How to Legally and Compliantly Act as an Agent for the Full Global Export Process of New Products
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I am the head of a trading company that has just transformed into cross-border export. We used to only focus on domestic trade, and recently obtained the exclusive domestic agency right of a new type of degradable packaging material, which we want to export to Southeast Asian and EU markets through an agency.
However, after working on it for almost half a month, I still have no clue and don't know where to start at all: How to determine the HS code of this product? Are there any mandatory certification requirements for export? What risks do I need to bear if I choose agency export?
Are there any preferential policies for new products in the latest 2026 export tax refund policy? I also heard from peers that there is room for exchange difference optimization, but I have no idea how to operate it, and I am afraid of making mistakes that lead to losses. Can you teach me the complete agency export process step by step?
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
First，complete the pre-compliance preparation. HS Code Classification is the first step. The intelligent classification system launched by the General Administration of Customs in 2026 can automatically match the code by uploading product composition and application parameters，avoiding the risk of cargo detention caused by classification errors. At the same time，it is necessary to confirm the mandatory certification of the target market，for example，CB certification and CBAM Carbon Border Declaration are required for the EU，and SNI certification is required for Southeast Asia. Completing certification preparation 30 days in advance can avoid shipping schedule delays.
Next is full-link process connection. Sign an agency agreement to clarify the boundary of rights and responsibilities，and the agent will be responsible for document review，including commercial invoices，packing lists，bill of lading endorsements，etc。to ensure consistency of all documents. Priority is given to direct shipping routes for logistics paths to reduce the risk of cargo ownership disputes in transit links. At the same time，the Exchange Difference Hedging Tool launched in 2026 can be used to avoid exchange rate fluctuations and lock costs through CIPS cross-border RMB settlement.
In terms of abnormal response plans，prepare inspection materials such as product manuals and test reports in advance. If you encounter customs inspection，you can contact professionals to assist in interpreting the inspection notice as soon as possible. For port demurrage charges，you can apply for a maximum 14-day free storage period from the shipping company. If cargo detention occurs，you need to cooperate in submitting supplementary explanation materials to avoid prolonged cargo retention.
Finally，compliance implementation. After completing foreign exchange receipt，it is necessary to ensure Four-Stream Consistency (cargo flow，document flow，capital flow，information flow)，and submit tax refund declaration through the electronic port. In 2026，R&D investment for new products can be superimposed with a 1.5% tax refund bonus，and R&D expense vouchers need to be retained for verification. You need to cooperate in completing document filing throughout the process to ensure compliance.
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat
For the HS code classification of new products, you can upload parameters such as product material, purpose, processing technology through the customs intelligent classification system, and the system will automatically match the 8-digit code. If there is a classification dispute, you can apply for a pre-classification ruling from the customs in advance, and arrange shipment only after obtaining the official code, to avoid delays caused by subsequent document modification and re-declaration.
In the customs valuation process, you should focus on retaining authentic procurement contracts, commercial invoices and R&D investment certificates. In 2026, the customs includes R&D costs of new products into the valuation reference scope.
If you can provide a product performance report issued by a third-party testing institution, you can effectively reduce the probability of valuation disputes. If you receive a tax inquiry, you need to prepare cargo ownership transfer vouchers, capital flow records and supplier qualification certificates in advance to ensure four-stream consistency and shorten the inquiry cycle.
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
The logistics path for new product exports should be selected in combination with the target market and compliance requirements. For Southeast Asia, priority is given to direct shipping routes, which can shorten the transportation cycle by 7-10 days and reduce the risk of cargo damage. For the EU market, you can choose between China Railway Express and direct sea freight.
The carbon emission of China Railway Express is lower, which is easier to meet the requirements of EU CBAM carbon border declaration. Bill of lading endorsement must strictly follow the requirements of trade terms. If FOB terms are adopted, the shipper shall complete the endorsement before transferring it to the consignee; if CIF terms are adopted, the bill of lading shall be endorsed by the agent before transferring it to the consignee to ensure compliant transfer of cargo ownership.
