What is the specific operation process of agency import and export?

According to the 2025 latest International Freight Forwarding Management Regulations, legitimate agents must possess:

• Unified business license integrating the business license, organization code certificate and tax registration certificate(Including international freight forwarding business scope)
• China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) certification
• CustomsAEOCertification qualifications (priority given to advanced certification companies)
• At least $500,000 liability insurance certificate

It is recommended to verify qualifications through the General Administration of Customs official website or the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, with special attention to the agency companys filing status at major ports.

What are the core differences between exclusive agents and general agents?

• Market coverage scope:
  • Exclusive agent: Exclusive cooperation within agreed regions/channels
  • General agent: Allows competition among multiple agents
• Cost Structure:
  • Exclusive agents typically charge annual fees + commissions
  • General agents charge per transaction
• Assessment criteria:
  • Exclusive agents must commit to minimum sales volumes
  • General agents have no mandatory sales targets

What hidden costs are included in agency fees?

2025 industry surveys show that companies pay an average of 18.7% hidden costs as part of total agency fees, requiring special attention to:

• Destination port handling charges (THC) fluctuations
• Exchange rate hedging service fee
• Special document processing fee (e.g. expedited certificate of origin)
• Container demurrage prepayment deposit

Recommend requesting agents to provide detailed EXW quotation sheets covering 73 cost items (refer to INCOTERMS? 2025).

What should small and medium-sized enterprises pay attention to when selecting agents?

• Service flexibility: Acceptance of small trial orders
• The digital capacity: Whether real-time tracking system supports API integration
• Risk sharing mechanism: Special attention to tax liability allocation under DDP terms
• Industry focus: Priority given to agents with over 3 years of export experience in same product category

How to verify an agents overseas customs clearance capability?

Recommended adoptionThree - stage Verification Method:

1. Requirement for target country customs registration code
2. Verification of customs clearance records for similar products in past 12 months
3. On-site inspection of overseas partner warehouses (or video verification)

Which details must be clarified in contract clauses?

• Borders of Responsibility: Clarification of cargo damage liability under FOB and CIF terms
• Intellectual property clauses: Especially trademark registration region protection obligations
• Exit mechanism: Including customer data transfer procedures and transition arrangements
• Dispute settlement: Recommended third-party court jurisdiction agreement

What are the special requirements for agent selection in emerging markets?

TargetingThe RCEPNew member state markets require special attention to:

• Local currency settlement capability (e.g. IDR hedging mechanism)
• Religious-sensitive period logistics arrangements (e.g. Ramadan working hours)
• Localized document processing (Vietnams Vietnamese-English bilingual invoice requirement)
• Anti-dumping early warning system (especially for Southeast Asian steel product exports)

How to optimize through agentsExport tax refundThe flow?

Quality agents should provide:

• Intelligent matching system for customs declarations and VAT invoices
• Real-time tax rebate rate monitoring (some categories reaching 13% in 2025)
• Electronic management system for tax filing documents
• Abnormal declaration alerts (average tax refund cycle reduced to 45 days)

How to evaluate an agents technical capabilities in the digital era?

• Essential systems:
  • Blockchain Bill of Lading System
  • Intelligent Customs Pre-Declaration System
  • Multilingual EDI Integration Capability
• Data security:
  • ISO 27001 Information Security Management Certification
  • GDPR Compliance Certificate

(Note: The regulations and policies mentioned in this article are updated until June 2025. For specific operational advice, please consult professional trade service agencies.)