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Trade Agent Services

Turnkey commission starting from 4% for goods import/export, from 2% for services export

What is a Trade Agent?

A trade agent is a professional intermediary that purchases goods from a manufacturer and resells them to the end buyer while preserving the commercial terms agreed between the parties. This model enables companies to conduct cross-border transactions in environments affected by sanctions, complex payment structures, and foreign exchange controls.

When Are Trade Agent Services Required?


  • Restrictions for Foreign Suppliers

Situation: A foreign company is unable to work directly with Russian counterparties due to sanctions exposure or internal compliance policies.
Solution: A trade agent acts as the contractual buyer, involving entities from alternative jurisdictions. This removes direct legal and reputational risks for the foreign supplier.

  • Price Inflation for Buyers from Russia

Situation: A foreign supplier anticipates VAT non-recovery when exporting to Russia and includes this cost (~12%) in the product price.
Solution: With a trade agent structure, exports are redirected to a third country instead of Russia. This enables the supplier to recover VAT and avoid inflating the price.

  • Payment Processing Challenges

Situation: A foreign supplier ships goods directly to Russia but is unable to receive payment due to banking restrictions. Engaging a payment agent is not feasible due to the “buyer = payer” compliance requirement.
Solution: A trade agent structure preserves the “buyer = payer” principle while enabling uninterrupted settlements with the supplier.

Scope of Trade Agent Services

Import Transaction Workflow

1. Alignment of Transaction Parties
the trade agent is represented by a foreign legal entity (Bellerage) with an established track record
2. Execution of Supply Agreement
key commercial terms with the supplier are preserved, including currency and payment conditions
3. Funds Transfer within Russia
a Russian legal entity (Bellerage) acts as the payment agent for transferring funds to the trade agent
4. Settlement with Trade Agent
payments are executed via netting arrangements; direct linkage to Russia may remain undisclosed
5. Payment to Supplier
the trade agent settles with the supplier in accordance with the contract terms
6. Resale to Russian Importer
goods are resold to the Russian importer in transit, without altering the logistics route

Bellerage Expertise

Global coverage
we work with most currencies and countries, including the USA, China and the EU
Diverse range of goods
a trading company free from bottleneck specialization and sanction restrictions
Docflow support
we provide supporting documents and professional advice for local and global compliance

Case Studies

Client
A Russian importer sourcing goods, including sanctioned items, from multiple Chinese manufacturers for resale in Russia
Request
A key Chinese supplier refused to deliver directly to Russia due to concerns over secondary sanctions, while both parties remained interested in continuing cooperation
Result
  • A supply agreement was executed between the Chinese exporter and the trade agent in the agent’s jurisdiction
  • A mirror contract was signed between the Russian importer and the trade agent
  • The logistics route remained unchanged (China → Russia)
  • The trade agent resold goods to the Russian buyer in transit
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Client
A Russian legal entity within an international industrial manufacturing group. The local team (sales and engineering) supports brand development and equipment servicing supplied from Europe.
Request
Due to sanctions, direct funding from the foreign parent company became unavailable. A solution was required to sustain operations and sales in Russia
Result
  • The Russian entity sells services to the foreign trade agent
  • The trade agent resells services to the European headquarters
  • The European manufacturer maintains market presence
  • The Russian office continues operations and retains its team
  • All settlements are executed through a compliant and transparent intermediary structure
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Related News

01 Bellerage in Top 3 Fastest-Growing Outsourcing Companies
02 Deadline to notificy about controlled foreign companies 2026
03 Documentation on Transfer Pricing and Controlled Transactions
04 Doing Business in Russia – 2025

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Bellerage Online©
Technological Leadership in Financial Outsourcing

Bellerage Online© is a tool for quick and efficient interaction with your outsourcing partner. Monitor financial and administrative processes from anywhere in the world 24/7.

Accessible via web or mobile app, our unique platform allows you to:

  • Communicate with your consultant, create requests and rate our services in real-time,
  • Submit documents for processing,
  • Access your online library with all documents,
  • Sign documents with an e-signature,
  • Automate and control the internal business processes of your company
  • Analyze your financial figures using dynamic online reports

Bellerage Online© is free for our clients and available to an unlimited number of users - from operational staff to headquarter representatives. Available in an English and Russian version.

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