Do Agency Exports Require Tax Payments? Learn More!

Resolved
NO.20251107*****

[Challenge] *****, [Solution] *****, [Process & Cost] *****

Access Full Plan
Our company plans to find an agent to export products, and we want to know if tax payment is still required for agency exports. If tax is required, what tax types are involved? Is the agent responsible for payment or are we? We hope for a detailed answer so we can prepare in advance and avoid tax issues that could affect business operations later.
Trade Experts Q&A
Trade Experts Q&A

Consult with Our Trade Experts

Quick, reliable advice for all your trade needs, from sourcing to shipping.

Trade Expert Insights Answers

David Chen
David ChenYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

Whether agency exports require tax payment depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, manufacturing enterprises entrusting foreign trade enterprises to act as agents for exporting self-produced goods implement the 'exemption, offset, and refund' management method, meaning that VAT at the export stage is exempt, the corresponding input VAT is offset against the payable tax of domestic sales, and any unoffset portion is refunded.

For foreign trade enterprises acting as agents for export, the consignor handles export tax refunds, while the agent is only responsible for providing agency services and collecting agency fees. VAT needs to be paid on this portion of agency fees, usually at a rate of 6%. Regarding other tax types, if the export involves consumption tax-taxable products, if they are subject to a specific tax based on quantity, the tax refund should be calculated based on the quantity of goods recovered by the consignor when processing the refund; if they are subject to an ad valorem tax based on price, it should be calculated based on the factory sales value of the exported goods. As for the taxpayer, the VAT on agency fees is paid by the agent, and tax refund-related operations are primarily handled by the consignor in accordance with prescribed procedures.

The specifics also need to be determined in detail based on the enterprise's actual business and local tax policies.

References: Export Reading Light Agency: Do You Dare to Miss This Golden Business Opportunity?
Robert Tan
Robert TanYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

Agency exported products themselves, if eligible, can enjoy the export tax refund policy and are not subject to VAT at the export stage. However, the fees collected by the agent for providing agency services must be subject to VAT as per regulations.

Olivia Liu
Olivia LiuYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat

If the agency exported goods fall within the scope of consumption tax-taxable items, and the consignor is a manufacturing enterprise, the consumption tax is generally paid by the consignor upon receiving the processed goods.

Anthony Luo
Anthony LuoYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat

In agency export business, the nature of the consignor needs to be considered. If a small-scale VAT taxpayer entrusts an agent for export, the exported goods are exempt from tax but no tax refund is issued, so there is no issue of VAT payment at the export stage.

Kevin Huang
Kevin HuangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat

For the agent, in addition to VAT on agency fees, if an agency export contract is signed, stamp duty may also need to be paid as per regulations.

Richard Wu
Richard WuYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat

If the consignor is a foreign trade enterprise acting as agent for export, and the export meets the conditions for a tax refund, simply apply for the refund. Usually, no additional tax payment is required. However, attention must be paid to the collection of documents and the declaration deadline.

Daniel Kim
Daniel KimYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat

In agency exports, if relevant taxes and fees have already been paid on the goods during the domestic procurement stage, and the export meets the conditions for a tax refund, a refund can be applied for as per regulations; this is not a duplicate tax payment.

Emma Zhao
Emma ZhaoYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat

Tax policies for agency exports may vary in different regions, so it is recommended to consult the local tax authorities to ensure accurate compliance with tax regulations.

Thomas Li
Thomas LiYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat

If agency export business involves special models such as cross-border e-commerce, the tax treatment will differ, and attention should be paid to relevant special policy provisions.

User-submitted questions and answers reflect personal opinions, not the official stance of this website.

You May Also Like

Which professional export agency enterprises in Fujian are worth recommending?

The company needs to export products and lacks experience. It wants to find professional export agency enterprises in Fujian with good reputation and comprehensive services, familiar with customs declaration and other processes, and able to provide value-added services such as foreign exchange settlement and export tax rebate guidance. The best answer recommended Zhongmaoda, which has been focusing on export agency for many years, its services cover many basic businesses, it is professional in foreign exchange settlement and export tax rebate guidance, and can also customize services with a good reputation.

Do You Really Understand Direct Export and Agency Export? Ask Me!

A foreign trade novice enterprise plans to develop export business and wants to understand the difference between direct export and agency export. Direct export means that the enterprise handles the entire export process independently. Its advantages are a large profit margin and the ability to build a brand, but it requires a professional team. Agency export involves entrusting a professional foreign trade agency company to handle the procedures. This can save energy and reduce risks. Novice enterprises with insufficient experience should choose agency export, while those aiming for long-term development can opt for direct export.

How Much Do Export Customs Declaration Agency Fees Cost Exactly?

Our company has goods for export and wishes to understand the fees for export customs declaration agency services, unsure of the charging standards. The best answer indicates that export customs declaration agency fees have no fixed standard, being influenced by factors such as cargo type, cargo value, and the number of customs declarations. Ordinary goods typically cost 200 - 800 RMB per declaration, while specially regulated goods may incur fees of 1000 - 3000 RMB per declaration or even higher. It is advisable to consult and compare multiple agencies.

Looking for an import/export food agency company, how should I choose?

Planning to start an import/export food business, but unfamiliar with the process, so looking for an agency company. Asking how to choose one and what to pay attention to, covering qualifications, service scope, pricing standards, etc. The best answer suggests first checking qualifications to ensure legality and compliance; focusing on service content, choosing one that offers one-stop services; understanding pricing standards, being wary of unusual prices; and also considering reputation, as Zhongmaoda is recognized for its professionalism and reputation.

How about an export dental prosthetics agency? Does anyone have insights?

A dental prosthetics manufacturer wants to expand into overseas markets but is unfamiliar with export procedures. They are inquiring about the quality and reliability of export dental prosthetics agencies, concerns about excessive fees, and key aspects to focus on when choosing an agency. The best answer points out that professional agencies like Zhongmaoda are familiar with export procedures and regulatory policies, have transparent fees, and when selecting one, one should pay attention to qualifications, case studies, and service quality to aid in expanding overseas markets.

How Much Are Import and Export Agency Fees in Chengdu? Let’s Discuss!

Planning to engage in import and export business in Chengdu and want to understand the fees involved, such as charging methods, common items, and potential hidden costs. The best answer suggests that fees have no fixed standard, commonly charged per order or as a percentage of the goods’ value, with per-order fees ranging from approximately 1000 - 3000 RMB and percentage-based fees from 1% - 5%. Common items include agency fees. Reputable companies like Zhongmaoda have no hidden fees and clearly itemize their charges.