How to accurately determine entrepot trade? Please help me with some ideas!
Our company recently plans to engage in entrepot trade but isn't clear about the determination criteria. We'd like to know how entrepot trade is actually determined in practice. For example, are there clear regulations regarding goods flow, relationships between trading parties, or relevant documents? We hope to receive detailed and easy-to-understand answers to help us smoothly conduct business and avoid unnecessary risks.
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
The determination of entrepot trade mainly focuses on the following aspects. First is goods flow - the goods are not directly transported from the producing country to the consuming country but are transshipped via a third country. For example, goods produced in Country A are resold via Country B to Country C, with the goods transshipped in Country B, which is one of the key criteria for determining entrepot trade.
Second is the relationship between trading parties, typically involving three entities: the supplier from the producing country, the entrepot trader, and the buyer from the consuming country. The entrepot trader signs independent sales contracts with both the supplier and the buyer.
Third are relevant documents, including dual contracts signed with upstream and downstream parties respectively, and transport documents like bills of lading showing transshipment information. By comprehensively considering these factors, entrepot trade can be accurately determined.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Entrepot trade determination should examine whether there's transfer of goods ownership during the trade process. The entrepot trader obtaining ownership during transshipment, purchasing from upstream and selling to downstream, is a key characteristic.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
Funds flow can also assist in determining entrepot trade. The entrepot trader receives payment from the consuming country buyer and makes payment to the producing country supplier, with fund flows corresponding to goods flows. Bank transaction records can serve as references.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
You can check whether value-added activities like processing occurred during transshipment. If the goods only temporarily stayed for transshipment without substantial processing, it likely qualifies as entrepot trade.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Customs declaration information can also help. Details like declared trade methods when clearing customs in the transshipment country can assist in determining whether it's entrepot trade.
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Contract details are also crucial. Clauses like delivery location and risk transfer timing, if consistent with entrepot trade characteristics, can serve as determination basis.
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Transport route planning also helps determination. If planned for transshipment via a third country, it can support the entrepot trade nature.
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
From trade background perspective, if the entrepot trader has relevant qualifications and operational capability with reasonable business logic, it helps determine as entrepot trade.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Insurance documents can also provide clues. If insurance coverage includes the transshipment process, it can assist in determining entrepot trade.