1. What is export agency? What is the essential difference between it and traditional self-operated export?

Agency export refers to a trade mode in which a manufacturing enterprise entrusts a company with?Import/export?The service model where a licensed trading company handles the entire export process on behalf of a client. The key difference lies in:

• Division of Responsibilities: The agency company is only responsible for customs clearance,?Forex Settlement?Procedural matters, etc., without involvement in product development and production processes.
• Risk bearing：Disputes over the quality of goods shall be the responsibility of the client, while the agent focuses on handling trade compliance risks.
• Capital flow: Payment settlement is processed through the agency company's account, but ultimately belongs to the manufacturing enterprise.

II. What qualifications should be verified when selecting an export agency company in 2025?

According to the latest international trade regulatory requirements, the following areas require key verification:

• Customs AEO Certification Status (Digital Trade Certification Module to be Added Starting from 2025)
• The classification and rating by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (only enterprises rated as Class B or above are eligible to conduct forward transactions).?Foreign exchange settlement?Trade dispute settlement mechanisms
• Special industry permits (e.g.Medical Devices(CFDA filing code verification required)
• ?E-commerce?Qualification for Enterprises in the Comprehensive Pilot Zone (Required for 9810/9710 Models)

3. What items are typically included in export agency service fees? How can hidden charges be avoided?

The standard fee structure should include:

• Basic service fee (charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• Document Handling Fee (including preferential certificates of origin such as FORM E)
• Bank handling fees (it is recommended to request the SWIFT message copy)
• Special reminder: Starting from 2025, a separate carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) declaration service fee will be required under the EU CBAM regulations.

IV. How to Ensure Payment Security in an Agency Export Model?

It is recommended to adopt a triple safeguard mechanism:

• Sign the "Tripartite Payment Agreement" to clarify the repayment path.
• Request the agency to provide a bank payment guarantee.
• Apply for export credit insurance (including the newly added digital trade default insurance in 2025).

V. What types of enterprises are particularly suitable for adopting the agency export model?

Based on our validation from serving 300+ enterprise cases, the following types of companies have shown significant benefits:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises with an annual export volume of less than $5 million
• Industries involving products subject to anti-dumping duties (e.g., steel products)
• Manufacturing enterprises planning to explore new markets in RCEP
• Traditional factories in the transformation of cross-border e-commerce

6. Will acting as an export agent affect the company's operations??Tax Refund?According to Document No. 38 of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2025,

Proper handling ensures the right to tax refund:

• The "Agency Export Certificate" must be issued by the agency company.
• Manufacturers can apply for tax refunds with value-added tax input invoices.
• Please note the system integration requirements following the full implementation of electronic invoices in 2025.

7. What are the potential risks of the agency export model? How to avoid them?

Three types of risks that require key prevention:

• Foreign exchange control risks: It is recommended to adopt cross-border RMB settlement.
• Trade Compliance Risk: Regularly Review the Accuracy of HS Code Classification
• Intellectual Property Risks: Require the agent to provide customs recordal inquiry services.

8. Are there any special requirements for the agency export of special products (such as hazardous chemicals)?

According to the latest regulatory requirements for 2025:

• It is mandatory to verify the hazardous chemicals business license of the agency company.
• The transportation process must possess TDG certification.
• The export declaration must be submitted together with the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).
• It is recommended to additionally purchase environmental liability insurance.

9. How to evaluate the actual service capabilities of an agency?

It is recommended to assess through five dimensions:

• Level of intelligence in customs systems (whether AI-powered intelligent classification is supported)
• Overseas customs clearance network coverage (whether there are branches in key target countries)
• Crisis response speed (testing the 24-hour emergency mechanism)
• Industry Case Match Rate (Operational Experience with Similar Product Categories)
• Fund turnover capacity (verification of bank credit line)

X. How to Effectively Protect Rights in Case of Disputes in Export Agency Cooperation?

A step-by-step solution is recommended:

• Phase One: Negotiation in accordance with the dispute resolution clause of the contract.
• Phase Two: Apply for Mediation by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
• Phase 3: Submission to the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) for arbitration.
• Please note: The cross-border digital arbitration platform has been officially launched since 2025.