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In whose name should the export declaration be filed when using an agent?

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Our company plans to use an agent for export declaration but isn't clear about whose name should be used for the declaration. Should it be the agent company's name or our own company's name? What are the differences between these two approaches in terms of operational procedures, liability, and subsequent tax refunds? We hope someone knowledgeable can provide a detailed explanation. Thank you!

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Professional consultant answers

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

Settlement and payment expertConsult

There are typically two options for export declaration by agent: one is to declare under the principal's (i.e., your company's) name, and the other is to declare under the agent's name.

When declaring under the principal's name, operationally, the principal needs to provide detailed and accurate cargo information and documents to the agent, who then assists with the declaration procedures. Under this approach, the principal bears the primary liability, and the tax refund is also applied for by the principal according to regulations, meeting the requirements for general trade export tax refunds and allowing normal access to tax refund policies.

Declaring under the agent's name means the agent files the declaration with customs in their own name, which is more common in dual-header declaration scenarios. However, under this approach, tax refunds can be more complicated. If not handled properly, the principal may face difficulties in obtaining tax refunds, and the agent assumes certain risks. It is generally recommended to declare under the principal's name, as this clarifies liability and makes tax refund procedures smoother.

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

Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult

Declaring under your own company's name allows better control over export information, and tax refunds go directly to your company's account, making the process relatively simpler.

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

Cost control consultantConsult

If issues arise when declaring under the agent's name, the agent company might handle them more cautiously due to their own risk considerations, which could complicate matters.

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

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

When declaring under the principal's name, the principal must promptly cooperate in providing relevant documents during cargo inspection and other procedures.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

If the declaration is filed under the agent's name, subsequent processes like amending the declaration form may involve more cumbersome procedures.

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

Compliance and risk managerConsult

Declaring under your own company's name imposes stricter requirements on your import/export qualifications, so you must ensure all necessary qualifications are in place.

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

Document expertConsult

Declaring under the agent's name may carry the risk of the agent engaging in non-compliant operations, which could affect the principal's credit.

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

Business coordination consultantConsult

Declaring under the principal's name allows for more direct and clear communication of requirements when coordinating with freight forwarders and other parties.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

If the declaration is filed under the agent's name, the agent company might delay handling the declaration due to their own busy schedule.

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