I. What is the core value of import/export agency services?

The essence of import/export agency business isprofessional service outsourcing, addressing four core pain points for enterprises:

• Breaking qualification barriers: Helping enterprises without import/export rights to quickly engage in international trade
• Optimizing customs clearance efficiencyProfessional team handles complex procedures such as customs declaration and inspection/quarantine
• Capital risk controlHedging exchange rate fluctuations risks through foreign exchange hedging tools
• Compliance and security assuranceEnsuring trade practices comply with Customs AEO certification standards and international sanctions regulations

II. How to choose between self-operated import/export and agency models?

According to 2023 General Administration of Customs data, annual export volumeBelow $5 million78% of such enterprises choose agency models. Considerations for decision-making:

• Cost comparison analysis:
  • Self-operation: Registered capital + system construction + personnel costs ≈ 300,000-500,000 yuan initial investment
  • Agency: 1.5-3% service fee charged per order
• Business scale threshold:
  • Agency recommended for under 10 monthly orders
  • Consider building own team for annual transaction volume exceeding $20 million

III. What key services do professional agency companies provide?

High-quality agents should possessEnd-to-end service capabilities:

• Basic services:
  • Document preparation (invoice, packing list, certificate of origin)
  • HS code classification and tariff rate confirmation
• Value - added services:
  • Export tax refundAdvance payment (fastest 3 working days for fund arrival)
  • Credit Card Audit and Payment
  • Coordination of port purposes

IV. How to identify the true capabilities of agency companies?

Proposal to passThree-dimensional verification method:

• Verification of Qualification:
  • Inspect Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate
  • Confirm SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) filing directory
• Risk control system:
  • Require presentation of recent two yearsCustoms credit records
  • Verify whether trade compliance review mechanism is established
• Practical case review:
  • Request same-industry service case references
  • Verify clearance records for special categories (e.g. hazardous materials, food products)

V. What are the new trends in agency service fees for 2025?

Industry research shows current fee structure demonstrates three major changes:

• 40. Digital service premiumAgents providing real-time tracking systems charge 15-20% premium
• Green tariff optimization: EU CBAM carbon tariff-related services become new chargeable items
• Flexible pricing model: 30% of agents adopt a hybrid billing model of "basic service fee + risk sharing."

VI. How to prevent potential risks in agency business?

Proposal to establish28. A triple - guarantee mechanism:

• The contract terms clearly state:
  • Agreement on liability attribution for HS code declaration errors
  • Specify encryption methods and timeliness for document transmission
• Fund supervision:
  • Require third-party account escrow
  • Set phased payment milestones
• Contingency plan:
  • Agree on emergency response time limits (e.g., customs inspection)
  • Establish backup service provider list