What basic documents are required for customs declaration by an agent?

According to Announcement No. 38 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the following documents must be submitted for proxy declaration:

• Basic trade documents
  • Commercial Invoice (HS Code must be indicated)
  • Packing List (must fully match the actual goods)
  • Copy of the sales contract
• Special Qualification Documents
  • Certificate of Origin (Applicable to Special Agreement Tariff Rates)
  • Export license (for controlled commodities)
  • Dangerous Goods Transport Identification Certificate (Chemical Products Category)

How to verify the compliance qualifications of a customs clearance agent?

It is recommended to verify the agency qualifications through the following methods:

• Please log in to the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform" to inquire.
• Please present the original copy of the "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate".
• Confirm whether AEO certification is available (preferably enterprises with advanced certification).
• Verify that there have been no major violations in the past three years (can be checked through the Customs 12360 hotline).

What are the components of customs declaration agency fees?

The agency customs clearance fees for 2025 typically include:

• Fixed service fees: 500-2000 RMB per order (depending on cargo complexity)
• Variable cost:
  • Customs System Usage Fee (85 RMB per order)
  • Document Entry Fee (RMB 20/item)
  • Expedited Service Fee (30% additional charge for clearance within 24 hours after declaration)
• The risk guarantee: 1-3% of the cargo value (negotiable)

What are the latest changes in electronic filing?

In 2025, the General Administration of Customs will implement the following reform measures:

• Full implementationIntelligent Classification System(HS Code Automatic Verification)
• Added newBlockchain Traceability Module(Compulsory use for key monitored commodities)
• AchieveCustoms Data Bank Direct Connection(Automatic matching of payment and receipt information)
• The response speed of the electronic port system has been increased to200 orders/second

How to handle customs inspections when they occur?

Recommended response strategies:

• Prepare in advancePre-shipment Inspection Report
• Require the Agent to ProvideReal-time image verification
• EstablishedEmergency response mechanisms(Professionals arrive on-site within 2 hours)
• PurchaseInspection Delay Insurance(Covering daily storage losses of 5,000 yuan)

How to Avoid Common Filing Mistakes?

According to the analysis of customs administrative penalty cases from 2023 to 2024, special attention should be paid to:

• The weight deviation of the goods exceeds±3%Trigger an alert.
• Brand declaration requires submission ofTrademark Registration Certificate(Including cross-border e-commerce standard products)
• The declared price is lower thanCustoms price risk parametersForce a revaluation.
• Packaging materials must be declared separately (wooden packaging requires fumigation certificate).

Which is more cost-effective: self-declaration or agent declaration?

It is recommended to evaluate through the following dimensions:

• Cost comparison：For annual exports below 200 orders, agency service is recommended.
• Time requirement: Expedited declaration agency processing efficiency is 40% higher.
• Risk control: The proxy error rate is approximately 1/5 of the self-reported value.
• Policy Adaptation: It is recommended to use a proxy during the first three months after the new regulations take effect.