Agency export,What is the standard English translation of

In professional trade terminology, the most accurate English expression for "代理出口" isExport Agency ServiceorCommission-based Export Service. According to the 2025 latest edition of the WCO Trade Terms Guide, this term specifically refers to a service model in which a third-party company, on behalf of the manufacturing enterprise, handles the entire export process.

Other common expressions in actual business practice include:

• Export Agent (focused on the executor role)
• Third-party Export Management（強(qiáng)調(diào)管理屬性）
• Export Commission Agency (highlighting the commission settlement method)

Export Agent和Trade Agency有何區(qū)別？

These two terms are fundamentally different in foreign trade practice:

• Export Agent:
  • Export-only agency services
  • Typically does not hold title to the goods
  • Charge service commission per order
• Trade Agency:
  • Covering the entire import and export process
  • May involve exclusive territorial agency rights
  • Adopt an annual service fee plus commission model

Three Common Cooperation Models for Export Agency

Based on my experience serving multinational corporations, the mainstream collaboration models include:

• Exclusive agency: After purchasing the goods, the agent exports them independently (applicable to new market development)
• Commission-based agency: A service fee of 1.5–3% of the transaction value (suitable for mature products)
• Risk-sharing agency: Both parties share logistics and foreign-exchange risks in the agreed-upon proportion (common in bulk commodities)

Key Considerations for Foreign Trade Agency Services

Customs inspection basis:Agency export serviceSpecial attention is required during business hours:

• Verification of the agentAEO certificationQualification (2025 New Edition Customs Certification Standards)
• clearlyTrade termsApplicable version (INCOTERMS? 2025 is recommended)
• AgreedForeign exchange settlementCycle and Exchange Rate Lock-in Mechanism
• confirmedExport tax refundSubject Ownership and Operational Process

Common Questions Authority Answers

Q: Is an export agency company legal?
According to China Customs Announcement No. 38 of 2025, agencies holding the "Foreign Trade Operator Filing Registration Form" and the "Customs Declaration Entity Registration Certificate" may lawfully conduct business.

Q: How can I determine the reliability of an agent?
It is recommended to verify the three core indicators:
1) Customs credit rating for the past three years
2) Coverage of International Cargo Insurance
3) Bank reference letter from the cooperating bank

Q: What items are included in the agency export fee?
The standard quotation should include:
- Documentation Fee
- Customs declaration and inspection fees
- Logistics Coordination Fee
- Foreign exchange settlement service fee
Special attention must be paid to the agreement on who bears the VAT charges.

Q: Can you act as an agent for import business?
PossessFull-chain foreign trade service qualificationsAn enterprise may simultaneously provide both import and export agency services, but it must clearly distinguish the service terms in the contract.

Q: How should trade disputes be handled?
It is recommended to stipulate in the agency agreement:
1) Governing Law (Hong Kong or Singapore law is recommended)
2) Mandatory arbitration clause (e.g., HKIAC Arbitration Rules)
3) Limitation of Liability Clause