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What documents are needed to prepare for goods exported through an agent? Do you know?

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Our company plans to engage an agent company for export business. We have no prior experience in this area and would like to know what documents are needed for goods exported through an agent. Do different products require different documents? We hope for a detailed answer so that we can prepare in advance and avoid being flustered at that time.

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Professional consultant answers

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

Generally, the following types of documents are required for goods exported through an agent:

First are commercial documents, including commercial invoices, which need to list in detail information such as the description, quantity, and value of the goods; and packing lists, which clarify the packaging details of the goods.

Second are transportation-related documents. The bill of lading is the core as it is a receipt for the goods and a proof of the transportation contract; the booking instruction is used to book shipping space with a freight forwarder.

Third are customs clearance documents. The customs declaration form should be filled with accurate information about the goods; the verification and write-off sheet is used when completing the verification and write-off of export proceeds; various inspection and quarantine certificates, such as quality inspection certificates and sanitary certificates, are provided according to the different requirements of the goods.

In addition, an agency agreement is essential to clarify the rights and obligations of the principal and the agent. Due to different regulatory requirements for different products, there will be differences in documents. For example, food requires more certificates related to health and safety, while electronic products may involve certification documents, etc.

Sarah Zhang
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0

Document expertConsult

Generally, a contract is required, that is, the foreign trade contract signed between you and the foreign customer. All terms in it should be clear, which is the basis of the export business. Also, a certificate of origin is needed to prove the country of origin of the goods. Some countries have preferential tariff policies for goods from specific origins, so this is also quite important.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

The packing details should be prepared, specifying what is in each box, the weight, volume, etc. Also, a customs declaration power of attorney is required for entrusting the agent company to handle customs declaration. It must be stamped with the official seal.

Michelle Chen
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Business coordination consultantConsult

For goods subject to quota management, corresponding quota certification documents are needed. For example, when exporting textiles to some countries and regions, a quota is required. Otherwise, the goods cannot be exported.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

An export license may also be required. For some special commodities, such as chemicals and military products, an export license is a must for export, which is a requirement of national regulation.

Jennifer Wang
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Market development consultantConsult

Although the foreign exchange verification and write-off sheet is not as strict as before after the reform, it may still be used in some business processes to prove the authenticity of the export business and the situation of foreign exchange receipts and payments.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

If the goods need to be transshipped, transshipment documents should also be prepared, such as a transshipment notice, to inform relevant parties of the transshipment information of the goods.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

Don't forget the insurance documents. Especially under trade terms such as CIF, after insuring the goods, there will be insurance documents to protect against risks during the transportation of the goods.

James Liu
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

A fumigation certificate for wooden packaging is required if the goods are packed in wooden materials. Some countries require this certificate to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

Product brochures are sometimes needed, especially for some high-tech products, to help foreign customers understand the product performance, usage methods, etc.

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