I. Freight ForwardingAgency export,What is the foreign exchange collection process?

The complete foreign exchange collection process consists of four core steps:

• Confirmation of Payment Collection Method: Choose TT wire transfer, letter of credit, or DP collection based on the trade contract.
• Foreign exchange remittance path:
  • Collection through the freight forwarder's offshore account.
  • Directly remitted to the exporter's domestic foreign exchange account.
• Foreign Exchange Declaration Management：International payment declarations must be completed within 5 working days after receiving the payment.
• Foreign exchange settlement operation: Exchange currency at the real-time rate or lock in the exchange rate.

2. What are the potential risks of receiving payments through freight forwarders?

Three types of risks requiring special attention and avoidance methods:

• Risk of funds being held up: Request the freight forwarder to provide proof of a bank-supervised account.
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Risk: It is recommended to use forward exchange settlement to lock in exchange rates
• Risk of compliance: Ensure that the freight forwarder is registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

III. How to Ensure the Safety of Funds Collected Through an Agent?

It is recommended to implement a four-layer security protection system:

• Request the freight forwarder to provide the original bank fund supervision agreement.
• Set up a dual-verification mechanism for foreign exchange receipt accounts.
• Real-time foreign exchange receipt status inquiry (recommended to use the Cross-border Interbank Payment System of the People's Bank of China)
• Please retain the complete chain of trade documents (contract, bill of lading, customs declaration).

IV. How Does Freight Forwarder's Foreign Exchange Collection Differ from Traditional Methods?

Fee Structure and Service Differentiation Comparison:

• Cost Structure:
  • Freight forwarding model: 0.15%-0.3% foreign exchange handling fee + bank wire transfer fee.
  • Self-collection and remittance: 0.8%-1.2% bank handling fee + administrative costs.
• 24. Time efficiency difference: Freight forwarders can shorten the payment cycle by 3-5 working days.
• Service Extension: Some freight forwarders offer value-added services such as advance payment for tax refunds.

5. What documents are required to support the collection of foreign exchange by an agent?

The 4 types of legal documents you must prepare:

• Notarized "Agency Export Agreement"
• Authorization Letter for Receiving Account
• Electronic record of customs declaration (required under the 2025 paperless customs regulations)
• Cross-Border Trade RMB Settlement Business Description (if applicable)

VI. Are there any special requirements for foreign exchange receipts under different trade methods?

Three situations requiring special attention:

• Cross-border e-commerce: Please provide the platform transaction records and logistics proof.
• Processing trade：The amount of foreign exchange received must be consistent with the customs manual filing.
• Market procurement: It is mandatory to conduct foreign exchange receipts and payments under the supervision code 1039.

7. How does acting as a collection agent coordinate with tax processing?

Three financial and tax management mechanisms to be established:

• Foreign exchange revenue and expenditure linkage verification with VAT declaration
• Retain the overseas payment receipt for future reference (for at least 5 years).
• Withholding and Remittance of Prepaid Income Tax (When Paying Overseas Commissions)

8. What should I do if I encounter abnormal payment collection?

Handling recommendations by scenario:

• Foreign exchange delayed arrival.: Request the freight forwarder to provide SWIFT message tracking.
• Amount does not match.: Activate the trade contract claim clause
• Incorrect currency type: Initiate a refund request through the bank via the original payment method.