How to determine if a foreign trade agency company has professional qualifications?

When selecting an agency company, the following qualification documents must be carefully verified:

• CustomsAEOCertification(New 2025 regulations require at least general certification level)
• Import and Export Rights Certificate filed with SAFE
• Single Window for International Trade Operation Qualification
• Industry Association Membership Certification (e.g. China Customs Brokers Association)

Case: A daily chemical company in 2024 had goods destined for Germany detained at port for 14 days due to lack of AEO certification by their agent, incurring additional storage fees of 230,000 yuan.

What core components does export agency service include?

Professional foreign trade agents should provide full-chain services:

• Basic service module:
  • Preparation and declaration of customs declaration documents
  • Cross-border logistics solution design
  • Export tax refundAgency services
• Value - added service module:
  • HS Code Pre-classification (new AI intelligent classification system in 2025)
  • The RCEP/FTA Rules of Origin Application
  • Cross-border Fund Compliance Management

How to calculate the agency fees reasonably?

2025 industry fee standards show new characteristics:

• Basic Service Fee: 0.8%-1.2% of goods value (including customs clearance, documentation, tax refund)
• Logistics Surcharge: Charged by transport method (3%-5% for sea freight/8%-12% for air freight)
• Risk Deposit: First-time cooperation requires 10% of goods value as deposit

An electromechanical export enterprise negotiated through their agent to reduce logistics surcharge from 9% to 6.5%, saving over 800,000 yuan annually.

How to prevent compliance risks in international trade?

Professional agency companies should establish a triple risk prevention system:

• Pre-review: Automatic screening system for export control lists
• Process Monitoring: Real-time tracking of cargo clearance status
• Post-traceability: Cloud storage of electronic documents (meeting customs 5-year traceability requirement)

In 2025, the General Administration of Customs will implement the "Smart Inspection 2.0" system, making the compliance management capabilities of agency companies even more crucial.

Are agency services suitable for SMEs?

According to 2025 Foreign Trade Agency Industry White Paper data:

• Annual export volume <5 million yuan: Agency costs 42% lower than self-operation
• 5-20 million yuan: Risk incidence decreased by 67%
• >20 million yuan: Recommended to establish own team + agent collaboration model

How to HandleExport tax refundDisputes?

Professional agents should provide a three-level dispute resolution mechanism:

• Primary Handling: Submit appeal materials within 48 hours
• Expert Demonstration: Professional opinion issued by tax accounting firm

How to evaluate the emergency handling ability of an agency company?

Recommend evaluating through three dimensions:

• Response Speed: Emergency plan activation within 2 hours for unexpected situations
• Resource Network: Overseas customs clearance agents cover major trading countries
• Technical Means: Applying blockchain technology to trace problematic links

A food company encountered cargo detention by Indonesian customs. The agency coordinated with the local chamber of commerce to issue a health certificate within 6 hours, avoiding cargo destruction losses.