Someone asked if a product is considered imported if it's manufactured by a domestic factory as an agent for a foreign brand, with both production and sales occurring domestically. The best answer indicates that the key factor is the "substantial transformation" principle. If a substantial transformation occurs during production and meets relevant conditions, it is generally not considered imported. However, if it's merely simple rebranding or similar without substantial change, it might be considered imported. A comprehensive judgment also requires considering country of origin labeling, trade arrangements, and other factors.
Confused about Export Agency for Foreign Trade? Come and See How to Do It!
Resolved
Our company wants to find an agent for foreign trade export, and we have no prior experience in this area, so we are not very clear about the specific process. We want to ask how to proceed with export agency and what issues need attention? We hope you can explain in detail, the more comprehensive the better, so that we can have a better understanding when we look for an agent, and know how to cooperate with them to carry out the work. Please help answer, thank you.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The main steps for proxy foreign trade export are as follows: Firstly, choose a reliable agency company, such as Zhongmaoda, and assess their qualifications, reputation, and experience.
Secondly, sign a detailed agency agreement with the agency company, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties, including agency fees and service scope. Then, provide relevant documents, such as business licenses, tax registration certificates, etc., so that the agency company can handle import and export rights registration and other procedures.
Next, during the goods preparation stage, communicate well with the agency company regarding cargo information, delivery time, etc. Once the goods are ready, the agency company will be responsible for booking space, customs declaration, inspection, and other matters. At the same time, you need to cooperate with the agency company in foreign exchange collection, settlement, and tax refund by providing accurate documentary evidence. Close communication should be maintained throughout the entire process to ensure smooth progress.
When looking for an export agent for foreign trade, be sure to pay attention to how agency fees are collected, and avoid unreasonable charges. Some are charged as a percentage of the cargo value, while others are charged per order. You need to compare clearly.
You need to be clear about the export policies and standards of the products yourself, so that you can better cooperate when communicating with the agent. For example, some products have special certification requirements; understand and prepare in advance.
Pay attention to the agency company's ability to handle emergencies. For situations like customs inspections, see if they can resolve them quickly and effectively to ensure the smooth export of goods.
Pay attention to the agency company's logistics resources. Rich logistics resources can provide advantages in transportation, ensuring timely and safe arrival of goods at the destination.
The contract terms regarding the definition of responsibility for cargo quality should be clear to avoid disputes over unclear responsibilities when quality issues arise after export.
Understand the agency company's cooperative relationship with banks, which affects the efficiency and security of foreign exchange collection. A good cooperative relationship can make foreign exchange collection smoother.
Pay attention to the agency company's level of informatization. A high level of informatization makes it easier to keep track of the progress of each stage of the export process in a timely manner.
Regarding tax refunds, communicate with the agent about the process and timeline, prepare tax refund documents in a timely manner, and strive to receive the tax refund as early as possible.