Is it mandatory to use an agent when exporting red wine?

According toInternational trade practices, exporting red wine does not require a mandatory agent. Production companies can independently complete the export-qualification filing, customs declaration, and inspection procedures. In practice, however, about 78 percent of red-wine exporters opt for agency services (source: 2024 China Alcoholic Drinks Association report). The main reasons include:

• Complex target-market access qualifications (e.g., EU alcohol import licenses)
• Tax RebatesHigh professional operation requirements
• International Logisticsand the unique requirements of warehousing (temperature-controlled transport, bonded storage, etc.)

What are the core advantages of exporting red wine through an agent?

Professionalforeign tradeagency firms can provideFull-chain solutions:

• Qualification Handling:
  • Assist in obtaining the Record Certificate for Export Food Manufacturing Enterprises
  • ProcessOrigin CertificateBook (e.g., China–Australia FTA Certificate of Origin)
• : Ensuring that trade activities comply with the technical standards and trade agreements of the target country:
  • Review of label compliance for alcohol content, additives, etc.
  • Registration of alcoholic products abroad (e.g., U.S. TTB certification)
• Professional support:
  • Leverage scale advantages to secure better termsMaritime transportRate
  • Professional declaration to avoid fines caused by incorrect customs classification

What risks should you watch out for when choosing an agency?

Updated by the General Administration of Customs of China in 20251. VerifyImport and exportThe Food Safety Administration MeasuresIt is clearly stipulated that the agent shall bear joint and several liability. It is recommended to focus on:

• : Check the Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators and Class A customs declaration qualification of the agency company:
  • Verify the liquor import and export license of the agency company
  • Check the AEO certification status with customs.
• Operational risks:
  • Clearly define the division of responsibilities for handling returned goods.
  • Agreed dual-signature mechanism for document review
• Three policy adjustments worthy of attention this year::
  • Avoid bundling agency fees with payment for goods.
  • A tariff guarantee certificate is required.

How to Evaluate the Professional Capabilities of an Agency Company?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• Industry Cases：Please provide red wine from the past two yearsExport ClearanceSingle (desensitization processed)
• Service network: Does the primary target market have an in-house customs clearance team?
• : Document review process, historical data of error rates: Whether customs personnel with professional wine knowledge are assigned

Pay special attention to verifying whether the agency is familiar withGeneral Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Wine(including the latest revised version of GB 10344-2025) and other specialized standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Export Agency

• Q: Does export through an agent require a manufacturing license?
  A: Manufacturing enterprises are still required to hold a food production license; an agency company cannot replace the producer’s qualification.
• Q: How are agency fees calculated?
  A: Usually charged at 0.8%–1.5% of the cargo value; volume transactions can negotiate a tiered rate.
• Q: Is partial representation possible?
  A: Individual services (such as customs declaration alone) are supported, but full agency offers better cost-effectiveness.