I. What kind of enterprises need to find an export agent?

According to the latest in 2025?Foreign trade?policy, the following three types of enterprises are recommended to choose export agency services:

• Failure to obtain?Import/export?new enterprises with the right to: Registered for more than 6 months but have not yet completed customs filing
• Small and medium-sized manufacturers: Manufacturing enterprises with an annual export value of less than $5 million
• Operators in special industries: InvolveMedical Devices, chemical raw materials, and other controlled commodity exports

II. What are the basic qualifications for export agency?

Essential conditions that both the principal and the agent must meet:

• Principal's qualifications:
  • Valid business license (business scope includes production or sale of related goods)
  • Corporate bank account has enabled cross-border RMB settlement function
• Agent's qualifications:
  • Customs AEO certified enterprise qualification (mandatory from 2025)
  • Proof of being on the list of import and export enterprises filed with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
  • E-port operator IC card and special seal for customs declaration

3. How to Verify the Compliance of an Agency Company?

It is recommended to verify through three official channels:

• Check filing status on the "Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs
• Verify foreign exchange collection and payment qualifications in the "Directory of Enterprises for Trade in Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments" of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• Check the validity of the agency's customs declaration authority in the E-port law enforcement system

IV. What is the specific process for export agency?

The standard export agency process includes 6 key steps:

• Signing tripartite agreements (principal, agent, overseas buyer)
• Pre-review of logistics documents (including?Certificate of Origin?, quality inspection reports, etc.)
• Preparation of customs declaration documents (HS code classification needs to be confirmed by both parties)
• Foreign Exchange Receipts?Foreign exchange settlement?operation (the agent's account must be marked with the word "agent")
• ?Tax Refund?declaration (the electronic tax rebate system will be mandatory online in 2025)
• Filing of business archives (retention period of not less than 5 years)

V. What are the cost components of export agency?

In 2025, the main components of agency service fees include:

• Basic service fee: Charged at 0.8%-1.2% of the cargo value (minimum 3000 RMB/shipment)
• Certification agency: 1500 - 5000 yuan/item
  • Special document preparation fee: 200-800 RMB/copy
  • Foreign exchange risk management fee: 0.05% of the settlement amount
• Government fees: Customs declaration fees, port miscellaneous fees, etc., are reimbursed at cost

VI. How are the risks of export agency divided?

According to Article 926 of the Civil Code, it is clearly stipulated that:

• Agent's liability:
  • Administrative penalties caused by errors in document declaration
  • Late fees for overdue foreign exchange declarations
• Principal's liability:
  • Intellectual property disputes over the goods
  • Product quality does not comply with the contract

VII. What should be noted when choosing an agency company?

It is recommended to focus on evaluating the following four dimensions:

• Industry Matching: Whether there is experience in exporting similar products.
• Risk control capability: Whether export credit insurance is purchased
• Level of informatization: Whether real-time customs clearance status inquiry is available
• Tax compliance: Any major administrative penalties in the last 3 years