I'm a newbie in a foreign trade company. Recently, I encountered a confusion when dealing with an export business. Under the FOB terms, I'm not quite sure who should appoint the freight forwarder. Is it us, the exporter, or the foreign importer? Are there any industry practices or special points to note? I hope seniors can tell me about it so that I won't be confused in future business.
The company plans to export a batch of equipment through an agent and inquires whether equipment export agents need to file taxes, the specific process, and the types of taxes involved. The best answer states that equipment export agents do need to file taxes, involving VAT, tariffs, etc. The tax filing process involves collecting documents, entering them into the declaration system, and undergoing tax authority review for tax refunds. If conditions are not met, it may be treated as domestic sales subject to VAT. Close communication with the agent is recommended.
I'm doing jewelry business in Nanjing and want to expand into overseas markets. I'm looking for a reliable jewelry export agent company. I hope it has rich experience in customs clearance and logistics, offers good services and charges reasonably. The best answer recommends Zhongshitong. It has sufficient experience in the field of jewelry export agency, strong capabilities in customs clearance and logistics, considerate services, and transparent and reasonable charges, which can effectively guarantee the jewelry export business.
Not familiar with international trade, want to know what is export trade with agent customs declaration, as well as its differences from general export trade, the benefits and precautions of finding an agency company. The best answer points out that export trade with agent customs declaration is that an enterprise entrusts a professional agent to handle export customs declaration procedures. The difference from general export trade lies in outsourcing the customs declaration business. Finding an agent has benefits such as improving efficiency, but attention should be paid to qualifications, reputation, and clarifying rights and obligations.
When doing foreign trade in Shenzhen and wanting to find a cost - effective import and export agent, inquire about channels and methods to reduce costs while ensuring service quality. The best answers suggest making more comparisons, collecting information through the Internet, forums, friends, etc.; clarifying one's own needs; striving for long - term cooperation to obtain preferential treatment; paying attention to promotional activities; choosing agents with large scale and mature operations, and comprehensively considering cost - effectiveness.
Our company is in Shanghai and intends to find an agent to export products. We want to know about the charging situation of export agency, including the charging items and methods. The best answer points out that the charges for export agency in Shanghai mainly include agency fees (about 0.8% - 3% of the export amount), tax advance fees (about 1% - 2% monthly interest rate), and sundry fees (customs declaration fee is 200 - 500 yuan per bill, and documentation fee is 100 - 300 yuan). And there are differences among different agency companies. It is recommended to make more comparisons.
Our company has import and export trade needs but doesn’t know how to choose an agent. We hope to learn about common types or the characteristics of well-known agencies. The best answer introduces that common import and export trade agents include comprehensive and specialized types. Comprehensive agents provide one-stop services, while specialized agents focus on specific fields. Companies should choose based on their business characteristics.
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Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Under the export FOB terms, it's usually the importer who appoints the freight forwarder. This is because FOB, i.e., Free on Board (named port of shipment), means that the importer is responsible for the transportation and related costs after the goods cross the ship's rail. So appointing the freight forwarder makes it easier for them to control the transportation link and keep track of the goods' status.
However, the exporter should also note that although the freight forwarder is appointed by the importer, they still need to examine the freight forwarder. Some unethical freight forwarders may collude with the importer, bringing risks to the exporter in aspects such as releasing goods without a bill of lading. Therefore, the exporter should pay attention to the qualifications and reputation of the freight forwarder, strive for favorable terms when signing the contract, for example, clarify the obligation of the freight forwarder to release goods against the original bill of lading. In short, although it's a common practice for the importer to appoint the agent, the exporter can't afford to be careless and should do a good job in risk prevention.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Generally, it's the importer who appoints the agent. This way, they can better plan the transportation, such as arranging a suitable shipping schedule and coordinating the customs clearance at the port of destination. The exporter just needs to cooperate with the freight forwarder and provide relevant information.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Indeed, it's mostly the importer who appoints the freight forwarder. But if the exporter has a long - term cooperative and well - serving freight forwarder, they can negotiate with the importer to appoint it themselves, though the probability of success may not be high.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If the importer appoints the agent, the exporter can require the freight forwarder to have reliable local branches, which is convenient for communication and handling of unexpected problems.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
That's right. When the importer appoints the agent, the exporter should ensure that the freight forwarder timely and accurately feedbacks the goods transportation information to themselves to avoid poor communication.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
According to the practice, the importer appoints the agent. The exporter should confirm the loading details, such as time and place, with the freight forwarder before loading to prevent delaying the shipping schedule.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
When the importer appoints the freight forwarder, the exporter needs to pay attention to the freight forwarder's fees, avoid unreasonable charges, and communicate with the importer in advance about the issue of cost - bearing.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Usually, the importer appoints the agent. The exporter should ensure that the goods are prepared on time and complete a series of operations such as delivery as required by the freight forwarder.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Generally, the importer appoints. The exporter can check the past business evaluations of the freight forwarder. If the reputation is poor, they can suggest the importer to change it.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
When the importer appoints the agent, the exporter should not forget to timely provide accurate packing lists, invoices and other documents to the freight forwarder to ensure the smooth progress of the process.