I.Agency export,How does the accounting process differ from that of self-operated exports?

Agency export accounting must followThe principle of "double-entry bookkeeping":

• Entrusting Party (Manufacturer) Accounting Treatment:
  • It is recorded under "Other Business Income" upon revenue recognition.
  • Reserve is complete.customs clearanceOriginal documents such as invoices and bills of lading
• Agent (foreign trade company) accounting treatment:
  • The agency fee collected is recorded under "main business revenue."
  • The collection and payment of funds are accounted for through current account items.

In 2025, the new regulations from the General Administration of Customs require that export agency businesses must be conducted throughInternational Trade Single WindowPlease upload the electronic copy of the entrusted agreement synchronously, and it is recommended to verify the electronic records against the paper vouchers on a monthly basis.

II. How to Handle VAT Declaration for Better Compliance?

Applicable for export agency"Exemption, Credit, and Refund" policySpecial handling method:

• Input tax deduction must meet the following conditions:
  • The actual export date of the goods falls within the validity period of the customs declaration form.
  • The name on the special VAT invoice is consistent with that on the customs declaration form.
• Additional Requirements for Submission Materials (2025 Edition):
  • Electronic Signature for Export Goods Filing List
  • Cross-border payment and receipt voucher number association

III. What are the key risk points to note in foreign exchange receipt and payment verification?

According to Document No. 37 of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2025, agency exports must comply with the following:

• Deadline for Receiving Payment:
  • General trade shall not exceed 12 months after export.
  • Cross-border e-commerce can be extended to 18 months.
• Foreign exchange verification certificate:
  • The bank's foreign exchange receipt must include the agency agreement number as a remark.
  • For cross - border RMB settlement, messages of the RCPMIS system need to be provided.

IV. When should agency service fees be recognized as revenue?

According toNew Revenue StandardIt needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis:

• Fixed-ratio commission: Confirmed upon completion of customs clearance for the goods.
• Tiered Service Fee: Confirmed in installments based on the actual service progress.
• New requirement for 2025: The charging model must be filed with the electronic tax bureau.

V. What penalties may result from common accounting errors?

Recent audit cases indicate that high-frequency risks include:

• Missing voucher:
  • In 2024, a company was fined 100,000 yuan for missing packing lists.
  • Starting from 2025, the retention period for electronic documents will be extended to 10 years.
• Interperiod recognition:
  • A listed company was penalized by the China Securities Regulatory Commission for prematurely recognizing revenue.
  • Recommended adoptionBill of lading date +15 daysAs the confirmation baseline

6. How to Choose a Reliable Export Agent Service Provider?

It is recommended to evaluate the following key indicators:

• The qualification documents:
  • Customs AEO Certification Certificate (2025 Edition)
  • Foreign Exchange Income and Expenditure Directory Registration Certificate
• System docking:
  • Could you provide real-time electronic ledger inquiries?
  • Does it support the blockchain traceability system?

According to the WTO's 2025 Trade Report, the compliance costs for China's export agency business have decreased by 38% compared to 2020, but 31% of enterprises still suffer losses due to improper accounting practices. It is recommended that clients conduct monthly account reconciliations with their agency companies.Four-document consistency(Contract, Invoice, Bill of Lading, Customs Declaration Form), and retain complete communication records.