
I.customs clearanceIs Broker Qualification a Mandatory Requirement?
According to the newly implemented Customs Brokerage Unit Registration Management Regulations in 2025, legal customs brokers must holdCustoms Record Electronic CertificateandCustoms Broker Registration CertificateIt is recommended to verify the following key qualifications through the "Enterprise Registration Information Inquiry System" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs:
- Enterprise Credit Rating (AEO-certified enterprises preferred)
- Whether the business scope includes target product categories
- No major compliance violations in the past 3 years
How to Evaluate a Customs Brokers True Professional Competence?
Request the Agency to provideCustoms clearance cases in the past six monthsFocus on:
- Special customs clearance scenario handling experience
- Bonded zone transit
- Cross-border e-commerce 9610/9710 models
- RCEP origin certification
- Product classification accuracy rate (requires provision of classification dispute resolution cases)
- Customs valuation dispute response plan
Are Lower Customs Clearance Fees Really Better?
2025 industry research data shows that high-quality customs broker services typically cost 15-20% more than the market average but can reduce customs delay risks by 30%. Beware of the following fee traps:
- Hidden fee items (such as document modification fees, expedited fees)
- Subcontracting service price differences (requires provision of full-chain service list)
- Excessively high prepayment ratio (normal should be ≤30%)
How to Verify Emergency Handling Capabilities?
You may request the brokerage company to simulate response processes for the following scenarios:
- Communication plan when customs inspection finds declaration discrepancies
- Holiday customs clearance exception handling efficiency
- Relief channels for administrative penalties triggered by classification disputes
Is Digital Service Capability Important?
By 2025, the coverage rate of smart customs clearance systems has reached 92%. It is recommended to choose brokers with the following digital capabilities:
- Real-time customs clearance progress tracking system
- HS code intelligent matching tool
- Tariff calculation simulator
Is Industry-Specific Service Necessary?
For special industries such as medical devices and chemical products, it is recommended to choose brokers withIndustry access qualifications2. Agency Services:
- Hazardous chemicals transportation record
- Medical Device Registration Record Filing
- Food Contact Material Compliance Certification
How to Assess a Brokers Customs Compliance Capability?
Request to provide completeCompliance Management ProgramShould include:
- Document Retention System (retain for at least 5 years)
- Regular Compliance Audit Reports
- Customs Policy Interpretation Training
How Much Does Geographic Coverage Matter?
Recommend selecting agents based on major import/export ports:
- Yangshan Port/ Ningbo Port service network preferred for Yangtze River Delta region
- Focus on operational experience at Shekou Port/ Nansha Port for Pearl River Delta region
- Midwest enterprises should confirm land transit service capabilities
What Clauses Should Be Noted in Service Agreements?
5 essential contract elements that must be specified:
- Liability Division Clause (especially for declaration errors)
- Customs Clearance Time Guarantee Clause
- Force majeure handling mechanism
- Data Confidentiality Clause
- Service Termination Conditions
How to Establish a Long-Term Cooperation Evaluation Mechanism?
Recommend quarterly 4-dimensional evaluation:
- Customs Clearance Timeliness Achievement Rate
- Document Error Rate
- Abnormal Handling Satisfaction Rate
- Policy Update Synchronization Timeliness