Export agentWhat is the correct English translation for "公司"?

In the international trade practices of 2025, "Export agentThe most professional English expression for "公司" is:Export AgentorExport Management Company (EMC). These two terms have been widely adopted by ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) and WTO documents, accurately reflecting their...The agent exporter has completed the task.customs clearance, logistics, foreign exchange collection, and other processesCore functions.

Why do some companies use the term "Trading Company"?

The following three scenarios may lead to the mixed use of terms:

• Difference in Service Scope
  • Pure Agency Service: Export Agent/EMC
  • Self-operated + Agency Hybrid: Trading Company
• Regional customary differences
  • The North American market prefers Export Agents.
  • Commonly Used Trading Houses in Southeast Asia
• Differences in business qualifications
  • Possessing international freight forwarding qualification: Freight Forwarder
  • Possesses import and export rights: Trading Company

What risks may arise from the misuse of common terminology?

According to trade dispute cases handled by the London Court of Arbitration in 2024, the misuse of terminology primarily leads to three types of issues:

• Unclear contractual responsibilities: The Export Agent is only responsible for agency duties, while the Trading Company must bear the principal liability as the seller.
• Tax declaration errors: EMC service fees should be recorded under the commission account, and Trading Company income must be declared as goods trading.
• Letter of Credit Dishonor: Cases where the description of the company's nature in the documents does not match the name on the seal, leading to bank refusal, account for 17% of the total.

How to verify the genuine business nature of a proxy company?

We recommend that the customer verify through the "three checks and one verification" process:

• Check registration documents: Does the business license's scope of operation include "Import and Export Agency"?
• Please translate the following Chinese to English: Check the service agreement: Does the contract clause clearly use "Commission" instead of "Product Price"?
• Check payment route: Is the foreign exchange collection account a dedicated account for agency services (which must be segregated from the value of goods)?
• Customs clearance documents verification: Does the "Domestic Consignor" column on the export declaration form display the name of the actual exporter?

New Trends in Agency Services for 2025

withThe RCEPComprehensively implement the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM isThe implementation of ) is strengthening the following services by professional Export Agents:

• Digital customs: Provide a real-time HS Code intelligent classification system
• Green logistics: Transportation Solution Integrated with Carbon Footprint Certification
• Compliance hosting: One-stop services including ESG reporting and anti-money laundering (AML) review