The company intends to expand its overseas business, with products covering traditional manufacturing and emerging electronic products, and is asking which type of export agent is easier to work with. The best answer suggests choosing a general trade export agent, as its model is mature, policies and regulations are well-established, related supporting services are mature, and there are clear standards for foreign exchange settlement and tax refund processes, allowing for the use of professional agencies. Cross-border e-commerce export agent platforms, however, have complex rules and are less suitable for initial expansion.
Can I receive payments myself when using an agent for export?
Resolved
Our company has hired an export agent to handle our export business, and now we are unclear about the specific operations regarding payment collection. We would like to ask if it is possible for us to collect payments ourselves when using an export agent. If we can collect payments ourselves, what conditions do we need to meet or what procedures do we need to follow? If we cannot collect payments ourselves, what is the reason? We hope friends who understand this can help us answer. Thank you.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Generally speaking, in export agency business, it is common for the agent company to collect payments. However, in certain circumstances, the principal can also collect payments themselves. If the export contract clearly stipulates that the principal directly collects payments, and the collection channel complies with foreign exchange control regulations, the principal can collect payments themselves.
From the perspective of foreign exchange control, as long as the authenticity of the trade can be ensured and relevant collection data is accurately declared, self-collection is permitted. For example, if the principal has a complete foreign trade financial system and can independently complete international settlement and foreign exchange declaration.
However, if the agency contract explicitly states that the agent company is responsible for collection and settlement, then it must be executed according to the contract. Self-collection also requires consideration of communication and coordination with the agent company to avoid conflicts in areas such as payment collection and tax rebates. In summary, whether you can collect payments yourself when using an export agent depends on the contract agreement and foreign exchange control, among other factors.
If you and the agent company reach an agreement in advance and it is stated in the contract that your company will collect payments, then it is possible. Otherwise, as per convention, the agent company collects payments.
It depends on the category of products you export and the trade model. For some special products or specific trade models, regulations may require the agent to collect payments. You should consult with the local foreign exchange administration department for specific details.
If your company has import and export rights, and possesses complete qualifications such as foreign exchange accounts, then collecting payments yourself should not be a problem, as long as you coordinate well with the agent.
Typically, agent companies collect payments to facilitate unified processing of tax rebates and other matters. If you wish to collect payments yourself, you need to consider how the tax rebate process will be coordinated with the agent, otherwise, it may affect the progress of tax rebates.
In terms of operational convenience, having the agent collect payments is more hassle-free, as they professionally handle this aspect. If you collect payments yourself, you will need to manage the international settlement process yourself, such as handling letters of credit.
If your company has prior experience in self-collection and is familiar with foreign exchange policies, and you have communicated well with the agent, you can collect payments yourself.
Some regions have strict foreign exchange collection management and may require collection through an agent to standardize the process. Therefore, you should first understand the local policies.
As long as the safety of the collection can be ensured and the subsequent export process can proceed smoothly, whether you collect payments yourself or through an agent can be negotiated and determined.