Regulations of the Foreign Trade Law, it must be legally compliant.Agency export,Three core elements must be met simultaneously:

• The agency must hold AEO certification from customs.
• Export goodsOwnership belongs to the client enterprise.
• The agency agreement must clearly specify risk-bearing clauses.

What are the fundamental differences between export agency and self-operated export?

From an operational perspective, the core differences between the two models are reflected in three dimensions:

• Division of responsibilities:
  • Agency model: The client bears operational risks, while the agency handles procedural operations.
  • Self-operated model: The enterprise fully assumes risks in all import and export processes.
• Tax rebate entity:
  • In export agency, the client enjoys tax rebate benefits.
  • In self-operated export, the enterprise directly applies for tax rebates.
• Fund flow:
  • Under the agency model, payments must pass through the agencys account.
  • In self-operated export, funds go directly to the enterprises account.

What are the practical advantages of choosing export agency?

Based on our experience serving 200+ manufacturing enterprises, the export agency model is particularly suitable for the following four types of enterprises:

• SMEs with annual export volumes below $5 million.
• Medical device/electronics manufacturers whose products require multi-country certifications.
• Startups venturing into cross-border trade for the first time.
• OEM manufacturers dealing with complexConditions of Trade(e.g., DDP) requirements.

Specific advantages include:

• Saving 30-50% in compliance operational costs.
• Customs clearance efficiency improved by over 40% (based on 2024 customs data).
• Mitigate 98% of trade compliance risks

What are the key costs involved in export agency?

New changes in 2025 agency service fee structure:

• Basic service fee:Typically 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value (inclusivecustoms clearance, documentation, and tax rebate services)
• Special surcharge:
  • Destination country anti-dumping investigation response fees (charged per occurrence)
  • RCEP certificate of origin certification service fee
• Capital service fees:Forward exchange settlement and hedging services (rate decreased by 0.3% compared to 2023)

How to Choose ReliableExport agentThe company?

Recommended to evaluate agency service providers from five dimensions:

• Industry qualifications:Must include customs registration code and SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) filing
• 26. Service network:Key ports must have self-operated customs clearance teams (e.g. Shanghai Port, Shenzhen Port)
• Risk control system:Should possess complete trade compliance review processes
• Technical capabilities:Must support ERP system direct connection and electronic customs declaration
• Historical cases:Focus on evaluating practical export experience with similar products

What are the potential risks of export agency?

Special attention should be paid to the following three types of risk prevention and control:

• Customs inspection risks:It is recommended to clearly specify document review responsibilities in the agency agreement
• Payment collection risks:Priority should be given to agents that provide export credit insurance
• Compliance traceability risks:Require the agency company to provide 5-year document archiving services

A typical case from a medical device company in 2024 revealed that due to the agent's failure to promptly update FDA certification information, an entire container of goods was detained at the destination port, ultimately requiring compensation through pre-deposited risk guarantee funds.

Year 2025Export tax refundWhat are the new changes in the policy?

The Announcement on Improving the Mechanism jointly issued by the Ministry of Finance and three other ministries clearly states:Export tax refundThe announcement on improving the mechanism clearly states:

• The deadline for submitting export tax rebate documents through agents has been shortened to 45 working days
• New special tax rebate channels have been added for products such as e-cigarettes and photovoltaic modules
• Pilot the implementation of a "no-filing" intelligent tax refund system (initially covering the Yangtze River Delta region)

It is recommended that enterprises prioritize agents responsiveness to new policies when selecting an agency company, especially their maturity in integrating with digital tax rebate systems.