The company plans to use an agent for export business and is unclear about the tax refund process. Is it handled by the agent or by themselves? If handled by the agent, how is it done and what documents are needed? The best answer introduces two common tax refund handling methods. When the agent assists, an agreement needs to be signed and documents prepared. If handled by oneself, relevant export procedure documents need to be provided by the agent, and tax refunds applied for following the original process.
What documents are typically involved in export agency business?
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I am planning to find an export agent to help with my export business recently, but I'm not quite clear about what documents will be involved in this process. I'm worried that because I don't understand, I'll be flustered and it will affect the business progress. I'd like to ask friends who have done export agency business, what documents are generally involved in export agency business? I hope you can explain in detail so I can prepare in advance.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
In export agency business, common documents include the following categories. Firstly, commercial documents, among which the commercial invoice is crucial. It is a detailed statement of the seller regarding the shipped goods and serves as the basis for payment and accounting between the buyer and seller. The packing list details the packaging of the goods, including the gross and net weight of each item. Secondly, transport documents. A bill of lading is a receipt for the goods, proof of the transport contract, and a document of title, which allows for the collection of goods at the port of destination. An air waybill is used for airfreighted goods. There are also official documents, such as the certificate of origin, which proves the country of origin of the goods and is used for preferential tariff treatment. Additionally, inspection and quarantine certificates prove that the goods meet relevant quality and hygiene standards. Insurance documents, under terms like CIF, require the provision of an insurance policy to cover risks during the transportation of goods.
In summary, understanding and preparing these documents are of great importance for the smooth operation of export agency business.
There will generally be a customs declaration form, which is an important document for declaring goods for import and export to the customs. Its contents include basic information about the goods, information about the consignor and consignee, etc. The customs relies on it for inspection, taxation, and release.
A bill of exchange is also relatively common. When using collection or letter of credit settlement methods, the exporter draws a bill of exchange, requesting the payer to pay the amount at the specified time. It is a payment order.
Shipping advice should not be overlooked either. The exporter notifies the importer after the goods are loaded onto the ship, informing them of the ship's name, voyage, loading date, and cargo details, to facilitate the importer's preparations for receiving the goods.
Generalized System of Preferences Certificate of Origin is a general, non-discriminatory, and non-reciprocal preferential tariff system granted by developed countries to developing countries for exported manufactured and semi-manufactured goods. If you have this need, you should prepare it.
There is also a beneficiary's certificate, issued by the exporter, certifying that the tasks or actions stipulated in the letter of credit have been performed, such as proving that documents have been sent as required.
An export license may also be required at times. The state implements a licensing system for goods whose export is restricted, and an export license must be obtained in advance for these goods.
A weight certificate is similar to a packing list, focusing on detailed records of the cargo weight. It is used in the export of some goods that are priced by weight.