Agency export,What are the key steps involved in the basic process?

The standardized export agency process includes:Six core stages:

• The preliminary preparation phase
  • Enterprise qualification review (import and export rights, product compliance certification)
  • Trade termsConfirm (FOB/CIF, etc.)
• Contract signing phase
  • Sign a tripartite agreement (manufacturer, foreign trade company, overseas buyer)
  • Specify the payment method (T/T, L/C, etc.)
• Customs clearance logistics phase
  • Preparation of customs declaration documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin)
  • Customs Declaration and Inspection (New HS Code Declaration Requirements for 2025)
• Foreign exchange settlement stage
  • Processing of Foreign Exchange Verification Form
  • Export tax refundDeclaration (Note the changes in refund rates following the 2024 VAT reform)

What are the key points to consider when selecting an export agency company?

According to the data released by the General Administration of Customs in 2025, compliant agency enterprises must possess the following qualifications:

• Complete with all four certificates: Import and export operation rights, customs registration certificate, foreign exchange administration filing, electronic port IC card
• Industry Experience: At least 3 years of export records for similar products (historical customs declarations may be requested for verification).
• Capacity of service: A logistics network covering major ports, familiar with the customs clearance requirements of the target country.
• Risk control: Purchase export credit insurance, provide trade financing solutions

What are the cost items involved in export agency services?

39. Typical Cost Structure IncludesFixed cost + Variable cost:

• Basic Service Fee: 1.5%-3% of the cargo value (including document preparation and foreign exchange settlement)
• Government fees: Customs declaration fee (￥150/entry), commodity inspection fee (varies by product category)
• Logistics costs: Basic ocean/air freight + Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) (Referencing COSCO Shipping's March 2025 quotation)
• Special Service Fees: Expedited Customs Clearance (￥500 per bill), Special Customs Clearance at Destination Port

How to prevent legal risks in export agency?

Proposal to passThree dimensionsEstablish a risk firewall:

• Contract Terms
  • Establish a clear mechanism for handling quality disputes.
  • Agreed intellectual property security clause
• 32. Document management
  • The original bill of lading must be controlled by the production enterprise.
  • The consignee on the customs declaration form must match the actual cargo owner.
• Funds supervision
  • Establish a joint account to receive foreign exchange.
  • The tax refund voucher is linked to the payment progress.

What impact will the new policies in 2025 have on export agency?

According to the latest announcement from the Ministry of Commerce, enterprises should pay special attention to:

• The full implementation of electronic customs declarations (original paper documents were abolished by the end of 2024).
• New export controls imposed on 87 additional items (including semiconductor raw materials)
• Cross-border e-commerce B2B exports enjoy tariff preferences (subject to meeting the requirements of regulatory code 9710).
• Export tax refund"Paperless" declaration covers the entire country (document upload time limit shortened to 72 hours).

Contract confirmation stage: Clarify trade terms (such as FOB/CIF) and payment methods (T/T, L/C, etc.)

throughFour evaluation elementsDecision:

• Annual export frequency: Less than 10 shipments/year recommended for agency.
• Single shipment value: Below $1 million is more suitable for an agent.
• Product complexity: Priority will be given to agents with expertise in specialized fields such as 3C certification and FDA licensing.
• Fund turnover: The agency can provide tax advance services (reducing capital costs by 30%).