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What are the requirements for an export agency company?
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I'm the owner of a factory and want to spin off my export business to establish an export agency company, but I'm not sure what specific requirements I need to meet. Are there any special requirements regarding customs, taxation, and foreign exchange? How should the agency agreement be signed to protect my interests while reassuring clients?
Andy GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Supply Chain Management ExpertStart a Chat
From a compliance perspective，an export agency company must meet five core requirements。
First，the business scope of the company’s operating license must explicitly include the terms "import and export of goods" or "import and export of technology," which is a prerequisite for customs registration。
Second，the company must complete customs registration and obtain the "Record of Registration for Customs Import and Export Commodity Consignors and Consignees," otherwise it cannot declare exports。
Third，the company must hold general taxpayer status，a mandatory requirement for applying for export tax rebates. Small-scale taxpayers can only enjoy tax exemptions but not tax rebates。
Fourth，the company must register in the "List of Enterprises Engaged in Foreign Exchange Payment and Receipt for Trade Purposes" maintained by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange，otherwise it cannot receive foreign exchange payments normally。
Fifth，the company must complete export tax rebate registration with the tax bureau。
Special reminder: The agency agreement must use the standard template prescribed by the General Administration of Customs，which clearly defines terms such as agency fees，payment settlement，and ownership of tax rebates. Otherwise，the company may be deemed to engage in "false agency，real trading" during customs inspections，risking fines or even having their registration revoked.
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
At the logistics operational level, you need to possess three core competencies:
First, strong document processing capabilities. You must be proficient in preparing all necessary documents, including customs declaration power of attorney, invoices, packing lists, and declaration elements, with an error rate of less than 1%. Otherwise, it will directly impact customs clearance efficiency.
Second, stable customs broker and freight forwarder resources. It is recommended to contract with at least two AEO-certified customs brokers to ensure an inspection rate below 3%.
Third, a cost accounting system. You must clearly understand the logistics cost structure under different terms such as FOB and CIF, and ensure that quotes provided to clients include detailed breakdowns of customs fees, port charges, ocean freight, and insurance costs to avoid disputes later.
Additionally, it is advisable to preemptively establish overseas warehouses or cooperate with storage resources, which are crucial for handling urgent orders.
Jason WuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics & Supply Chain ManagerStart a Chat
In business negotiations, clients value your three soft skills the most:
First, ensure clear client selection criteria. Prioritize factories with stable orders, sound financial health, and product compliance. For deals involving prepayment or infringement risks, you must resolutely say "no"—this is the bottom line of risk control.
Second, design agency agreements professionally. Suggest charging 1–3% of the declared customs value as agency fees, insisting on a "payment upon delivery" model. Refund payments must be made within three working days after receiving the customs refund. Include clauses on "force majeure" and "intellectual property exemption" in the agreement.
Third, build trust through details. Offer dedicated service groups for clients, commit to responding within 30 minutes, proactively update logistics status weekly, and regularly provide export data analysis reports to secure long-term cooperation through service differentiation. Remember: Your professionalism lies in addressing risks head-on and clearly communicating risk clauses upfront.