What kind of companies need to outsource??Export Agency??

According to the latest 2025 data from the General Administration of Customs, more than 68% of?Foreign trade?The company adopts an export agency model. It is primarily applicable to the following three types of enterprises:

• Production-oriented enterprises: None?Import/export?Authority or the absence of a foreign trade team
• ?E-commerce?Seller: Complex customs clearance and tax rebate procedures are required
• Startup foreign trade companies: Avoid the high-cost risks of building an in-house foreign trade system

How to Choose a Compliant Agency?

3. How to Identify High-quality Agency Service Providers?

• Basic qualifications:
  • Customs AEO Certified Enterprise (priority given to Advanced Certification)
  • Filing as an enterprise on the State Administration of Foreign Exchange directory
  • "Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operator" issued by the Ministry of Commerce
• Professional Ability:
  • At least 3 years of export experience in similar products
  • With corresponding HS code operation records
• Risk Management:
  • Insure export credit insurance
  • Provide a contingency plan for handling legal disputes

What changes have been made to the agency export filing process in 2025?

Pursuant to Customs General Administration Announcement No. 198, the filing for export agency services has been fully digitized:

• Step 1: Log in to the International Trade Single Window to complete mutual recognition between enterprises
• Step 2: Upload the electronic version of the Agency Export Agreement and the Product Compliance Statement
• Step 3: The system automatically verifies the customs declaration entity's registration information
• Step 4: Obtain a 13-digit filing number (validity extended to 3 years)

What items are included in export agency fees?

A typical fee structure includes (using a shipment value of USD 1 million as an example):

• Basic service fee：0.8%-1.2%（約$8,000-$12,000）
• Additional fees:
  • Special Documentation Fee: $50 per document (e.g., FORM E Certificate of Origin)
  • Inspection Assistance Fee: $200 per occurrence
  • Exception Handling Fee: Starting from $500
• Cost of funds: Interest on tax-refund advance financing (annualized 6%-8%)

How to Prevent Risks in Agency Export Business?

Based on a 2024 export contract dispute case involving textiles, the following measures are recommended:

• Contract terms:
  • Clearly specify the foreign exchange settlement method and cycle
  • Set a maximum cap on exceptional fees
• : Obtain a copy of customs declaration data every week and conduct logistics reconciliation every month:
  • Real-time inquiry of the customs declaration electronic ledger is required.
  • Regular verification of the flow direction of special VAT invoices
• Evidence retention:
  • Save all correspondence emails and system operation logs
  • Require the agent to provide a detailed monthly service statement.

What common misconceptions should we pay special attention to?

• Myth 1: "All-inclusive" service commitment (in practice, enterprises are still required to cooperate in providing compliant documents)
• Myth 2: Ultra-low agency fees (possible hidden additional charges)
• Misconception 3: Neglecting HS Code Confirmation Responsibility (Enterprises bear ultimate responsibility for commodity classification)

Before signing an agency agreement, companies are advised to insist that the agency present the customs registration receipt and verify the certificate’s validity on the “China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Disclosure Platform.” For goods under special control (e.g., medical devices, chemicals, etc.), they must also confirm that the agency holds the corresponding qualification certificates.