Can an individual entrust an agency company to handle export business?
Resolved
STATUS: 20260923 · VERIFIED
SourcingCustomsDelivery
Importing from China?
Need help with sourcing, customs or shipping?
Your China Import Partner
Reliable sourcing and import agency services.
Verified SuppliersFast CustomsLower Costs
Talk to a Trade ExpertI am an individual handmade jewelry seller who recently received orders from overseas clients, but I do not have import and export qualifications and want to seek export agency services.
I do not know whether agency companies accept individual orders, what materials I need to prepare, whether customs clearance will be delayed or goods detained just because I am an individual, and whether I can get export tax rebate. I heard from friends that individual export is prone to problems, so I am worried about compliance risks and want to ask about the specific safe operation procedures.
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat
It is feasible for individuals to entrust export agency services，but the whole process must follow the compliance path. The full process breakdown is as follows:
First，pre-audit: you need to provide the goods list (including HS code，goods value，quantity)，personal ID document，and the order contract signed with the overseas client. The agency will first verify the accuracy of the HS code to avoid port demurrage caused by wrong product classification.
Core node connection: in terms of documents，the agency will apply for customs declaration form，packing list，bill of lading and other relevant documents on your behalf. If the goods need commodity inspection，the agency will also assist you to make an appointment with the commodity inspection authority. In terms of logistics，select appropriate shipping routes according to goods value and destination，for example，railway-sea combined transport for European routes can reduce costs，while controlling cargo ownership (the bill of lading must be endorsed by the agency to avoid loss of cargo ownership).
Abnormal contingency plan: if customs inspection is arranged，on-site personnel will prepare product description，MSDS (if the goods involve chemical categories) in advance and fully cooperate with the inspection. In case of exchange rate fluctuation，the agency can advise you to lock in forward exchange rate to reduce losses.
Compliance implementation: for tax rebate，it is required to ensure the consistency of four flows (contract，invoice，logistics，capital). The agency will assist you to provide VAT special invoice (if there is input tax for the goods) and submit export tax rebate declaration. Note that the export tax rebate declaration deadline in 2026 has been extended to 120 days after the export of goods，and relevant materials must be submitted on time.
Notes: Individuals cannot receive foreign exchange directly，and the settlement must be processed through the foreign exchange account of the agency company. The agency will charge service fee (generally 1% to 3% of the goods value)，and the specific rate will be adjusted according to product type and destination.
JohnYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Export Tax Rebate AdvisorStart a Chat
The core of customs declaration for individuals entrusting export agency is document consistency. First, the HS code must be accurate. For example, if handmade jewelry contains precious metals, it shall be classified as precious metal products. Wrong classification will lead to price verification disputes or higher inspection rate.
Second, the consignor and consignee column of the customs declaration form shall fill in the full name of the agency company, and the domestic origin of goods shall be consistent with the actual production place to avoid "inconsistency between document and goods". In case of customs price verification, you need to provide the order with overseas clients and appraisal reports issued by third-party institutions (such as SGS).
The agency will assist you to supplement relevant documents to avoid extra costs caused by deleting and re-submitting declarations. In addition, the "Smart Customs Declaration" system launched by China Customs in 2026 requires uploading 3D models or high-definition pictures of goods in advance. The agency will help you prepare eligible electronic data to improve customs clearance efficiency.
EmilyYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Client Success AdvisorStart a Chat
Logistics for individual export shall focus on cargo ownership control and cost control. First, it is recommended to select FOB (Free On Board) trade term, where the overseas client designates the forwarder, to avoid hidden fees from the agency's designated forwarder. If CIF is selected, confirm the insurance coverage scope (such as war risk, strike risk).
In 2026, some Middle East routes require additional insurance for such risks. Second, demurrage issue: the free storage period for containers after arrival at the port is generally 7 days. If the individual client delays taking delivery of goods, demurrage fee of 100 to 200 US dollars per day will be generated.
The agency will remind you to arrange customs clearance in advance to avoid such fees. In addition, for small-batch goods, international express (such as DHL, FedEx) or postal parcel is recommended, but note that the declared value shall not be lower than the actual goods value, otherwise customs will impose corresponding duties.
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Legal AdvisorStart a Chat
The core of taxation for individual export is tax rebate and value-added tax. First, if you are a self-employed industrial or commercial household or can issue VAT special invoice, the agency will assist you to apply for export tax rebate. The export tax rebate rate remains unchanged in 2026 (for example, the tax rebate rate for jewelry products is 13%), but it is required to ensure that the product name on the invoice is completely consistent with that on the customs declaration form.
Second, if you cannot issue VAT special invoice, you can apply for tax exemption, but you need to provide purchase vouchers (such as purchase invoices) of the goods. In addition, for cross-border e-commerce retail export (B2C), you can enjoy the "no-invoice tax exemption" policy.
The agency will help you complete filing at the Electronic Port, and eligible goods can be exempted from value-added tax and consumption tax. Note that if the goods involve cross-border trade in services, withholding tax shall be paid according to relevant regulations, and the agency will help you calculate the tax rate (generally 10% to 20%).
