Foreign tradeExport agentWhat exactly does it do?

Export agentWe are a professional service institution with international trade qualifications, primarily responsible forShift in trade entitiesandWhole-process risk managementTwo core functions. Specific services include:

• Agentlycustoms clearanceCustoms declaration (handling HS code classification, certificate of origin, etc.)
• Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments and Tax Compliance (Processing)Export tax refund, Cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange
• Logistics Solution Design (Optimization of Sea, Land, and Air Transport Combinations)
• Preparation of trade documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, etc.)
• Compliance review (sanctions list screening, trade control product alert)

How will changes in the foreign trade environment in 2025 affect agency services?

According to the latest international trade policies for 2025, professional agencies are required to possess three additional essential capabilities:

• Digital customs declaration system integration: It must support direct connection with China's International Trade "Single Window" 4.0 system.
• Green Trade Certification: Must possess carbon footprint accounting and ESG trade document processing capabilities.
• Intelligent Risk Control System: Applying AI technology to achieve real-time trade compliance screening

What are the key indicators to consider when selecting an export agent?

It is recommended to evaluate from the following dimensions:

• Qualification System:
  • AEO Advanced Certification Enterprise Qualification
  • Member of the International Freight Agents Association (FIATA)
• Service networks:
  • Overseas customs clearance cooperation outlets cover target markets.
  • Establish branches at major domestic ports
• Professional Competence:
  • Specific industry operational experience (e.g., UN38.3 certification experience required for lithium battery exports)
  • Historical Tax Refund Amount and Time Limit Records

How should the agency service fees be calculated reasonably?

In 2025, mainstream pricing models showTiered service packagetrends:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.2% of the cargo value (including customs clearance, documentation, and foreign exchange services)
• Value Added Services:
  • Special Item Filing: 2,000-5,000 RMB/time
  • Customized logistics solutions: Profit sharing based on freight cost savings percentage
  • Trade financing services: LIBOR+1.5%-3%

Be cautious of quotations below 0.5% of the cargo value, as they may involve risks of false invoicing or regulatory violations.

How to avoid legal risks in agency cooperation?

Proposal to passLevel 3 Risk Control MechanismProtecting Rights:

• Contract Level: Clearly define the ownership of trading entities and liability for breach of contract.
• Operational level: The agent is required to purchase professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of 50 million yuan.
• Regulatory level: Conduct regular inspections of the customs credit rating announcements of the agents.

The newly implemented "Cross-Border Trade Agency Service Standards" in 2025 clearly stipulate that agency contracts must includeData Sovereignty ClauseandEmergency Response Plan for Unexpected Incidents.

Do small and medium-sized enterprises need agency services?

According to the 2024 statistics from the General Administration of Customs, small and medium-sized enterprises using professional agents compared to self-operated export enterprises:

• The trade dispute handling cycle is shortened to 15 working days
• The tax refund processing period has been shortened by 25 days.
• The customs inspection rate has been reduced by 60%.

Typical case: A maternal and infant products exporter achieved [sales/distribution] through an agentEXW delivery converted to FOB terms, saving 3,800 yuan in terminal handling charges per shipment and avoiding the risk of cargo ownership transfer.