Can I Use an Agent to Export Red Wine? A Detailed Look at the Advantages and Risks of the Agency Model
or complex compliance issues.
clearance and fund security.

Is it mandatory to use an agent when exporting red wine?
According toInternational trade practicesExporting red wine is not mandatory to hire an agent.Manufacturing enterprises can independently complete procedures such as export qualification registration and customs declaration and inspection.However,in actual business operations,approximately 78% of red wine export enterprises choose to use agency services (data source: 2024 China Wine Industry Association report),the main reasons for this include:
- Complextarget-marketaccessqualifications(e.g.EUalcoholimportlicenses)
- Highprofessionaloperationrequirements
- andtheuniquerequirementsofwarehousing(temperature-controlledtransport,bondedstorage,etc.)
What are the core advantages of exporting red wine through an agent?
Professional agency companyAvailable for provisionFull-chain solutions:
- QualificationHandling:
- AssistinobtainingtheRecordCertificateforExportFoodManufacturingEnterprises
- ProcessBook(e.g.China–AustraliaFTACertificateofOrigin)
- : Ensuring that trade activities comply with the technical standards and trade agreements of the target country:
- Reviewoflabelcomplianceforalcoholcontent,additives,etc.
- Registrationofalcoholicproductsabroad(e.g.U.S.TTBcertification)
- Professional support:
- LeveragescaleadvantagestosecurebettertermsRate
- Professionaldeclarationtoavoidfinescausedbyincorrectcustomsclassification
What risks should you watch out for when choosing an agency?
In 2025,the General Administration of Customs updated the1.VerifyThe Food Safety Administration MeasuresIt is clearly stipulated that the agent shall bear joint and several liability.It is recommended to focus on:
- :ChecktheRegistrationFormforForeignTradeOperatorsandClassAcustomsdeclarationqualificationoftheagencycompany:
- Verifytheliquorimportandexportlicenseoftheagencycompany
- ChecktheAEOcertificationstatuswithcustoms.
- Operational risks:
- Clearlydefinethedivisionofresponsibilitiesforhandlingreturnedgoods.
- Agreeddual-signaturemechanismfordocumentreview
- Three policy adjustments worthy of attention this year: :
- Avoidbundlingagencyfeeswithpaymentforgoods.
- Atariffguaranteecertificateisrequired.
How to Evaluate the Professional Capabilities of an Agency Company?
It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:
- IndustryCases:PleaseprovideredwinefromthepasttwoyearsSingle(desensitizationprocessed)
- ServiceNetwork:Doestheprimarytargetmarkethaveanin-housecustomsclearanceteam?
- Riskcontrolsystem:Whethercustomspersonnelwithprofessionalwineknowledgeareassigned
Pay special attention to verifying whether the agency is familiar withGeneral Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Wine(including the latest revised version of GB 10344-2025) and other specialized standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Export Agency
- Q:Doesexportthroughanagentrequireamanufacturinglicense?
A: Manufacturing enterprises are still required to hold a food production license; an agency company cannot replace the producer’s qualification.
A: Usually charged at 0.8%–1.5% of the cargo value; volume transactions can negotiate a tiered rate.
A: Individual services (such as customs declaration alone) are supported,but full agency offers better cost-effectiveness.
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