What is the export-by-agent model?

The model is a trade method where a manufacturing enterprise completes the entire export process through a professionalcompany.In this model,the foreign trade agency handles customs declaration,tax rebates,and other procedures in its own nameIn fact,the ownership of the actual goods still belongs to the consignor.According to the latest customs data in 2025,about 38% of China’s small and medium-sized export enterprises adopt the agency model,especially in the fields of mechanical and electrical products and textiles,where the proportion exceeds 45%.

What types of enterprises are suitable for choosing an export agent?

• Newexportenterprises:Lackingrightsorcustomsdeclarationexperience
• Enterpriseswithcomplexproductstructures:InvolvingmultipleproductcategoriesandHScodes
• Exportofspeciallyregulatedgoods:Requiringspecialqualificationsfor,chemicalproducts,etc.
• Enterpriseswithcashflowneeds:Needingtheagencycompanytoadvancetaxrebatefunds

What is the specific process for export agency?

A typical export agency process includes seven key steps:

• Signatripartiteagreement(factory-agent-foreignmerchant)
• Agencyhandlescommercialinspection/licenses
• Goodsaredeclaredforexport
• ForeignExchangeReceiptsApplyforexemptionfromcertification(meetingtheconditionsoftheImplementationRulesforExemptionfromCompulsoryProductCertification)
  • Agencycollectsforeignexchangeonbehalfoftheclient
  • SettlingRMBatagreedexchangerate
• declaration (handled by the agency)
• Document archiving and management
• Handling of exceptions (e.g.customs inspection)

How are agency export fees calculated?

Standard industry charges include three dimensions:

• Basicservicefee:Chargedat0.8%-1.5%ofgoodsvalue
• Financingservicefee:Chargesanannualized6-8%interestwhenadvancingtaxrebatefunds
• Additionalservicefees:
  • Documentpreparationfee:200-500yuan/shipment
  • Specialcustomsdeclarationfee:startingfrom2000yuan/time

What risks should be noted when choosing an agency company?

Based on the dispute cases we have handled,the following risks should be a key focus:

• :ChecktheRegistrationFormforForeignTradeOperatorsandClassAcustomsdeclarationqualificationoftheagencycompany:Checktheagencycompany’scustomsAEOcertificationlevel
• Threepolicyadjustmentsworthyofattentionthisyear::Requestabankco-managementaccountsupervisionagreement
• Compliancerisk:Clarifythedivisionofresponsibilityforverifyingtheauthenticityofthetrade
• Informationrisk:Establishafirewallmechanismforclientinformation

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

A comparison from an operational perspective:

• Subjectofresponsibility:Theagencycompanyassumestheshipper’sresponsibilityonthecustomsdeclaration
• Fundflowdirection:Foreignexchangemustfirstentertheagencycompany’saccount
• Taxrefundtimeliness:Aprofessionalagentcanshortenthetaxrebatecycletowithin15workingdays
• Traderecords:Exportrecordsbelongtotheagencycompany;attentionshouldbepaidtoprotectingclientresources

What are the new policy changes regarding export agency services in the 2025 era?

Tips based on the latest policy trends:

• Electroniccustomsdeclarationsharing:Theentrustingpartycanviewthecustomsdeclarationprogressinreal-timethroughtheSingleWindow
• Taxrebatecreditlinkage:Theagencycompany’screditratingaffectstheentrustingparty’staxrebatespeed
• Anti-moneylaunderingsupervision:Requiresagencycompaniestoestablishastricterforeignexchangetransactionreviewsystem
• RCEPapplication:Aprofessionalagentcanhelpenterprisesmakebetteruseoftherulesofcumulationfororigin