
enteredExport agentWhat trade problems can the institution solve?
Professional import and export agency institutions mainly undertake the following core functions:
- Customs process managementFrom the preparation of declaration documents to HS code classification, handling customs inspections and tax calculation.
- Optimization of logistics programsDesign sea/air/rail intermodal transportation plans according to the characteristics of the goods, and coordinate the connection of domestic and foreign transportation.
- Commercial compliance advice: Interpret the technical standards of the target country (such as EU CE certification), rules of origin and other policy requirements
- Control of foreign exchange riskDesign a foreign exchange receipt and payment plan in combination with the two - way fluctuation characteristics of the RMB exchange rate in 2025.
What are the differences between self - operated import and export of a foreign trade company and entrusting an agency?
Compare from the perspective of actual operation costs:
- The human costSelf - operation requires the establishment of a professional team of 3 - 5 people, with an average annual cost of about 400,000 - 600,000 yuan.
- The wrong cost.For new enterprises for the first time.customs clearanceError rate up to35% may trigger customs inspection
- Cost of fundingThe agency can provide supply chain financial services, extending the payment period by 20 - 45 days.
- Effective CostsThe average customs clearance time of professional agents is 2.3 working days faster than that of self - operation (Customs data in 2025).
How to judge the professional qualifications of an agency?
It is recommended to verify from three dimensions:
- Supervisory Qualifications:
- Customs AEO advanced certified enterprise (new digital certification requirements added in 2025)
- Membership of the International Freight Agents Association (FIATA)
- Industry cases: Require to provide the operation records of the same category of goods (Pay attention to confidentiality treatment)
- Wind control systemCheck whether a trade compliance review system and emergency plan are equipped.
What items does the charging standard of import - export agents include?
The agency service fees in 2025 usually include:
- Basic Service CostsCharge 0.6% - 1.2% of the cargo value (for bulk cargo, a stepped rate can be negotiated).
- Special operating costs:
- Dangerous chemicals declaration surcharge: USD120 - 200 per ticket
- ATA carnet processing fee: RMB800-1500
- Funds for services: The forward foreign exchange settlement and locking service usually charges a handling fee of 0.3% - 0.8%
What common traps should be avoided when choosing an agency?
According to the analysis of international trade dispute cases in 2025:
- The low price trap.Agencies with quotes 30% lower than the industry average may have smuggling risks.
- The Qualification Trap: Beware of forged AEO certification certificates by PS (Can be verified on the website of the General Administration of Customs)
- The Responsibility TrapThe contract must clearly state the party responsible for the late payment penalty caused by incorrect declaration.
- The Service Trap: Require to provide the professional qualification certificates of the specific contact person (such as the customs declarant card number)
What new changes will there be in the import and export agency industry in 2025?
Three major policy trends should be focused on:
- Digital reportingChina Customs fully implements the new model of "smart review + random inspection"
- The Carbon Tariff ResponseThe EU CBAM mechanism requires that the agency has the ability to calculate carbon footprint.
- Regional Trade AgreementsThe RCEP origin accumulation rules put forward higher requirements for the document management of agencies.
What is the essential difference between import - export agents and freight forwarders?
Analyze the differences from the perspective of legal risks:
- scope of responsibility: The freight forwarder is only responsible for the transportation process, while the import and export agency needs to assume the responsibility for the accuracy of the declaration
- Service content: Import and export agency includes foreign exchange verification,Export tax refundFinancial Management Services
- Legal statusUnder the agency export mode, the agency, as the operating unit, bears primary responsibility.
What special services are required for the import and export of special commodities?
Take the export of medical devices to the EU as an example:
- Certification of ServicesUnder the MDR regulations, clinical evaluation documents need to be provided.
- Cold chain management: Need to provide the whole - process temperature control records and verification reports
- UDI traceabilityThe agency should assist in completing the unique device identification declaration.
- Early Warning ServicesTimely notify the EU Medical Device Vigilance System (a new AI monitoring module was added in 2025).
How to evaluate the emergency handling ability of an agency?
It is recommended to request the following case proofs:
- Customs inspection: Cases of successfully assisting customers in obtaining Class A enterprise certification in the past two years
- Trade Friction ResponseExperience in handling anti - dumping questionnaires.
- handling of emergencies.Alternative transportation plans for handling port lockdowns during the epidemic.
- System Disaster CapacityWhether it has an electronic declaration system with multi - location backup.
What is the development trend of the import and export agency industry in the next three years?
Based on the industry development white paper prediction in 2025:
- Integration of servicesMore than 65% of agencies will integrate customs, tax and financial services.
- Technological IntelligenceThe error rate of the AI customs declaration system will be reduced to less than 0.7%.
- People are specialized.Certified trade compliance officers will become the standard configuration of agencies.
- Regional differentiation: Professional agency service institutions for the ASEAN and African markets will increase by 120%