I.Agency export,What exactly is the concept?

Agent export refers toAn enterprise with the right to import and export (the agent) accepts the entrustment of an enterprise without the relevant qualifications (the principal)A trading mode in which a company handles a full set of export procedures such as customs declaration, foreign exchange collection, and tax refund in its own name. According to the latest customs data in 2025, the volume of agency export business in China accounts for 37.6% of the total export volume of small and medium - sized enterprises, and it has become an important form of foreign trade service.

II. How does the agency export operate specifically?

The typical export agency process consists of five key links:

• Contract Signing StageSign a tripartite agreement (factory, foreign trade company, foreign buyer)
• Document processing1. The agent prepares export documents such as commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Customs declarationUse the customs code of the agent for export declaration.
• Foreign Exchange Collection and Settlement1. After the foreign exchange enters the agents account, it will be settled and paid.
• Tax refund operation1. The agent shall settle accounts with the principal after declaring and refunding taxes.

III. What is the essential difference between self - operated export and agency export?

• Differences in legal entitiesIn agency export, the agent shall bear the main responsibility for customs declaration.
• Differences in capital flow directionThe payment for goods needs to flow through the account of the agent.
• Difference in Risk BearingThe agent shall be responsible for the compliance of documents.
• Differences in tax refund timelinessThe average tax - refund cycle of professional agency companies is 15 - 20 working days faster.

IV. What are the core advantages of choosing agent export?

According to the 2023 Foreign Trade Service Survey Report, the three major motivations for enterprises to choose agent export are:

• Reduce financial pressureNo need to prepay the full - amount tax - refund guarantee deposit.
• Avoid professional barriersComplex document processing is completed by professionals.
• Improve customs clearance efficiency1. The average customs declaration efficiency of the agency company is 42% faster than that of the self - operated enterprise.

V. What potential risks should be noted in agency export?

• Document risk: In 2019, a certain local customs investigated a "fake export declaration" case involving 23 agency companies.
• Funding riskIt is necessary to establish a sound fund supervision mechanism.
• Legal risksIn 2024, the newly revised Foreign Trade Law strengthened the responsibilities of the agent.

VI. How is the agency export service fee usually calculated?

The mainstream fee model includes:

• According to the proportion of the goods value1. : Usually 0.8% - 1.5% (including tax refund service)
• Itemized ChargesCustoms Declaration Fee + Logistics Fee + Tax Rebate Service Fee
• Special Reminders: Beware of "ultra-low price" proxies that include hidden fees.

VII. How to prevent risks in agency export business?

• Qualification ReviewCheck the AEO certification level of the customs of the inspection agency company.
• Contract Terms1. Clearly define the division of responsibilities and the terms for breach of contract compensation
• Process MonitoringRequirement: Query the progress of customs declaration and tax refund in real time
• Logistics TrackingIt is recommended to purchase the full - course cargo transportation insurance.

VIII. Which enterprises are particularly suitable for the agency export mode?

• Small and medium - sized enterprises with an annual export value of less than 20 million
• A trading company with a complex product category
• Newly - emerging manufacturers that have just obtained export orders
• A production - type enterprise focusing on core business

IX. How to Select a Reliable Export Agency Company?

It is recommended to evaluate from four dimensions:

• Qualification verificationCheck the customs filing and registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Industry Experience1. : Prioritize agents with rich operational experience in the same product category
• Scope of ServicesConfirm whether value - added services such as destination port customs clearance are included.
• system connectedRequirement: Provide the ability to connect with ERP data

X. Will agency export affect the maintenance of customer relationships?

Professional agency companies will adoptProcessing of documents with dual headings:

• Bill of lading shipper displays agent company name
• The commercial invoice shall indicate the information of the actual supplier.
• Provide dedicated factory audit reports to assist customers in the review.
• Support customers to communicate directly with end - buyers