A company intends to import goods through an agency. They have doubts about who the taxpayer is for VAT in agency import business, asking whether it is the principal or the agent, and if there are any special regulations. The best answer indicates that generally, the recipient of the imported goods or the unit/individual handling customs declaration is responsible for payment. This needs to be determined based on the substance of the business, such as the name used for customs declaration and contractual agreements, with factors like whose name the import is under and who receives the payment notice influencing the determination of the taxpayer.
How to make payments for entrusted agency imports?
Resolved
Our company is preparing to entrust an agency to import a batch of goods. We have no prior experience and would like to understand how payments are specifically made for entrusted agency imports. What are the things that need special attention during the payment process? We hope to receive professional and detailed answers to help us avoid detours during the operation.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
For entrusted agency import payments, there are generally the following steps. First, the entrusting party and the agent need to sign a detailed agency import agreement, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties, including clauses related to payment. Second, the agent needs to go to the bank to handle the payment procedures with relevant documents such as the agency import agreement and the import contract. The bank will review the authenticity and compliance of these documents.
Common payment methods include payment upon arrival and advance payment of goods. If payment upon arrival is chosen, payment should be applied for from the bank with documents such as the customs declaration after the goods have been declared for import. For advance payment, materials such as the import contract need to be provided, and the bank will process the payment after approval, but it is important to note that there may be a certain percentage limit for advance payments.
In addition, when making payments, attention should be paid to exchange rate fluctuations. Exchange rates can be locked in through tools such as forward foreign exchange contracts to avoid losses caused by exchange rate changes. At the same time, national foreign exchange management regulations must be strictly observed to ensure that payments are legal and compliant.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
Before making the payment, the agent needs to prepare the import payment cancellation form, fill it out according to regulations, and submit it to the bank. Furthermore, the import situation of the goods needs to be tracked promptly to ensure that the payment matches the actual import of the goods and to prevent abnormal payments.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
Remember to provide accurate import goods information to the bank, such as the name, quantity, and amount of the goods, which will help the bank quickly approve the payment application. At the same time, keep all payment-related documents for future verification.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
If the entrusted agency import payment involves special regulated areas, the process will be slightly different, and additional supporting documents related to the region may be required. It is necessary to understand this in advance.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
The bank may assess the agent's creditworthiness. Agents with good credit will have smoother payment processes. Therefore, agents should maintain their own credit well.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
The choice of payment currency is also crucial. It should be combined with the trade contract's agreement and international exchange rate market conditions to choose a currency that is beneficial to both parties and reduces exchange costs.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
If you encounter problems during the payment process, you can consult the local foreign exchange management department in a timely manner to obtain professional guidance and avoid operational errors due to a lack of understanding of policies.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
The entrusting party and the agent should communicate fully before making the payment, clarify issues such as the division of expenses, and prevent subsequent disputes from affecting the payment process.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
For large entrusted agency import payments, it is recommended to formulate a payment plan in advance and arrange funds reasonably to ensure that the payment is completed on time.
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
Before the payment operation, it is best to understand and compare the bank's payment handling fees and other related fees, and choose a bank with reasonable fees to handle the business.