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

The standardized export agency process consists of seven key stages:Signing of cooperation agreement → Order confirmation →customs clearanceDeclaration for inspection → Logistics transportation →Collecting Connection→Tax refund processing→After-sales serviceTaking the latest regulations of the General Administration of Customs in 2025 as an example, the agency company must complete the full electronic customs declaration before the goods depart. The accurate classification of the HS code for the goods directly affects the calculation of tariff rates.

II. How to Choose a Compliant Export Agent Service Provider?

When selecting an agency, the following qualifications should be thoroughly verified:

• Business qualifications: Valid Import and Export Operation License
• Industry Experience: Successful cases in the target market (e.g., export records of FDA-certified products in Europe and America)
• Service networks: Coverage of customs clearance service capabilities for major ports
• Risk control: A well-established credit insurance and dispute resolution mechanism
• Quotation system: Transparent quotation in compliance with the International Commercial Terms (Incoterms)

III. What are the main cost items involved in export agency services?

Typical cost components include:

• Basic service fee (0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value)
• Customs declaration and inspection fees (including commodity inspection, fumigation, and other special treatments)
• International transportation costs (sea/air base rate + fuel surcharge)
• Insurance premium (1.2‰-2‰ of CIF price)
• Refund advance fee (calculated based on the central bank's current discount rate)

Fourth,Export tax refundHow exactly does it operate?

Requirements for the electronic tax refund system to be implemented in 2025:

• Submit the complete tax refund documents within 90 days after the goods leave the country.
• Special VAT invoices must undergo cross-verification through the State Taxation Administration.
• The electronic data of the foreign exchange verification form must match the customs data.
• The inquiry of tax refund rates requires the use of the latest version of the "Export Commodity Code List".

In 2023, an electromechanical product export enterprise shortened its average tax refund cycle from 45 days to 18 days through professional agency services, improving capital turnover efficiency by 60%.

V. How to Prevent Common Risks in Export Agency?

Key risks to focus on and corresponding countermeasures:

• Document risks: It is recommended to pre-review customs declaration documents 30 days in advance.
• 10. Transportation Risk: Request the agent to purchase full transportation insurance.
• Exchange rate risk: Hedge using forward exchange settlement or option instruments

6. Is agency export suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises?

According to the 2024 statistics from the General Administration of Customs, among enterprises with an annual export value below $5 million, 78% opt for the agency export model. This model can assist enterprises in:

• Save 50%-70% on compliance costs
• Reduce customs clearance time by 60%
• Avoid over 95% of the risk of documentation errors.

7. What is the essential difference between export agency and self-operated export?

The core differences are reflected at three levels:

• Legal relationship：The agency company, as the declarant, bears customs responsibilities.
• Cash flow: Foreign exchange needs to be settled through the agent companys account
• Tax Treatment: The tax refund benefit shall be attributed to the actual exporting enterprise.

In 2023, a garment exporter had $2 million worth of goods seized by customs due to mistakenly choosing an unqualified agency company. This case serves as a warning that enterprises must strictly verify the qualifications of their agents.