---
title: "What are the risk points of an export agent?"
description: "Our company recently wants to entrust an export agency to handle an order, but we've heard that there are many pitfalls involved. Could you please tell us what the main risks of using an export agency are?"
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/key-risks-export-agency.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "出口代理"
datePublished: "2026-01-28"
dateModified: "2026-01-28"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 3
---

# What are the risk points of an export agent?

## Question

 Our company recently wants to entrust someone to handle a project.The company is placing an order, but I've heard that there are many pitfalls involved. Could you please explain the main risks of working with an export agent? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

From the perspective of regulatory compliance，the core risks of export agents focus on three aspects: First，whether the agent's qualifications are genuine and valid，and whether they hold AEO customs certification or corresponding export qualifications，which directly affect whether the goods can clear customs smoothly. Second，the risk of document consistency. The declaration forms，invoices，and packing lists prepared by the agent must fully match the actual goods and the amount of foreign exchange received. Any discrepancy may trigger customs inspections. Third，tax compliance. Whether the agent truthfully declares tax refunds. If the agent engages in "over-declaration and under-exportation" or false declarations，you，as the client，may face joint and several liability for fraudulently obtaining tax refunds. It is recommended to verify the agent's customs credit rating before signing the contract and to clearly stipulate in the contract that any losses caused by document errors shall be fully borne by the agent.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Grace Wang
**Date:** 2026-01-28

### Answer 2

The core risks in logistics operations lie in the loss of control over cargo ownership and unclear responsibilities. Firstly, it is essential to clarify the Incoterms clauses. If the agent books shipping space under FOB terms, you may lose the right to issue instructions to the freight forwarder. Secondly, regarding the control of original bills of lading, it is crucial to stipulate that the agent must deliver the bills to you within 24 hours after obtaining them, otherwise there is a risk of them releasing the cargo without authorization. Thirdly, ensure fee transparency. Some agents may inflate local charges such as port dues and THC fees. It is recommended to pre-set a fee cap and require them to provide the original invoices from the shipping company/terminal. Finally, it is essential to explicitly stipulate in the contract that the agent shall bear liability for any shipping schedule losses caused by delays in booking shipping space.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Evelyn Li
**Date:** 2026-01-28

### Answer 3

The most fatal risks in business negotiations are the collapse of the agent's creditworthiness and contractual traps. Firstly, the payment method must adopt the "agent receives payment and releases the documents" model, and never accept the payment term of "30 days after the goods are shipped". Otherwise, there may be a situation where both money and goods are lost. Secondly, the contract must clearly specify the calculation method of the agency service fee (based on orders, a percentage of the goods value, or a fixed fee), and stipulate that you have the right to refuse to pay any additional fees that have not been confirmed in writing. Thirdly, the most crucial clause: stipulate that the agent shall not contact your end customers without authorization, and set strict confidentiality clauses and breach of contract penalties. It is recommended to adopt the "small order test" for the first cooperation, and verify the other party's creditworthiness through China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation or third-party channels.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Andy Guo
**Date:** 2026-01-28

## 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/)

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- [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/)
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- [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/)

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