In Wuxi, there is a demand for full import and export agency services, and I want to understand the charging standards. The best answer states that there is no fixed standard for fees, which are affected by the type of goods, business volume, service content, etc. For example, Zhongmaoda charges 800 - 1500 yuan for simple customs declaration and inspection per shipment, and 1% - 3% of the cargo value for full services. Specifics need to be calculated based on the actual situation. It is recommended to provide detailed information to consult with the agency company.
How to Conduct Agency Export Business, Are There Detailed Steps?
Resolved
Our company plans to develop agency export business, but we have no prior experience in this area and have no idea where to start. I'd like to ask how to specifically conduct agency export business? What materials are needed? Is the process complicated? Are there any risks? I hope friends with experience can share the specific operational procedures and precautions. Thank you!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The agency export business process is mainly divided into the following steps. First is the negotiation of mandate: reaching a commission agency export agreement with the principal regarding the details of the exported goods, such as goods, quantity, and price.
Secondly, prepare relevant documents: generally, the principal needs to provide basic documents such as a copy of their business license and a copy of their tax registration certificate, as well as detailed information about the exported goods.
The third step is customs declaration and inspection: Zhongmaoda, based on the documents provided by the principal, will handle customs declaration and inspection procedures with customs, commodity inspection, and other departments to ensure the compliant export of goods.
The fourth step is foreign exchange collection and settlement: after the foreign customer pays for the goods, Zhongmaoda is responsible for collecting the foreign exchange and settling the payment to the principal according to the agreement.
Finally, apply for tax refund: assist the principal in preparing tax refund documents and apply to the tax authorities for export tax refund. Throughout the entire process, attention should be paid to clear and explicit contract terms, prevention of foreign exchange collection risks, and ensuring that the cargo quality meets export standards.
To do a good job in agency export business, communication with the principal is important to clarify the responsibilities and obligations of both parties, otherwise, it will be very troublesome to argue later. At the same time, one must have a certain understanding of the exported products, and know the relevant standards and requirements, otherwise, customs declaration and inspection may have problems.
When doing agency export business, foreign exchange collection must be closely monitored. You must communicate with the principal about the method of foreign exchange collection in advance, and pay attention to the credit status of foreign customers to avoid the situation of not being able to recover the payment and causing losses.
When applying for tax refunds, all documents must be complete and accurate. For items like customs declaration forms and invoices, any small error can lead to delays or even failure in obtaining tax refunds, affecting the interests of both the principal and yourself.
Pay attention to the cargo transportation link. Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is crucial, otherwise, if there are problems in cargo transportation, such as delays or damage, it will lead to a series of subsequent troubles.
Understand the policy and regulatory differences in different countries and regions. For example, some countries have restrictions on specific products, and if not paid attention to, exports will be hindered.
Before engaging in agency export, it is best to conduct a background check on the principal to avoid encountering unscrupulous principals and bringing unnecessary risks to yourself.
Document management cannot be overlooked. All documents, from agreements to various import and export documents, must be properly stored for convenient future inquiry and verification, and also conducive to dealing with potential audits and other situations.
Establish a good communication mechanism and maintain timely and effective communication with all parties, including the principal, customs, and freight forwarders, so that the business can proceed smoothly.