1. How to determine the timing of recognizing agency export revenue?

According to the latest "Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises No. 14—Revenue" in 2025, the recognition of revenue from export agency services must meetTransfer of controlPrinciples. In specific operations, attention should be paid to three key nodes:

• Declaration Form Export Date: Subject to the electronic port data of customs.
• Foreign ExchangeA complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Voucher: It is necessary to distinguish between advance payment and payment on delivery.
• The agency agreement stipulates: Special attention should be paid to the risk and reward transfer clause.

Typical Case: A garment company exported goods on March 15, 2025, and received the settlement statement from the agent on April 2. The revenue should be recognized in April rather than in the month of customs declaration to avoid tax risks caused by premature revenue recognition.

2. How to handle agency service fees in compliance with regulations?

The calculation of agency fees needs to distinguish between two models:

• Flat fee model
  • Service fee shall be calculated at 1-3% of the export amount.
  • A special VAT invoice issued by the agent must be obtained.
• • The agent's advance payment must be supported by original vouchers.
  • Bank charges and similar items should be presented separately.

In 2025, tax audits will focus on the alignment between agency fees and export values. It is recommended to retain complete documentation supporting service pricing.

III. When Should Special VAT Invoices Be Issued to Avoid Pitfalls?

There are three key points to grasp in the VAT treatment of export agency business:

• The "Place of Origin in China" on the customs declaration form must match the address on the invoice.
• The invoice issuance time shall not be later than the tax filing period of April in the year following the export.
• The tax exemption filing for cross-border taxable activities must be completed upon the first declaration.

Latest Regulatory Requirement: Starting from January 2025, the State Taxation Administration will automatically compare export dates with invoice issuance times through the "Golden Tax Phase IV" system. Delayed invoicing will affect the progress of tax refunds.

IV.Export DrawbackHow should it be calculated?

Special accounting subjects must be established for export tax rebate agency:

• Refundable tax receivable = FOB price × tax refund rate
• The actual tax refund difference shall be recorded in "other income" or "non-operating income".
• Documents required for tax refund declaration:
  • Copy of the Export Agency Agreement
  • Notarized Power of Attorney
  • Foreign Exchange Receipt Verification Form

Highlights of the 2025 New Policy: Pilot regions allow agents to directly apply for tax refunds, but a special authorization agreement must be signed with the principal.

5. Have You Fallen into These Accounting Pitfalls?

Common Error Handling Methods and Solutions:

• Incorrectly recorded the full amount of foreign exchange income in the account.

  Correct practice: Recognize revenue based on the net amount after deducting agency fees.

• Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations

  Solution: Adjust foreign currency accounts at the mid-month exchange rate at the end of each month.

• Please translate the following Chinese into English: Confusing FOB with CIF prices

  Key points for handling: Freight and insurance costs should be accounted for separately.

Special Reminder: In 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will strengthen the monitoring of export proceeds collection. It is recommended that enterprises manage funds using "Export Proceeds Verification Accounts."

(Note: This article is compiled based on the latest policies as of April 2025. Specific operations shall be subject to the requirements of the competent tax authorities. It is recommended to reconcile accounts with the agent quarterly and retain complete logistics documents for at least 10 years.)