Why does the export of thermal insulation building materials require professional agency services?

Against the backdrop of the 2025 global green building standards upgrade, the export of thermal insulation building materials faces three major challenges:Update of EU EN 13162 CertificationandRevision of North American Building Fire CodesandAdjustment of Tariff Codes in ASEAN CountriesProfessional agency firms can assist enterprises in:

• Ensure the product complies with the latest technical standards of the target market.
• Handling complexitycustoms clearanceDocuments (MSDS, COO, test reports, etc.)
• OptimizingInternational logisticsCost (Reducing the LCL shipping loss rate to below 3%)

What core services can an agency provide?

Based on our experience serving over 300 building materials enterprises, high-quality agents should possess the following service modules:

• Certification services
  • CE/FCC/ISO Certification Express Channel
  • Coordination of third-party laboratory testing
• Trade compliance management
  • HS Code precise classification (especially for composite insulation materials)
  • Anti - dumping duty avoidance plan
• 32. Control of port demurrage (can be reduced by more than 30%)
  • Special handling for hazardous material transportation (e.g., products containing flame retardants)
  • Cross-border insurance plan customization

How to evaluate the professional capabilities of an agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate service providers from seven dimensions:

• Industry experience (with at least 50 shipments of thermal insulation materials exported)
• Overseas customs clearance network coverage (focus on key target market ports)
• Compliance team configuration (must include certified classification specialists)
• Information system integration capability (real-time ERP data synchronization)
• Crisis management cases (e.g., response to the 2023 EU customs seizure incident)
• Financial Services Support (Open Account, Letter of Credit Financing, etc.)
• Market Intelligence Service (Regular Provision of Policy Interpretations for Target Countries)

How are agency service costs calculated?

2025 mainstream fee models include:

• All-inclusive service: 1.2%-2.5% of the cargo value (including customs clearance, logistics, and documentation)
• Sectional charging: Basic service fee + Risk surcharge (for sensitive countries)
• Performance sharing: The tariff savings shall be proportionally distributed.

Special attention is neededHidden costs: For expenses such as warehouse rent and amendment fees incurred during customs inspection at the destination port, a high-quality agent should specify the cost ceiling in the contract in advance.

Which is more cost - effective, self - export or agency export?

Through cost comparison model analysis (taking a 20-foot container shipped to the Middle East as an example):

• Self - managed exportCost composition:
  • Documentation staff salary allocation: ￥800
  • System maintenance fee: ￥300
  • Exception handling cost: ￥1500+
• Agency export,Cost:
  • Standard service fee: ￥2500
  • Risk Guarantee Fee: ￥500

When the company's monthly export volume is less than 15 containers, the agency model can reduce overall costs by 23%. It is recommended to adopt this approach.Blending Mode: Routine order agency operations, while key account orders are maintained by the in-house team.

How to mitigate risks in agency cooperation?

An agreement containing the following terms must be signed:

• Fund Supervision Clause (It is recommended to use a third-party escrow account)
• Agreement on Intellectual Property Ownership (Particularly for ODM Products)
• Data Confidentiality Agreement (Customer Information, Quotations, etc.)
• Force Majeure Exemption Clauses (Referencing the 2024 ICC Revised Incoterms)
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism (Preferred Arbitration Venue and Applicable Law)