What is a true export pure agency service?

The pure agency model (Pure Agency) refers to a scenario where the agent solely providesDocument declaration, customs clearance logistics, and foreign exchange settlement.Procedural services, etc., do not involve ownership of goods or the substance of trade. According to the latest 2025 edition of the "International Commercial Terms (Incoterms)," the agent must strictly distinguish between service fees and payment for goods and must not participate in product pricing or commercial decision-making.

What is the fundamental difference between a pure agent and a general trade agent?

By comparing the commonly used agency models of Fortune 500 companies, the core differences are reflected in three aspects:

• Risk Bearing：Pure agents do not bear the risks of goods quality/foreign exchange collection.
• Capital flow: The payment must be made directly to the actual supplier.
• Document processing: The customs declaration form must clearly indicate "Agency export,"text"

What are the specific operational steps involved in a pure agency process?

Based on the 2024 General Administration of Customs AEO certification standards, standardized processes should include:

• Preliminary filing
  • Sign a tripartite agency agreement (exporter, agent, foreign buyer)
  • Submit the original copy of the enterprise qualification for verification.
• The implementation phase
  • The agent prepares a complete set of customs declaration documents.
  • Declaration of electronic data through a single window
  • Arrange cross-border logistics transportation

How should agency fees be calculated to comply with regulations?

According to the new policies of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2025, the fee structure should meet the following requirements:

• The service fee shall not exceed 1.5% of the cargo value (excluding bulk commodities).
• Clearly distinguish between prepaid expenses (such as customs clearance fees, shipping costs, etc.) and service commissions.
• A detailed expense breakdown and original vouchers must be provided.

How to prevent legal risks in export agency?

Recommended adoptionDual contract system:

• Basic Service Agreement: Clarify the scope of agency services and disclaimer clauses
• Single Ticket Operation Confirmation Form: Verify cargo information and clarify responsibilities on a per-shipment basis.

Typical Case: An electromechanical export company suffered a $2 million tax refund loss due to the unauthorized modification of HS codes by its agent. The court ruled that the agent was fully liable.

Export tax refundWhich party should handle it?

In pure agency mode, the subject of tax refund is alwaysActual owner of the goodsThe agent shall only assist in preparing customs declarations, VAT invoices, and other tax refund documents, and shall not collect the tax refund on behalf of the client. By 2025, the new electronic port system will have enabled the automatic transfer of tax refund materials to the actual exporting enterprises.

How to verify the compliance of an agency company?

It is recommended to cross-validate through three channels:

• Check the AEO certification status on the official website of the General Administration of Customs.
• Verification of Enterprises on the SAFE List
• Please provide a certificate of no violations in the past three years.

What additional requirements are there for special industry agents?

Taking the export of medical devices as an example, special attention should be paid to:

• The agent must possess a Medical Device Distribution Filing Certificate.
• The export contract must be accompanied by the manufacturer's authorization document.
• FDA registration must be applied for by the actual manufacturing enterprise.

What are the special risks of emerging market agents?

For emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa, the recommendations are as follows:

• Confirm the agent's capability for local customs pre-classification.
• Please provide the customs clearance commitment letter for the destination country.
• Apply for Sinosure Buyer's Credit Insurance

How does digital transformation impact agency services?

The major changes in 2025 include:

• Blockchain traceability has become the mainstream customs declaration method.
• Smart contracts automatically execute logistics node confirmation.
• AI Risk Early Warning System monitors trade compliance in real-time.

It is recommended to prioritize agency service providers with direct customs data connectivity capabilities, which can reduce clearance time by 40%.