What is the correct English expression for "代理出口"?

In the field of professional trade,The standard English expression for "代理出口" is "Export Agent Service".It is worth noting that the term "Export Agency" may appear in commercial documents in certain regions, with the distinction being that:

• Export Agent: Refers to the legal entity that specifically carries out agency services.
• Export Agency: More refers to the proxy service mechanism or service system.

According to the latest 2025 edition of the "InternationalTrade termsThe General Rules of Interpretation, it is recommended to use "Export Agent" in formal contracts to ensure legal validity.

What are the core terms involved in foreign trade agency services?

The following six English expressions are key terms in the agency export business, and it is recommended that foreign trade clients focus on mastering them:

• Export Agent(Export agent）：
  • Standard Terminology for Full-Process Agency Services
  • 例：We work with a licensed export agent
• Procurement Agent(Purchasing Agent):
  • Specifically refers to the procurement agency service
  • Applicable to the buyer's agent model
• Customs Clearance Agent(Customs clearance agent):
  • Customs Declaration Specialized Service
  • Confirmation of the customs code filing qualifications of the agent is required.
• Export License Agent(Export License Agency):
  • Involving the export of controlled commodities
  • Example: military supplies, dual-use items, etc.
• Freight Forwarding Agent(Freight Forwarder):
  • Logistics transportation link agency
  • It is necessary to distinguish between sea freight/air freight agency qualifications.
• Trade Compliance Agent(Trade Compliance Agent):
  • The latest emerging professional service categories
  • Addressing the Strengthened Trade Control Measures by Various Countries in 2025

In which scenarios must these terms be used accurately?

According to customs data statistics from 2021 to 2025, cases of customs declaration delays caused by terminology misuse have shown an annual growth rate of 18%. Special attention should be paid to the following three scenarios:

• First-time exporter: Selecting "Full-Service Export Agent" can reduce operational risks.
• Multinational trade：需確認代理的"Multi-Country Trade Compliance Certification"
• Special commodity exports: The term "Licensed Export Agent" must be used.

Typical case: A Ningbo medical device exporter suffered a direct loss of $230,000 due to the misuse of "Purchasing Agent," which resulted in the invalidation of EU CE certification documents.

How to avoid the risk of confusing common terms?

Based on my experience in handling 37 trade dispute cases, I have summarized three key preventive measures:

• Distinguish the nature of agency:
  • The buyer's agent is referred to as "Procurement Agent".
  • 賣方代理用"Export Management Company"
• Pay attention to regional differences.:
  • In North America, the commonly used term is "Export Trading Company".
  • The EU document requires the indication of "EORI Registered Agent".
• Verify legal validity:
  • 要求代理提供"Certificate of Export Agency"
  • Confirm the scope of authorization for the "Power of Attorney"

How to verify the professional qualifications of a proxy service?

It is recommended to verify the professionalism of the agency through the following four steps:

• InspectionChina Customs AEO CertificationStatus
• confirmedICC (International Chamber of Commerce) registrationInformation
• verifiedFIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)Membership qualifications
• 1. Require the provision of the past three yearsTrade Compliance Audit Report

Professional Tip: You may request the agent to issueB/L（Bill of Lading）樣本, observe whether the standardized use of terms such as "Shipper's Export Declaration" is followed.