What is the basic process for export agency of purchased products?

The complete export agency process consists of 6 key steps:

• Sign an agency agreement:Clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, especially regarding payment settlement, document handover, and dispute resolution clauses.
• Product Registration and Filing:Requires providing basic information such as the products HS code, technical parameters,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:and other fundamental documents.
• Customs Clearance Procedures:Includes preparation of customs declaration documents, inspection declarations, and license applications (for special commodities).
• Logistics Arrangements:InvolvesMaritime Transportation/Air TransportationProfessional operations including booking shipping space, dangerous goods declaration, and transportation insurance underwriting
• Foreign Exchange ReceiptsIn order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.:After collecting foreign exchange on behalf, the agency company conducts RMB settlement at the agreed exchange rate
• Export DrawbackDeclaration:Complete submission of full set of tax refund documents within 90 days after goods export

II. How to Choose a Reliable Export Agency Company?

It is recommended to evaluate the agency companys professional capabilities from four dimensions:

• Qualification Review:
  • Customs AEO Certified Enterprise (priority given to Advanced Certification)
  • State Administration of Foreign Exchange Class A Enterprise Qualification
  • International Freight Forwarding Qualification (NVOCC Certificate)
• Business Coverage Capability:Focus on evaluating customs clearance networks and tax processing experience in target markets
• Risk Control System:Must include multi-dimensional prevention mechanisms for contract risks, exchange rate risks, and transportation risks
• Information Technology Level:Requires provision of real-time order tracking system and electronic document management system

III. What Qualification Documents Are Required for Agency Export?

According to the latest 2025 regulatory requirements, enterprises need to prepare:

• Domestic Entity Qualifications:
  • import and exportBusiness Operation Rights (Foreignforeign tradeTrade Operator Filing Registration Form)
  • VAT General Taxpayer Qualification
• Agency Company Qualifications:
  • Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
  • Certificate of Registration in the List of Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments
• Overseas Client Qualifications:
  • Purchasers Business Registration Certificate (requires embassy authentication)
  • End-User Declaration (when involving controlled commodities)

What items are included in export agency fees?

Typical fee structure consists of 3 parts:

• Charged at 0.8% - 1.2% of the cargo valueUsually charged at 0.8%-1.5% of export value
• Government statutory fees:
  • Customs declaration and inspection fees (RMB 500-2000 per shipment)
  • Port miscellaneous fees (according to port tariff standards)
• Value - added service fee:
  • Foreign exchange hedging service (approximately 0.3% fee rate)
  • Export credit insurance agency (10%-15% of premium)

What potential risks need prevention in export agency?

Special attention required for 3 types of risk control:

• Trade compliance risks:
  • Administrative penalties caused by HS code misclassification
  • Anti-dumping investigations triggered by improper application of rules of origin
• Foreign exchange management risks:
  • A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Overdue (exceeding 210 days after export date)
  • Exchange losses caused by currency fluctuations
• Logistics transportation risks:
  • Demurrage charges due to unclaimed cargo at destination port
  • Transport accidents caused by undeclared dangerous goods

What settlement options are available for export agency?

Comparative analysis of mainstream payment methods:

• TT電匯：
  • Advantages: Simple procedures, fast fund arrival
  • Disadvantages: Lack of payment guarantee, suitable for established clients
• LCLetter of Credit:
  • Advantages: Bank credit guarantee, fund security
  • Disadvantages: Complex process, higher fees (approximately 1.5% fee rate)
• DP (Documents against Payment):
  • Compromise solution: Bank controls documents on behalf
  • Applicable scenarios: Trial transactions for first-time cooperation

How to handle export tax refund for agency exports?

Tax refund requires meeting 3 core conditions:

• Obtain legally valid VAT special invoices
• Complete foreign exchange receipt verification procedures
• Export goods fall within the tax refund catalog scope

According to 2023 General Administration of Customs data, standardized export agency companies now average a tax refund cycle of 45 working days, though actual timing still depends on documentation completeness.

How to handle customs clearance issues?

Common customs clearance exception handling solutions:

• Goods-document discrepancies:
  • Promptly apply for customs declaration amendment/cancellation
  • Prepare explanatory statements and supporting materials
• Inspection abnormalities:
  • Cooperate with customs sampling for inspection
  • Contact manufacturers to provide technical documentation
• Classification disputes:
  • Apply for customs classification pre-ruling
  • Commission professional agencies to issue appraisal reports

How to ensure after-sales service for agency exports?

Recommended 4 after-sales clauses to specify in agency agreements:

• Quality dispute resolution process and timelines
• Returned goods clearance and tax liability allocation
• Legal assistance provisions for claim cases
• Document retention period (recommended minimum 5 years)

Experience shows selecting agencies with overseas service networks can reduce average after-sales resolution time by 60%.

What are common misconceptions about agency exports?

3 critical cognitive misconceptions requiring special attention:

• Misconception 1:Agency companies can handle all matters entirely
  • Fact: Core information like product technical parameters still requires enterprise provision
• Misconception 2:Lower agency fees mean better value
  • Fact: Exception handling costs may far exceed basic service fees
• Misconception 3:No need to participate in specific operational processes
  • Fact: Key nodes (such as customs declaration confirmation) require enterprise signatures