Whether taxes apply to export by proxy depends on the situation. From a VAT perspective, if the exported goods fall under a VAT-exempt category, neither the principal nor the agent generally needs to pay VAT—the export process is exempt, and the corresponding input tax can be adjusted. If the exported goods qualify for a VAT refund policy, the principal can usually claim a refund, while the agent, primarily providing proxy services, must pay VAT on the service fee, typically at a 6% rate. From a tariff perspective, the obligation to pay tariffs generally falls on the actual importer/exporter, i.e., the principal. In short, the proxy company only pays taxes on its service income, while the main tax liabilities related to the exported goods depend on the applicable policies for the principal.
It is advisable to clarify each party's tax responsibilities in the export proxy contract to avoid future disputes.
Professional consultant answers
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Whether taxes apply to export by proxy depends on the situation. From a VAT perspective, if the exported goods fall under a VAT-exempt category, neither the principal nor the agent generally needs to pay VAT—the export process is exempt, and the corresponding input tax can be adjusted. If the exported goods qualify for a VAT refund policy, the principal can usually claim a refund, while the agent, primarily providing proxy services, must pay VAT on the service fee, typically at a 6% rate. From a tariff perspective, the obligation to pay tariffs generally falls on the actual importer/exporter, i.e., the principal. In short, the proxy company only pays taxes on its service income, while the main tax liabilities related to the exported goods depend on the applicable policies for the principal.
It is advisable to clarify each party's tax responsibilities in the export proxy contract to avoid future disputes.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Generally, the proxy company pays VAT on its service fee, similar to other service providers. The principal should follow the applicable policies for the exported goods—if they qualify for exemption or refund, the procedures should be followed accordingly.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
In export by proxy, the proxy company charges a service fee and pays VAT as a service provider. If the principal’s goods qualify for an export tax refund, they can prepare the documents and apply for the refund without paying additional VAT. If not, the goods may be treated as domestic sales and subject to VAT.
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The key factor in taxation for export by proxy is the nature of the principal’s goods. If the goods are tax-exempt, no VAT is payable. If they are taxable but do not qualify for a refund, the principal must pay VAT as required. The agent pays VAT on the service fee.
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
The proxy company must pay VAT on its service fee as per regulations. For the principal’s exported goods, if they meet the refund conditions, they can claim a refund without paying tax; otherwise, the principal must handle the tax obligations, which may include paying taxes.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
The principal should check the export goods: if they qualify for a refund, they can apply normally without paying tax. The proxy company calculates and pays VAT on its service fee income at a 6% rate.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
The principal determines the tax based on the export goods. The proxy company, as a pure service provider, pays VAT at 6% on its service fee.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
In export by proxy, the proxy company pays VAT on its service fee. The principal’s exported goods are subject to applicable export tax policies—either exempt, refundable, or taxable.
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
The proxy company pays VAT on its service fee. The principal’s exported goods follow the policy: if eligible for a refund, they can claim it; otherwise, they may be treated as domestic sales and taxed.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
In export by proxy, the proxy company pays VAT on its service fee. The principal’s exported goods are subject to relevant export tax policies to determine whether taxes apply.