What is the true meaning of a pure export agent?

In the practice of international trade in 2025,Pure export agencySpecifically refers to a third-party service model that does not involve the transaction of goods ownership. The agent only provides...Customs declaration, logistics, foreign exchange receipts and payments, document processingProfessional services in various stages, distinct from the financing procurement activities of traditional trade agents. According to the latest agency service regulations by the General Administration of Customs, pure agency enterprises must strictly adhere to the "Three No's Principle": no ownership of goods, no assumption of financial risks, and no involvement in commercial negotiations.

What are the fundamental differences between a pure agent and a comprehensive agent?

By comparing the common agency models used by Fortune 500 companies, we found that the core differences are reflected in three dimensions:

• The boundaries of rights and responsibilities
  • Pure Agent: Solely responsible for document compliance.
  • Comprehensive agency: Responsible for the quality of goods and delivery timeliness.
• Fund flow
  • Pure Agency: Foreign exchange receipts and payments must be returned to the principal via the original route.
  • Comprehensive Agency: Can facilitate fund turnover under trade items.
• Risk bearing
  • Pure Agency: The maximum compensation shall not exceed three times the service fee.
  • Comprehensive Agency: Bear liability for breach of contract based on the trade contract amount.

Which types of enterprises are most in need of pure agency services?

Based on an analysis of 20 years of agency service data, the following three types of enterprises are more suitable for choosing a pure agency model:

• Production - type export enterprises: Established mature overseas channels, requiring professional customs clearance support.
• Cross-border E-commerceSeller: Compliance requirements for multi-category small-batch exports
• Technology Trading Company: Management of qualifications related to the export of sensitive technologies

Solution: Establish a monthly code verification mechanism + pre - classification servicephotovoltaicComponent manufacturers, through a pure agency model, have successfully circumvented the risks posed by the latest anti-dumping policies in 12 countries while maintaining the sales dominance of their overseas subsidiaries.

What essential clauses are included in a pure agency service?

Five Essential Clauses That Must Be Included in the 2025 Standard Agency Agreement:

• The client's obligation to truthfully declare (HS code, cargo value, etc.)
• Dual Verification Mechanism for Document Authenticity
• Foreign Exchange Fund Closed-loop Management Terms
• Definition of Force Majeure Exemption Scope
• Exemption from Joint and Several Liability for Intellectual Property

How to identify non-compliant proxy companies?

Recent typical non-compliance cases identified during customs AEO certification audits:

• Please translate the following Chinese into English: The trade contract must be signed using the agent's letterhead.
• Foreign exchange receipts and payments are transited through a third-party account.
• The customs declaration shows a declared value lower than the actual transaction amount.
• The agency fee collection rate is below the industry cost line (normally 0.8%-1.2% of the cargo value).

It is recommended that enterprises regularly request agents to provideCustoms Credit Publicity SystemCheck the records and verify the consistency between the agency agreement and the declarant on the customs declaration form.

What legal risks should be considered when selecting a pure agent?

According to the typical cases of trade disputes released by the Supreme People's Court in 2025, special attention should be paid to:

• The agent unilaterally altered the trade terms (e.g., changing from EXW to FOB).
• Unauthorized use of the client's seal to produce accompanying documents.
• The time logic of the tax refund documents contradicts with the customs declaration data.
• The foreign exchange verification cycle has exceeded 90 days without completion.

It is recommended to stipulate in the contractElectronic Trace System IntegrationTerms, ensuring all operations are traceable and verifiable.