I.Export agentWhich specific sector does it belong to within the modern service industry?

According to China's "Industrial Classification for National Economic Activities" (GB/T 4754-2023),Export agentClearly attributable toBusiness servicesUnder the category ofTrade agency services(Industry Code: 7264). This classification remains stable in the latest 2025 revision, with primary service offerings including:

• Import and export customs clearance procedures agency
• Foreign exchange payment and settlement services
• Trade Document Compliance Review
• Export tax refundDeclaration agency
• Cross-border logistics coordination and management

2. What is the fundamental difference between export agency services and freight forwarding?

Although the two are often confused, there are significant differences:

• Differences in Service Scope
  • Export Agency: Covering the Entire Trade Process (Contract Signing →customs clearance→Foreign exchange receipt→Tax refund)
  • Freight forwarding agent: Focusing on logistics processes (booking → transportation → warehousing → distribution).
• Different qualification requirements
  • Export agents must hold the "Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators."
  • Freight forwarders must obtain the "International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Certificate."

III. What are the new regulations for the export agency industry in 2025?

According to the "Cross-Border Trade Service Management Measures" issued by the General Administration of Customs in January 2025, export agency service providers must comply with the following:

• Implement blockchain-based notarization for electronic customs declaration documents
• Establish a customer trade background authenticity verification system.
• Enable the new HS CODE intelligent classification tool.
• Implement cross-border RMB settlement risk classification management.

IV. How to Determine the Professional Compliance of a Proxy Service Provider?

It is recommended to focus on verifying the following qualification documents:

• "Customs AEO Certification Certificate" (Advanced Certified Enterprises Enjoy a 30% Increase in Customs Clearance Efficiency)
• "Foreign Exchange Administration Cross-border Payment and Receipt Qualification Filing"
• ,Export tax refund"Class I Enterprise Qualification"
• "International Trade Single Window Interface Certification"

5. What risk factors should be considered when selecting export agency services?

Based on the big data analysis of foreign trade dispute cases in 2025, special attention should be paid to:

• The division of responsibilities is unclear.: The responsibility for customs declaration errors must be clearly defined in the contract.
• Exchange Rate Lock-in Trap: Avoid discrepancies between verbal commitments and the actual settlement exchange rate.
• Tax rebate processing time guarantee: Require a written commitment on the tax refund cycle (typically not exceeding 90 days).
• Missing compliance audit: Regularly request trade process compliance audit reports.