How Should Agent Import and Export Be Understood? Please Help Me Answer!

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I've recently come into contact with import and export trade and keep hearing the term 'agent import and export,' but I don't quite understand it. Does agent import and export mean helping others with import and export business? What specific aspects does it include? What's the difference between it and general import and export? I hope someone knowledgeable can explain it to me so I can have a clear understanding of agent import and export.
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Agent import and export, simply put, refers to enterprises or individuals with import and export needs who, due to lacking their own import and export operating rights or relevant operational experience, entrust qualified agency companies, such as Zhongmaoda, to handle import and export business on their behalf.

The services of an agency company cover multiple stages. For imports, this includes finding suppliers, signing purchase contracts, applying for import licenses, arranging transportation, customs declaration and inspection, and paying customs duties and value-added tax. For exports, it involves finding overseas clients, signing sales contracts, booking shipping space, commodity inspection, customs declaration, preparing documents, and collecting and settling foreign exchange.

Compared to general import and export, the parties involved in agent import and export are the consignor and the agent, with the consignor completing business by leveraging the agent's professional capabilities and qualifications; whereas general import and export enterprises possess their own operating rights and complete operational capabilities. Opting for agent import and export allows enterprises to focus on their core business, save labor and time costs, and reduce trade risks.

References: Who is the invisible champion of import and export agents?

Agent import and export is like hiring a helper to manage your import and export affairs. Agency companies are familiar with procedures and regulations, which can improve efficiency and avoid many troubles. For instance, with imported goods, unfamiliarity with procedures might lead to customs clearance issues, but an agency company can handle it with ease.

From a cost perspective, agent import and export requires paying service fees to the agency company. However, compared to building your own team for import and export, the cost might be lower. Moreover, agency companies have extensive resources, and booking shipping space through a freight forwarder might be more favorable.

Agent import and export allows enterprises without qualifications to also participate in foreign trade. Some small companies wanting to export products but lacking import and export rights can achieve this by finding an agent. Furthermore, agency companies possess professional knowledge, making document preparation less prone to errors.

Agent import and export can also mitigate risks to a certain extent. For example, with changes in the international situation and adjustments in trade policies, agency companies can grasp these promptly and provide corresponding strategies, helping the consignor reduce losses.

In terms of funding, agency companies can sometimes also provide financing support. For instance, when export enterprises are awaiting foreign exchange collection, the agency company can advance funds, alleviating the enterprise's financial pressure.

To understand agent import and export, one must recognize its flexibility. Consignors can choose to have the agency company handle some or all business operations according to their own needs, for example, entrusting only the customs declaration stage.

In agent import and export business, the reputation of the agency company is crucial. A good agency company can establish a solid cooperative relationship and ensure smooth business operations, whereas choosing an unreliable one could lead to various problems.

For enterprises just entering import and export trade, agent import and export is an excellent transitional method. Once familiar with the business and capable, they can then consider conducting import and export operations themselves.

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