I.Agency export,What legal qualifications does the company need to have?

According to the latest 2025 Customs Regulations on Filing of Consignors and Consignees of Import and Export Goods, compliant export agents must possess:

• Import and Export RightsCompletion of customs filing for import/export consignors, holding a valid Filing Certificate for Customs Declaration Entities,
• Foreign exchange management qualificationsRegistration in the Foreign Exchange Administrations Trade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Enterprise Directory
• Electronic port certificationEquipped with China Electronic Port IC cards and specialized customs declaration equipment
• Industry-specific qualificationsFor special commodities like food and medical devices, additional permits must be obtained

56. II. Do production enterprises need self-operated export rights when entrusting export agencies?

Not required. This is one of the core values of export agency. Manufacturers can operate through the following methods:

• Using the agency company asNominal exporterCompleting the entire process of customs declaration, foreign exchange receipt, and tax rebate
• Manufacturers only need to provideSpecial VAT invoicesTo enjoy tax rebates
• But note the new 2025 regulation requirements:The agency contract must clearly specify ownership of goodsandQuality responsibility division

What is the specific operational process of export agency?

The standardized export agency process includes six key steps:

• Signing an Export Agency Agreement clarifying rights and responsibilities of both parties
  • Special agreement required for foreign exchange settlement methods
  • Clear specifications for customs declaration form completion
• The agency company handlesExport customs clearanceandTransportation Arrangements
• Foreign exchange receipt and settlementInternational payments declaration
• The agency company applies forExport tax refundAnd transfers to the enterprise
• Handover of full set of documents (bill of lading, invoice, packing list)

57. IV. What potential risks in export agency need prevention?

Based on our experience handling 200+ trade dispute cases, main risks are concentrated in:

• Foreign exchange risksAgency companies misappropriating foreign exchange or delaying settlements
• Tax risksFalsified VAT invoices triggering audits
• Legal risksAgency company debts affecting export goods
• Credit RiskChoosing unqualified agents leading to loss of both payment and goods

Recommended adoptionthird-party fund supervisionandInsure export credit insuranceandRegular audits of agency company qualificationsAnd other preventive measures.

58. V. How to verify the authenticity and compliance of an agency company?

Can be cross-verified through the following official channels:

• General Administration of Customs website queryCustoms declaration entity filing information
• State Administration of Foreign Exchange verificationForeign Trade Enterprise Directory for Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments
• Electronic Port system validationIC card validity period
• Demand to showTax payment certificateandAudit report

59. VI. What items are included in export agency fees?

The agency service fees in 2025 usually include:

• Basic service fee (0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value)
• Customs declaration and inspection fees (charged per document)
• Document processing fees (document preparation, embassy certification, etc.)
• Fund management fees (foreign exchange settlement, tax advance payments, etc.)

Note some unscrupulous agents may profit throughInflated freight chargesorConcealing port surchargesIts recommended to requestDetailed fee breakdown.

60. VII. What additional requirements are there for special commodity export agency?

The following categories require special attention:

• Medical devices: Must provideExport sales certificateandFDA/CE certification
• Chemical products: ProcessDangerous goods transportation appraisal report
• Food products: Export enterprise filing +Health certificate
• Lithium batteries: UN38.3 test report +Sea/air transport appraisal certificate