What kind of enterprises have the qualification for export agency?

According to the revised "?Export Agency?The Management Measures》 stipulate that a legally authorized export enterprise must meet the following conditions:

• Basic Qualification Requirements
  • Holding the "Foreign Trade Operator Registration Certificate" issued by the Ministry of Commerce.?Foreign trade?Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators
  • Complete customs clearance?Import/export?Registration of Consignors and Consignees of Goods
  • Included in the list of enterprises with foreign exchange receipts and payments registration
• Professional capability certificates
  • A minimum of 3 consecutive years of import and export business records (customs data proof required).
  • Possessing AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification (a key customs inspection item starting from 2025)
  • Equipped with licensed customs brokers and foreign exchange settlement specialists.

What legal documents are required for export agency?

Standardized export agency must form a complete chain of legal documents:

• Basic Cooperation Document
  • The "Entrusted Export Agency Agreement" signed by both parties (responsibility delineation must be specified).
  • Special VAT Invoice for Production Enterprises (Basis for Agent's Tax Deduction)
• Customs declaration documents
  • Proforma Invoice and Packing List (must be consistent with the customs declaration information)
  • ?Certificate of Origin?Certificate of Origin (provided as required by the Free Trade Agreement)

What are the cost components involved in export agency services?

The agency export fee structure in 2025 exhibits new characteristics:

• Basic service fee
  • Agency service fee: Generally charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (negotiable for bulk cargo).
  • Document handling fee: CNY 200-500 per shipment.
• Government fees
  • Customs declaration and inspection fees: Determined based on the HS code category.
  • ?Tax Refund?Advance payment fee (if quick fund return is needed)

How to verify the compliance of an agency company?

It is recommended to verify the qualifications of the agency through the following channels:

• Official system inquiry
  • Check the Customs Registration Code on the General Administration of Customs website.
  • Foreign Exchange Administration Enterprise Directory Publicity System
• Third-party verification
  • Please provide a compliance certificate for the past three years (which can be applied for from the competent customs authority).
  • Verify the cooperation records with Sinosure (high-quality agents typically have underwriting records).

What are the special requirements for export agency in emerging markets?

For emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, please note:

• Certification Requirements
  • Halal Certification (for Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian Muslim countries)
  • COC Compliance Certification (Mandatory Requirement in Multiple African Countries)
• Settlement risk control
  • Request the agent to provide LC confirmation services.
  • Please confirm that the agency company has cross-border RMB settlement capability.