1. What kind of customs declaration agent is suitable for the export of pump and valve products?

As a special category of mechanical products, selecting an agent for pumps and valves requires key considerations:

• Experience in customs clearance of mechanical and electrical products: Familiar with HS code classification (such as 8413/8481 series).
• Technical document processing capability: Able to standardize the production of product manuals and material certificates.
• Hazardous Chemicals Certification Experience: Special documents such as MSDS are required for materials related to seals.
• Knowledge of Destination Country Access Requirements: Such as EU CE certification, US ASME standards, etc.

33. II. How to Verify the True Qualifications of an Agency Company?

It is recommended to implement the "Triple Verification Method":

• Please visit the General Administration of Customs website to verify the validity of the "Registration Certificate for Customs Declaration Entities."
• Please provide the customs clearance efficiency data for the last 3 months (a confidentiality agreement can be signed).
• On-site inspection to verify whether its operating system is connected to the International Trade Single Window.

III. What hidden costs are included in agency fees?

Potential fees that require special attention include:

• Destination Port Anti-dumping Duty Pre-assessment Service Fee (Common in European and American Markets)
• Technical document translation certification fee (notarized translation required for non-English speaking countries)
• Special packaging filing fee (IMDG certification required for pressure vessels)
• Storage Inspection Surcharge (Daily Port Storage Fee)

IV. How to Avoid Common Agency Cooperation Pitfalls?

2025 Latest Case Warning:

• Beware of "Tax-Inclusive Customs Clearance" Promises (Violating Customs Valuation Principles)
• Confirmation of Intellectual Property Pre-Verification Service (Avoidance of Patent Infringement Seizures)
• Request clarification on the division of responsibility for late declaration fees (0.5‰ per day as per customs regulations).
• Verify whether professional liability insurance has been purchased (recommended coverage amount not less than RMB 5 million).

V. What are the new advantages of digital customs brokerage?

A high - quality agency should possess:

• RCEP Certificate of Origin Intelligent Application System
• Real-time HS Code Big Data Verification Tool
• Customs Exception Auto-Alert Mechanism
• Visualized Logistics Tracking Platform

VI. How can small and medium-sized pump and valve enterprises control costs?

It is recommended to adopt a step-by-step cooperation model:

• Monthly export volume <10 containers: Choose per-shipment billing (approximately RMB 800-1500/shipment).
• Monthly export volume of 10-30 containers: Sign an annual service agreement (costs can be reduced by 15-20%).
• Special product line: Requires customized risk control solutions (e.g., separate accounting for API authentication products).

7. How to evaluate an agent's emergency response capability?

Key performance indicators should include:

• Customs inspection response time (high-quality agents arrive on-site within 2 hours)
• Case Studies of Classification Dispute Resolution (Success Rate of Reconsideration in Recent 3 Years)
• Response time for emergency handling (e.g., alternative solutions during the 2024 Red Sea crisis)
• Proportion of AEO-certified enterprise services (reflecting customer quality)

8. What clauses should be noted when signing an agency contract?

Five core clauses that must be clarified:

• Data Confidentiality Obligations (with Special Focus on Protection of Technical Parameters)
• Liability for Fault Compensation (It is recommended to stipulate a minimum compensation of three times the service fee)
• Termination of Service Clause (30-day prior written notice required)
• Applicable Law Clause (preferably the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
• Definition of Force Majeure (clarifying the scope of liability exemption for supply chain disruptions)