According to the Administrative Measures for Value - added Tax and Consumption Tax on Exported Goods and Services implemented in 2025, agency export tax rebate needs to meet three conditions simultaneously:import and exportWhat is the difference from self-operated exports?

Import/export agency refers to full-process outsourcing services provided by professional service institutions for enterprises without import/export qualifications or operational capabilities. The key differences are:

• Division of responsibilities:The agency handles professional matters such as customs clearance and tax refund, while the client focuses on products and markets
• Qualification requirements:Enterprises dont need to handle customs registration, foreign exchange accounts and other qualifications themselves
• Cost composition:Pay service fees based on actual business volume, avoiding theforeign tradeManagement costs of building an in-house team

Case study: A machinery manufacturer with annual export volume of $3 million saves approximately 250,000 yuan in labor costs annually by using agency services.

II. What specific services do agency companies provide?

Professional agency services include three main modules:

• Customs clearance services
  • HS code classification (error rate controlled within 3%)
  • Customs clearance document review (2025 customs declaration elements added environmental indicators)
• Tax and financial services
  • Export DrawbackFull-process handling (fastest 15 working days for completion)
  • Foreign exchange settlement and exchange rate risk management
• Value - added Services
  • Destination country clearance consultation (e.g. EU CE certification guidance)
  • Supply chain financial solutions

III. How to choose reliable import/Export Representation?

Recommended screening priorities:

• Qualification verification:Verify customs AEO certification and SAFE registration
• Industry experience:Prioritize service providers with same-category operation cases
• Risk Control System:Request proof of no major violations in the past three years
• Service Network:Confirm on-site operational capabilities at major ports/airports

Industry data for 2025 shows that top agency companies achieve 22% faster customs clearance times than the industry average.

What items are typically included in agency fees?

Standard fee structure includes:

• Basic service fee (charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• Document processing fee (200-500 RMB per shipment)
• Advance payment interest (10%-20% above LPR rate)

Beware of hidden charges: Destination port surcharges, amendment fees, etc. should have clear caps specified in the contract.

What risks exist when using agency models?

Key risk points and countermeasures:

• Cargo ownership risk:Control through the Notify Party clause in bills of lading
• Tax risk:Require agencies to provide real-time export tax rebate progress queries
• Logistics risks:Specify ECCN code review responsibilities in contracts

Recommend purchasing agency liability insurance with coverage no less than 150% of single shipment value.

Which types of enterprises are most suitable for import/export agencies?

Four types of enterprises benefit most significantly:

• SMEs with annual export volume below $5 million
• Involving highly regulated categories (such asMedical Equipment, chemicals)
• Cross-border trial orders for new market expansion
• Processing trade enterprises (requiring bonded logistics services)

What should be noted for special commodity agencies?

Taking lithium battery exports as an example:

• Must confirm the agency has UN38.3 test report records
• Hazardous material warehouse qualifications (new 2025 solid-state battery storage regulations)
• Transportation plans must include MSDS and dangerous goods packaging certificates

Where are the boundaries of an agency companys responsibilities?

Key responsibility division principles:

• Agency responsible for document compliance
• Client bears product quality responsibility
• Jointly confirm trade term applicability (e.g., risk sharing under DDP clauses)

How to verify an agency companys actual capabilities?

Recommended verification through three dimensions:

• Customs data:Check their annual customs declaration volume and error rate
• Bank statements:Request tax rebate account statements (anonymized)
• System verification:Test their ERP systems integration efficiency with the Single Window platform

What are the new trends in agency services for 2025?

The industry is undergoing three major changes:

• Blockchain traceability (extension of the General Administration of Customs 2024 pilot project)
• AI intelligent classification (accuracy increased to 98.7%)
• Green trade services (carbon tariff accounting system integration)

It is recommended to prioritize agency service providers that have completed digital upgrades.