What is the fundamental difference between self-operated export and agency export?

According to the current "Customs Law," it is stipulated thatSelf-operated export requires enterprises to possess?Import/export?and qualification certificates, including the?Foreign trade?Complete set of documents including business operator registration, customs registration certificate, and foreign exchange administration filing. Under the agency export model, production enterprises only need to provide goods and special VAT invoices, while qualified agency companies handle the entire export process. The latest 2025 data shows that the proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises opting for agency exports has increased by 37% compared to 2020, primarily to avoid the costs of qualification application and customs clearance risks.

Premium?Export Agency?What core competencies should one possess?

World Customs Organization (WCO) certified AEO enterprises should be prioritized, as such agency companies can enjoy20% reduction in customs inspection rate.The specific capability matrix includes:

• Document processing capabilities
  • Proficient in creating CI/PL/PK lists.
  • Handling Unexpected Situations in L/C Document Presentation
• Risk Early - Warning System
  • Real-time monitoring of HS code changes
  • Anticipate changes in the customs clearance policies of the destination country.
• Ensuring fund security
  • Provide access to Sinosure insurance coverage.
  • Achieve automatic reconciliation for foreign exchange verification.

What are the hidden costs of export agency?

In addition to the regular agency fee (0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value), special attention should be paid to:

• Abnormal expenses
  • Allocation ratio of demurrage charges due to failure of cargo pickup at the destination port
  • Methods for Bearing Late Declaration Fees Due to Customs Classification Disputes
• Cost of funds
  • Exchange losses caused by differences in foreign exchange settlement cycles
  • ?Tax Refund?Interest calculation standard for advance funds

What special services are needed for emerging market expansion?

It is recommended to conduct cross-validation through the three networks:

• Check the registration number of the "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs.
• The State Administration of Foreign Exchange system verifies the registration status of the directory.
• The Electronic Port Law Enforcement System verifies the validity of the operator card.

Special vigilance is required against "shadow agents" that only hold a business license but lack customs registration. Such companies often profit by subcontracting business, and by 2025, there have already been three cases of export tax rebate disputes caused by this.

How to Ensure the Security of Goods Ownership in an Agency Export Model?

the evidence chain preservation strategyBill of Control + Payment Terms LinkageMechanism:

• The agent must obtain written confirmation from the factory before issuing the original bill of lading.
• Link the TT payment ratio to the shipment progress (e.g., 30% advance payment + 70% upon presentation of bill of lading copy).
• Add a bank confirmation clause to the D/P payment method.

A sanitary ware export company reduced its bad debt rate from 2.3% to 0.7% in Q1 2025 through this model, effectively controlling financial risks.

What additional services are required for the export of special goods?

For hazardous materials, food,?Medical Devices?For special categories, it is necessary to confirm that the agency company possesses:

• Hazardous Materials: IMI Certification, Professional MSDS Compilation Capability
• Food Category: Experience in FDA/FVO Registration and Filing
• Medical Devices: MDSAP System Certification Support

The EU's newly implemented UDI traceability system for medical devices in 2025 has left 30% of unprepared agency companies facing customs clearance delays.

How to evaluate digital service capabilities?

High-quality agencies should provide:

• Real-time Visual Tracking System (covering the entire chain from booking → customs declaration → tax refund)
• Intelligent Customs Declaration System (Automated Verification of Declaration Element Compliance)
• Electronic Archiving System (meeting the 10-year customs document retention requirement)

After a leading agency implemented its AI-powered HS code classification system in 2025, the HS code error rate dropped from 0.8% to 0.12%, significantly reducing customs inspection risks.