?Export Agency?What is the difference from self-operated exports?

According to the latest customs statistics for 2025,Approximately 68% of small and medium-sized enterprises choose to engage in international trade through export agents..The core difference lies in:

• Differences in legal entitiesUnder agency mode, the "operating unit" on the customs declaration form displays the agency company, and the foreign exchange receipts and payments are handled by the agency.
• Risk - bearing methods: The agency company does not assume the risk of cargo quality but is responsible for the compliance of documents.
• Differences in cost structure: In addition to the basic agency fee (typically 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value), you will also need to cover third-party expenses such as bank charges and document authentication.

What specific services are included in export agency?

High-quality agency services should cover the entire trade process:

• Document service:
  • 2025 RCEP?Certificate of Origin?Apply for
  • U.S. Customs Declaration Compliant with ISF Requirements
• Customs clearance logistics:
  • Special Commodity Export License (e.g.Medical Devices(Requires FDA filing)
  • UN Packaging Certification for Dangerous Goods Transport
• Fund Settlement:
  • Cross - border RMB settlement
  • ?Tax Refund?Advance Payment Service

How to determine if an export agency company is professional?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• Qualification Verification: Verify Customs AEO certification and SAFE registration list.
• Case Review: Request to provide export cases from the same industry, with a focus on reviewing the capability to handle special documentation.
• : Document review process, historical data of error rates: Inquire about the HS code classification dispute resolution mechanism and understand the trade compliance review process.

What agency issues should be considered when exporting to emerging markets?

Taking the African Common Market as an example:

• Special requirements for documents: Nigeria requires SONCAP certification, while Kenya mandates PVOC inspection.
• Payment Risk Prevention: It is recommended to require the Ethiopian client to include a confirmation clause when opening the LC.
• Logistics solution design: When East African ports are congested, the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania can be chosen as an alternative for transshipment.

What are the potential risks of export agency cooperation?

Based on a 2020 case of medical supplies export dispute, special attention should be paid to:

• Joint Liability for Intellectual Property：Acting as an agent for exporting infringing goods may result in administrative penalties from customs.
• Foreign exchange verification riskStarting from 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will strengthen the review of the authenticity of trade backgrounds.
• Tax audit risk: Falsely issuing value-added tax invoices will result in both parties bearing criminal liability.

How to verify the true qualifications of an agency company?

The 2025 industry fee standards exhibit new characteristics:

• Market-based pricing of basic rates: The agency fee for general merchandise is reduced to 0.6%-1.2%.
• Additional services are clearly priced.For example:
  • ?L/C?Document Checking Fee: USD80/time
  • Export Credit Insurance Agency: 0.15% of the cargo value
• Risk premium mechanism: Businesses involving sanctioned countries may be subject to an additional 3%-5% risk reserve.

How to efficiently collaborate with an export agent after signing the contract?

It is recommended to establish three standardized mechanisms:

• Document Pre-review System: Submit basic documents such as proforma invoices and packing lists 5 working days in advance.
• Abnormal early warning mechanism: The agent is required to provide written notification within 2 hours in case of customs inspection.
• Account Reconciliation Review Process: Verify before the 10th of each month.?Forex Settlement?Details and Expense List