What exactly is the export agency business? These 10 questions must be understood by foreign trade novices

1.Export RepresentationWhat is the core service exactly?

The essence of export agency isprofessional service outsourcingcovering three core modules:

• Customs clearance and logistics: including the whole process of commodity classification, customs declaration and inspection, transportation insurance, etc.
• Document processing: Standardized production of 23 kinds of trade documents from proforma invoice toIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Fund settlement: Foreign exchange verification,
• and cross - border payment solutionsExport DrawbackComprehensive assessment is required according to the enterprise scale:

Which is more cost - effective, self - operated export or agency export?

For enterprises with an annual export volume < $3 million, the agency model can save:

• 20 - 35% of fixed operating costs
  • 3 - 6 months of qualification application cycle
  • Large enterprises are recommended to establish their own export systems, but can entrust agents to handle:
• Export of special - controlled commodities
  • Access certification for emerging markets
  • Special attention should be paid to three compliance areas:

What new risks are there in agency export in 2025?

Accounting and declaration requirements of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

• Digital verification system of RCEP rules of origin
• 美国UFLPA法案下的供应链审查
• Main charging modes include:

How is the agency fee calculated exactly?

Settlement by ticket: 200 - 800 yuan per order (suitable for scattered order customers)

• By the proportion of cargo value: 0.8% - 1.5% (more applicable to bulk goods)
• Annual service agreement: 50,000 - 150,000 yuan/year (including exclusive customs consultants)
• Key assessment dimensions:

How to choose a reliable export agency company?

Whether it has AEO advanced certification qualification

• Customs clearance network coverage in the target market
• Whether it has experience in successfully handling anti - dumping cases
• Do you have experience in successfully handling anti - dumping cases?
• Does the risk control system support real - time tracking (such as blockchain evidence storage)?

What should be noted for special commodity agency?

TakeMedical Equipmentexport as an example:

• 必须验证代理商的MDSAP资质
• Confirm compliance with the UDI coding implementation requirements of the target country
• The transportation link needs to meet the GDP cold chain standard

What is the specific process of agency cooperation?

The standard service process includes:

1. Sign a framework agreement (clarify the division of responsibilities)
2. Pre - review of product compliance
3. Logistics solution design
4. Collaborative production of documents
5. Docking of real - time tracking system

How to ensure capital safety?

Certificate of Registration in the List of Enterprises for Trade - related Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments issued by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange

• Independently supervised exportA complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Account
• Insure export credit insurance
• Written commitment on the cycle of tax refund arrival

How to handle customs clearance problems?

Professional agents should possess:

• 72 - hour emergency response mechanism
• Ability to coordinate local customs relations
• Ability to quickly process pre - deposited margin

What pitfalls should be noted for agency in emerging markets?

Take the African market as an example:

• Beware of the compliance risks of tax - inclusive clearance,
• Confirm the validity of the COC certification
• 货款结算建议使用Escrow账户

(The content described in this article is based on the current international trade rules in 2025, and some cases quote the customs statistical data from 2018 - 2024 to support professional viewpoints)