In Agency Import Business, How to Understand and Operate the Principle of "Whoever Imports, Whoever Remits"?

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Our company plans to import a batch of goods through an agent. We have heard of the "whoever imports, whoever remits" rule and are not very clear about the specifics. We would like to ask, in the case of agency import, is it us, the client, who remits the payment, or the agent? If the operation is improper, are there any risks? How should we correctly follow this principle for remittance operations?
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Robert Tan
Robert TanYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

In agency import business, the principle of "whoever imports, whoever remits" requires clarifying the import subject. Generally, if the import declaration and a series of import operations are conducted in the name of the agent, then the agent is the import subject and should remit the payment. This is because, from the perspective of foreign exchange management and trade processes, the remitter must be consistent with the subject of the import operation.

If the import is conducted in the name of the client, the client is the import subject and should remit the payment. Improper operation may lead to regulatory risks from foreign exchange management authorities, such as affecting the company's foreign exchange business credit rating and leading to limitations in subsequent business. The correct approach is to first determine the nominal import subject. If the agent imports, the agent needs to prepare import contracts, customs declarations, and other relevant remittance documents to apply to the bank for remittance; if the client imports, the client remits according to the required documents.

References: Re-export Trade Payment Collection: The Pitfalls You Don’t Know
Kevin Huang
Kevin HuangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat

If the agent remits the payment, it is essential to communicate the fund flow with the client in advance to avoid subsequent settlement issues.

Michael Zhang
Michael ZhangYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat

Regardless of who remits the payment, all relevant remittance documents should be properly stored for future verification. Documents such as import customs declarations and commercial invoices are all indispensable.

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

Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat

The client should supervise the agent's remittance process to ensure fund security, as the goods are needed by the client.

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

Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat

From a tax perspective, who remits the payment may also affect the handling of certain taxes and fees, so it is advisable to consult a tax advisor in advance.

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

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

If the agency import involves special regulatory zones, remittance rules may vary slightly, so special attention should be paid.

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

Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat

Banks are quite strict in reviewing remittance applications, so documents must be prepared completely and accurately, otherwise, it is easy to delay the remittance progress.

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

Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat

It is best to clearly define the responsible party for remittance in the agency import contract to avoid disputes.

Sophia Wang
Sophia WangYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat

For companies operating agency import remittance for the first time, it is recommended to first consult with the local foreign exchange administration department to understand the specific requirements.

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

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