For container demurrage and free storage period, you can apply for a 14-day free storage period from the shipping company in advance. If the shipment is delayed due to customs inspection, you can apply for an extension to 21 days with the inspection notice to avoid additional port demurrage charges. At the same time, you can use the intelligent logistics tracking system launched in 2026 to grasp the real-time location of goods in transit, predict abnormal situations in advance and adjust the plan.
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Legal AdvisorStart a Chat
For new product exports to the EU market, you can apply for the VAT deferral policy. In 2026, the EU has simplified the deferral declaration process. You only need to truthfully declare the value of imported goods in the current VAT return, and there is no need to pay import VAT in advance, which can effectively relieve the capital occupation pressure of enterprises.
For R&D investment of new products, the 2026 export tax refund policy has added R&D bonus preference, and the bonus ratio has been increased from 1% to 1.5%. You need to retain R&D personnel salary vouchers, R&D equipment procurement invoices and new product test reports in advance for tax verification. If cross-border related transactions are involved, you need to prepare transfer pricing documents that meet OECD standards in advance to avoid being identified as unreasonable pricing by tax authorities, ensure cross-border tax compliance, and reduce withholding tax risks.
EmilyYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Client Success AdvisorStart a Chat
Foreign exchange receipt and payment for new product exports must strictly follow the 2026 cross-border payment compliance requirements. Priority is given to the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system, which can settle directly in RMB, avoid exchange rate fluctuation risks, and enjoy preferential reduction of settlement handling fees. If foreign currency settlement is adopted, it is necessary to receive and pay through a foreign exchange account with compliance qualification, and retain complete transaction background vouchers to ensure that the capital flow is fully matched with the document flow and cargo flow.
In 2026, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange has launched an intelligent compliance monitoring system, which can give real-time early warning of abnormal transaction behaviors. If you receive a system early warning, you need to cooperate in submitting transaction explanation materials as soon as possible to avoid temporary account freezing that affects business promotion.
RobertYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Warehouse Management AdvisorStart a Chat
The agency export agreement should clarify the boundary of rights and responsibilities of both parties, including cargo quality responsibility, document compliance responsibility, risk transfer node and liability for breach of contract, so as to avoid no basis for follow-up disputes. If large overseas orders are involved, you can require the buyer to issue an irrevocable letter of credit, and at the same time set soft clauses and escape clauses in the letter of credit, clarify the exemption scope under force majeure circumstances to ensure the safety of foreign exchange receipt.
If the new product involves appearance design or invention patent, you need to complete intellectual property filing with the General Administration of Customs of China and the target market in advance to avoid cargo being detained during export customs clearance. In 2026, the usage rate of electronic guarantees in international trade has exceeded 80%, which can replace traditional paper guarantees and greatly improve the efficiency of guarantee issuance and verification.
SophiaYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
Customs inspection is divided into two links: machine inspection and manual inspection. If the machine inspection system finds abnormalities during scanning, you need to cooperate with the customs for manual unpacking inspection. Sorting out materials such as product manuals, third-party test reports, packing lists and procurement contracts in advance can help the customs quickly verify cargo information and reduce inspection time.
The seal should use an electronic seal recognized by the customs to ensure that the seal number is consistent with the bill of lading. If the seal is found to be damaged or missing, you need to report to the on-site customs as soon as possible to avoid being identified as illegal transfer of cargo ownership. If the customs requires sampling test, you need to choose a third-party testing institution filed by the customs, confirm the test items and standards in advance to ensure that the test report meets the customs requirements, and the sampling test process can usually be completed within 3-5 working days.
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat
The new degradable packaging materials you mentioned belong to general cargo, but you still need to do a good job in compliant packaging. First of all, you need to select appropriate packaging materials according to the mode of transport.
For sea transport, you need to use pressure-resistant and moisture-proof packaging that meets the IMDG Code to avoid cargo being damp and deformed during transportation. It is necessary to prepare an MSDS that meets ISO standards, clarifying the composition, physical and chemical properties, emergency treatment measures of the product, etc. If the product is tested as dangerous goods, you need to apply for the UN number and dangerous goods packaging appraisal in advance.
In 2026, the compliance inspection of packaging in international sea transport has been strengthened, and goods that are not packaged as required may be refused loading. It is recommended to confirm the compliance requirements with the packaging supplier in advance to avoid delaying shipment.