1. Export RepresentationWhat is the difference from self-operated exports?

The essential difference between export agency and self-operated export lies inLegal Entity RelationshipWhen you use export agency services:

• The agency company acts as the operating unit on the customs declaration form
• You retain actual ownership of the goods
• The agency company assumes legal responsibility for customs declaration

Self-operated exports require companies to handle all qualifications independently, while the agency model can save over 60% of compliance costs. According to the latest 2025 customs data, 78% of SMEs now use export agents.import and exportWhat specific services do export agents provide?

Professional export agents should provide

Trade term optimization (such as choosing between DDP and EXW)end-to-end solutions:

• Basic services:
  • Customs declaration document preparation and submission
  • Foreign Exchange ReceiptsFX Settlement AgencyApply for exemption from certification (meeting the conditions of the Implementation Rules for Exemption from Compulsory Product Certification)
  • Export DrawbackAgency
• Value - added services:
  • Destination country customs clearance pre-review
  • What items are included in agency fees?
  • Supply Chain Financial Support

Typical agency fee structure includes

Fixed service fee + variable operation feeDocument processing fee: 200-500 RMB per shipment:

• Basic service fee: Typically charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value
• Exception handling fee:
• Customs inspection coordination 500 RMB/instance
  • Document amendment fee 300 RMB/shipment
  • Starting from 2025, some agency companies began offering

Annual export volume exceeding USD 5 million qualifies for preferential rates.Tiered pricingHow to evaluate the reliability of an agency company?

When selecting an export agent, focus on three dimensions:

Check for Customs AEO certification and SAFE registration

• Compliance of qualificationsWhether coverage includes major export ports and destination countries
• Service networkWhether it covers major export ports and destination countries
• Risk ControlRequire compliance records for the most recent 12 months

It is recommended to prioritize agency companies established for over 10 years with annual operation volume exceeding 2,000 shipments

How do export agents prevent trade risks?

Professional agency companies should establishThree-level risk control system:

• Pre-transaction review: HS code pre-classification, trade country policy alerts
• In-process monitoring: Real-time customs declaration data verification system
• Post-transaction traceability: Establish digital records for each shipment

By 2025, 89% of agency companies have adopted blockchain technology for transaction data notarization

What should be noted for special cargo exports?

For special categories like dangerous goods and food:Medical EquipmentSpecial cargo:

• Must confirm the agency company possesses specific qualifications:
  • Dangerous goods: IMDG certification
  • Medical devices: FDA filing
• Require advance compliance pre-review:
  • a component analysis report
  • Packaging certification documents

7. Cross-border E-commerceIs it suitable to use export agents?

For cross-border e-commerce sellers, agency services can solve two major pain points:

• Fragmented order processing: Reduce logistics costs by 30% through LCL customs declaration
• Compliant Declaration: Correctly handle 9810/9710 supervision codes

By 2025, the cross-border e-commerce agency market size has reached 38 billion yuan, recommending sellers with monthly orders exceeding 500 pieces to adopt the agency model

How do export agents handle cargo inspections?

Professional agents inspection response process includes:

• Advance prediction of high-risk goods
• Preparation of complete technical documentation package
• Arrangement of dedicated personnel for on-site inspection coordination

Statistics show professional agents can reduce inspection rates by 40% compared to self-operated exports

Will agency exports affect customer relationships?

The following methods can avoid customer concerns:

• Specify the agency company as service provider in PI
• Require agents to use designated header documents
• Establish a tripartite information sharing system

Mature agency companies will signNon-Disclosure AgreementProtect customer information.

How to monitor agency service quality?

It is recommended to establish four monitoring indicators:

• Customs declaration accuracy rate (target >99.5%)
• Document processing time (not exceeding 24 hours)
• Exception response speed (within 2 hours)
• Tax refund receipt cycle (average 45 days)

What are the new trends in export agency in 2025?

The industry is undergoing three major transformations:

• Digital services:
  • Automated customs declaration system
  • Real-time tracking platform
• Green supply chain:
  • Carbon footprint certification
  • Eco-friendly packaging solutions
• Regional services:
  • RCEP special services
  • African free trade zone channel

When should you change export agents?

It is recommended to change agents under the following circumstances:

• Customs declaration error rate >1% for 3 consecutive months
• Tax refund receipt cycle exceeding 60 days
• Unable to provide destination country customs clearance support
• Slow system integration response speed

It is recommended to conduct annual service audits on agency companies to ensure cooperation quality.