---
title: "What are the types of export agency models?"
description: "Our company is just starting to engage in foreign trade and would like to understand the specific details of the export agency model. I've heard there are different approaches, but which one would be more suitable for a small and medium-sized enterprise like ours that is just getting started?"
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-agency-models-types-new-smes.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "出口代理"
datePublished: "2026-01-15"
dateModified: "2026-01-15"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 3
---

# What are the types of export agency models?

## Question

 Our company just started doingI'd like to learn more about the specific types of export agency models. I've heard there are different approaches—which one would be more suitable for a small and medium-sized enterprise like ours that's just getting started? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

From the perspective of customs compliance，there are three main models for exporting through agents。

1. **Traditional foreign trade companies**: The agent declares customs，collects payments，and handles tax refunds in its own name. You must ensure that the VAT invoice flow，fund flow，and goods flow are integrated. Otherwise，tax refunds will not be granted。

2. **Foreign trade comprehensive service enterprises (FTCSEs)**: These companies handle the entire export process，but they must be pilot enterprises approved by the Ministry of Commerce. Be sure to verify their qualifications。

3. **Illegal "pay-for-export" schemes**: These involve borrowing others’ export rights. Customs strictly monitors such activities，which carry high risks and may even lead to criminal liability。

We recommend prioritizing the first two models and including clear clauses in the agency agreement regarding HS code declaration responsibilities，intellectual property infringement risk sharing，and the timing of tax refund payments to avoid future disputes.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Eric Zhou
**Date:** 2026-01-15

### Answer 2

From the perspective of logistics operations, the three models have significant differences in terms of cost and delivery efficiency. Under the traditional agency model, the agent typically requires you to deliver the goods to their designated warehouse and use their freight forwarding services. Although you have limited control over the process, it is relatively hassle-free. It is recommended to clarify the Incoterms in the contract: EXW only requires the factory to deliver the goods, while FOB requires you to bear the freight costs before the goods arrive at the port. The comprehensive service model is more flexible, offering door-to-door services and unified booking and document preparation. You only need to provide accurate packing data and product descriptions. It is crucial to confirm the customs clearance document requirements of the destination port in advance. For some countries, you may need certificates of origin, fumigation certificates, etc. The comprehensive service provider can handle these on your behalf but will charge a service fee. Regardless of the model chosen, you should retain the packing lists and copies of bills of lading for customs inspections.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Linda Gao
**Date:** 2026-01-15

### Answer 3

From the perspective of business negotiations, the choice of model determines your negotiation strategy. When using a foreign trade company as an agent, the contracting party is the agent, so you need to communicate the pricing method in advance and agree on minimum profit protection clauses to avoid the agent undercutting prices to steal clients. Under the comprehensive service enterprise model, you can register an overseas brand and directly engage with clients as a manufacturer, with the comprehensive service enterprise acting solely as a back-end service provider. Client resources remain in your control. Regarding payment methods, the agent model collects foreign exchange and ensures funds are transferred to you T+1 after settlement. If the client insists on using letters of credit, you need to confirm whether the agent accepts this payment method. Core recommendation: Regardless of the model chosen, it is essential to clarify intellectual property ownership and client information confidentiality clauses in the contract to prevent the agent from poaching clients.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Lucas Liu
**Date:** 2026-01-15

## Related Categories
- [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/)
- [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/)
- [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/)
- [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/)
- [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/)
- [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/)
- [General Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/)

## Related Resources
- [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/)
- [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/)
- [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/)
- [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/)
- [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/)

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