Can agency export be considered as actual export?
Solved#Export agent#
Our company plans to engage in export business but lacks import-export rights, so we are considering hiring an agency company to handle exports. We’d like to know whether agency export can be recognized as our company’s export in practice. What are the differences in terms of tax and customs declaration compared to direct export with self-owned import-export rights? We hope to receive professional advice to fully understand the nuances and make informed decisions.
Professional consultant answers
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Agency export is recognized as export in practice. From a tax perspective, direct export with import-export rights allows the company to handle export tax refund applications independently, with refunds credited directly to the company’s account. In agency export, the tax refund is usually applied for by the entrusting party, with the agency providing necessary documentation, and the refund is issued to the entrusting party. For customs declaration, direct export companies declare under their own name, while agency export involves the agency declaring under the entrusting party’s name or dual-header declaration (both parties listed on the customs form). Regardless of the form, the fact of actual export remains, so agency export is considered export. The entrusting party, despite lacking import-export rights, achieves export through the agency and enjoys relevant export policies.
However, the entrusting party should carefully select the agency company and clarify rights and obligations to avoid disputes.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
It is considered export. Agency export helps companies without import-export rights complete the export process. From the perspective of actual actions like goods leaving the country, it qualifies as export. As long as it complies with export regulations, the company can enjoy export-related policies.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Agency export is recognized as export. Even if the agency handles customs declaration, it acts on behalf of the entrusting company, and the nature of the export remains unchanged. In some statistics, the entrusting party is also regarded as the exporter.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
It definitely counts as export. For taxes, just follow the regulations to apply for refunds as long as procedures are compliant. The agency company assists with many tasks, and the ultimate goal of goods leaving the country is achieved.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
In essence, agency export is export. It simply leverages the agency’s resources and qualifications to complete the export process, while the entrusting company remains the substantive participant in the export business.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Agency export is undoubtedly export. Although the agency acts as a bridge, the movement of goods from domestic to foreign markets meets the definition of export, and relevant policies recognize this model.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
It is export. Agency export merely differs in operational form. For customs and tax authorities, as long as export conditions are met, it is treated as export, so companies need not worry excessively.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
It is recognized as export. The agency handles complex procedures, while the entrusting company cooperates, ultimately completing the export and enjoying preferential policies.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Agency export falls under the export category. For companies, it enables access to international markets. While there are differences in regulations and operations compared to direct export, both are considered export.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Yes. Agency export solves the export challenges for companies without import-export rights. From logistics to procedures, everything revolves around export, so it qualifies as export.