Two equipment introduction paths in international trade

Under the 2025 global supply chain restructuring, enterprises face two typical models for introducing overseas equipment:Self-import modelandforeign tradeAgency modeData shows that 35% of Chinas electromechanicalEquipment Importsimport value is completed through agency services, with this differentiated choice directly impacting enterprises capital turnover efficiency and trade risk control.

Comparative analysis of basic concepts

Self-imported equipment refers to enterprises establishing direct trade relationships with overseas suppliers, undertaking the completeimport and exportprocess. In agency model, professional trading companies serve asthe legal import entity, providing end-to-end services from foreign exchange settlement to customs clearance and delivery.

• Legal relationship differences:
  • Self-import: Enterprises directly assume buyer-seller rights and obligations
  • Agency Service: Establishing a tripartite contractual relationship among "enterprise-agent-supplier"
• Qualification requirement differences:
  • Self-import requires full qualifications including import-export rights and foreign exchange accounts
  • Agency model only requires basic business licenses

Core operational differences

• Capital occupation comparison:
  • Self-model requires full equipment payment + prepaid tariffs
  • Agency service allows negotiated installment deposits (typically 30%-50%)
• risk-sharing mechanisms:
  • Self-importing enterprises bear 100% trade risks
  • Agency companies typically bear professional risks like document compliance and customs delays
• Time cost composition:
  • New enterprises require 45-60 working days for self-handled import-export registration
  • The proxy mode enables an "activate upon signing" instant operation.

Typical scenario selection recommendations

According to 2025 customs data, enterprises are advised to make decisions based on the following criteria:

• Priority given to self-import:
  • Large-scale enterprises with annual import volume exceeding $2 million
  • Involves specially controlled fields such as military and aerospace
  • Manufacturers with stable overseas procurement needs
• Recommended agency services:
  • Emerging market procurement for first trial orders
  • SMEs with single shipment value below $500,000
  • Introduction of special equipment involving multi-country certifications

Key points of risk prevention and control

After the revision of the International Trade Dispute Resolution Convention in 2025, special attention is recommended to:

• Self-importing enterprisesMust establish a complete document management system, with emphasis on preserving:
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Electronic filing records
  • Technical parameter compliance documents
  • Chain records of payment vouchers
• Agency service usersShould focus on reviewing:
  • Customs credit rating of the agent (must achieve AEO certification)
  • Detailed compensation clauses in the service agreement
  • Foreign exchange control response plan

Cost-benefit analysis model

Taking the import of $800,000 worth of German precision machine tools as an example:

• Cost composition of self-import:
  • Qualification maintenance fee: 28,000 yuan/year
  • Professional team cost: 150,000 yuan/year
  • Capital occupation cost: approximately 42,000 yuan calculated based on LPR
• Agency service cost:
  • Basic agency fee: 1.2% of cargo value ($9,600)
  • Risk deposit: 30% of cargo value ($240,000)
  • Benefits from shortened capital release cycle: approximately 65,000 yuan

The comparison reveals that companies with an annual import frequency of less than three times can save 18%-25% in overall costs by adopting an agency model. It is recommended that enterprises choose the optimal approach based on their actual business scale and, when necessary, adopt a hybrid model of "self-operation + agency" to maximize benefits.