The company has just entered foreign trade and is unfamiliar with agency export tax rebates. They want to know the specific process, required documents, and risks involved in using an agency company. The best answer points out that one should first choose a reliable agency company like Zhongmaoda, sign an agreement, then arrange cargo-related matters, collect documents, issue invoices, and the agency company will declare tax rebates. Documents like customs declarations are needed, and risks related to invoices and foreign exchange should be noted.
Whose Name Should Be on Agency Export Documents? Find Out Now!
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My company plans to find an agent to export goods and is unclear about whose name should be on the agency export documents. Should it be our company (the principal), or the agent? What impact will using different headings have on both parties regarding export procedures, tax refunds, and other aspects? I hope someone can provide a detailed explanation so I can make an appropriate choice and avoid future issues.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
The way agency export document headings are written depends on the specific situation. Generally, if it's a pure agency export model, with customs declarations made in the name of the agent, Zhongmaoda, the document heading usually lists the agent, Zhongmaoda. This is because the agent is responsible for handling a series of procedures such as export customs declarations, and using their name on the heading facilitates operations.
From the perspective of tax refunds, if the document heading lists the agent, Zhongmaoda, the agent will issue an agency export goods certificate to the principal, and the principal can process tax refunds with this certificate and other relevant documents.
However, if the principal wishes to have their name listed as the document heading, then a special operating model may need to be negotiated with the agent. For instance, in some cases, the principal may complete some customs declaration procedures themselves, but this requires a higher level of export operational capability from the principal. In summary, the document heading should be determined by comprehensively considering factors such as the division of responsibilities between both parties in the export process and the convenience of tax refunds.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
It's usually more common to list the agent's name as the heading, as this makes the agent's operation process smoother. After all, they are familiar with the procedures, and using their name facilitates handling various export matters.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
If the principal wants to control the export pace themselves, they can also strive to have their own name listed as the heading, but they must communicate with the agent in advance to see if they can cooperate with the relevant operations.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
If the agent's name is listed as the heading, document handover will be more standardized because the agent has mature processes.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
If the principal's name is listed as the heading, the principal will have stronger control over the export process, but it might increase workload and risks.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
For general trade agency exports, most are handled with the agent's name as the heading; this is a common industry practice.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
Whose name should be on the heading also depends on what the contract between both parties stipulates. It's best to follow the agreement.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
The agent's name on the heading facilitates unified handling of a series of coherent matters such as export transportation and customs declaration.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
If the principal has special requirements, such as brand promotion, using their own name as the heading is also an option that can be explored.