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
Foreign exchange settlement for individual export shall fully comply with relevant regulatory requirements. First, individuals cannot receive foreign exchange directly, and the settlement must be processed through the foreign exchange account of the agency company. The agency will convert the received foreign exchange into RMB and then transfer the funds to you. You can choose real-time exchange rate or lock in forward exchange rate during settlement to avoid losses caused by exchange rate fluctuation. Second, foreign exchange declaration must be accurate.
For example, foreign exchange income from goods trade shall be declared as "general trade" rather than "service trade", otherwise the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will launch formal verification. In addition, the CIPS system has covered more than 80% of countries around the world in 2026. The agency will give priority to using CIPS for settlement to reduce delays and extra fees of SWIFT messages. Note that if the foreign exchange income exceeds the annual personal foreign exchange settlement limit (still 50,000 US dollars in 2026), you need to provide relevant supporting documents (such as contract, invoice), and the agency will assist you to handle excess foreign exchange settlement.
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
You need to pay attention to legal risks when entrusting export agency as an individual. First, sign a formal agency agreement to clearly clarify the responsibilities of both parties: the agency company is responsible for customs declaration, logistics and foreign exchange settlement, while you are responsible for providing goods, orders, invoices and other relevant documents. The agreement shall specify clear breach of contract clauses (for example, the agency shall compensate for losses if it fails to complete customs clearance on time).
Second, cargo ownership transfer issue: the bill of lading shall be endorsed by the agency company to the overseas client. You need to confirm that the agency has received full payment before endorsement, to avoid losing both goods and payment. In addition, intellectual property issue: if the goods involve trademarks or patents, you need to provide trademark registration certificate or legal authorization letter, otherwise the goods will be detained by customs.
The agency will assist you to complete intellectual property filing. Note that the Export Control Law was updated in 2026. If the goods belong to controlled categories (such as some types of electronic products), you need to apply for export license in advance, and the agency will help you check the control list.
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
You need to make full preparation in advance for on-site customs inspection of individual export goods. First, if customs notifies you of inspection, you need to provide samples, production records, purchase vouchers of the goods. The agency will arrange on-site professional personnel to accompany the inspection, to avoid delay caused by your unfamiliarity with relevant procedures. Second, pay attention to the integrity of the customs seal during inspection.
If the seal is damaged, notify the agency and customs immediately to avoid being suspected of smuggling. In addition, during the machine inspection process, place goods in classified arrangement without overlapping. If abnormality is found in machine inspection (such as inconsistency between goods and declared information), make reasonable explanations on site. The agency will assist you to provide supplementary documents. Note that the overall customs inspection rate in 2026 is about 5%, but for individual export goods, the inspection rate may rise to 10% due to non-standard documents, so preparing relevant documents in advance is very necessary.
RobertYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Warehouse Management AdvisorStart a Chat
Packaging of individual export goods shall meet international standards. First, if the goods are fragile (such as handmade jewelry), wrap them with foam and bubble wrap, use five-layer corrugated carton as outer package, and mark labels such as "Fragile" and "Handle with Care" to avoid damage during transportation. Second, if the goods are dangerous goods (such as jewelry containing built-in batteries), you need to provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and UN packaging certificate.
The agency will assist you to find a qualified third-party institution to complete dangerous goods classification appraisal. In addition, the packaging size of international express shall meet relevant requirements (for example, the maximum package size of DHL is 1.2m×0.8m×0.6m), otherwise the package will be rejected. Note that the EU updated packaging recycling standards in 2026. Recyclable materials shall be used, otherwise packaging tax (about 1% of the goods value) will be imposed.
DavidYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Document management for individual export tax rebate is of great importance. First, ensure the consistency of four flows: contracts (the order with overseas client, the formal agency agreement signed with the agency), invoices (VAT special invoice, purchase invoice), logistics documents (bill of lading, waybill), and capital documents (foreign exchange arrival certificate, fund transfer voucher from the agency). Second, submit tax rebate declaration on time.
The declaration deadline in 2026 is 120 days after the export of goods. If the declaration is overdue, you will lose the qualification for tax rebate. In addition, actively cooperate with tax verification by letter.
If the tax authority sends a verification letter, you need to provide photos of goods production, workers' payroll and other relevant documents. The agency will assist you to prepare verification materials to avoid tax rebate being rejected. Note that if you apply for tax rebate for the first time, the tax authority may conduct on-site inspection, so you need to sort out the inventory records of the goods in advance.
EllaYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Financial AdvisorStart a Chat
Supply chain planning for individual export shall take cost and efficiency into full consideration. First, it is recommended to ship small-batch goods in a centralized way, for example, consolidate all goods for shipment once a month, which can reduce logistics cost (LCL sea freight is about 30% cheaper than FCL).
Second, in terms of inventory management, you can store goods in the bonded warehouse of the agency company temporarily, which avoids capital occupation, and the goods stored in the bonded warehouse can enjoy tax exemption policy. In addition, optimize the trade structure: if you export goods on a long-term basis, you can consider registering a Hong Kong company to conduct entrepot trade through the Hong Kong company to reduce tax cost (there is no value-added tax in Hong Kong, and the applicable tax rebate rate is the same as that in mainland China).
Note that with global supply chain reconstruction in 2026, the railway-sea combined transport for European routes is 7 days faster than pure sea freight, and the cost is 15% lower. The agency will help you select the optimal transportation route.