What legal qualifications does an export agency company need?

Legally operating export agency companies must possess:Foreign Trade Operator Registration and Record Filing CertificateandCustoms AEO certificationandRegister of Foreign Exchange Administration. I once handled a medical equipment export case in 2018 where goods were detained at the port for 45 days due to the agent lacking a Medical Device Business License, highlighting the importance of special industry qualifications.

How to determine if an agency companys service scope is comprehensive?

High-quality export agency companies should provide the following service matrix:

• Basic Services
  • Customs Declaration and Inspection
  • Transportation methods (sea/air/rail)
• Value Added Services
  • Trade financing
  • Export tax refundAgency services
  • Destination country customs clearance assistance

What reasonable items should agency fees include?

Standard fee structure should include:

• Basic operation fees (document processing, customs declaration, etc.)
• Government fees (inspection fees, advance tariff payments, etc.)
• Logistics-related fees (must specify whether it includes THC/BAF and other surcharges)

Be wary of hidden charges, such as the "destination port document processing surcharge" encountered by a food exporter in 2019, which constitutes an illegal fee.

How to verify an agency companys risk control capabilities?

14. Focus on three dimensions:

• Payment security: Whether Escrow account services are provided
• Cargo Tracking: GPS positioning system coverage rate
• Dispute Resolution: Trade dispute resolution success rate in the past three years

How do agency companies handle special trade terms?

Professional companies should be proficient in:

• Latest interpretations of 11 Incoterms? 2025 including FOB/CIF
• ATA Carnet processing
• Rules of origin for RCEP member countries

How is export timeliness guaranteed?

Qualified agents should provide:

• Standard operating time schedules for various ports
• Emergency channel services (e.g., 72-hour expedited customs clearance at Shanghai Port)
• Real-time updated customs policy alert system

Is industry experience important?

Specific industries must require professional experience:

• Chemicals require GHS certification operation experience
• Food products require mastery of FDA/CE certification processes
• Cross-border e-commerceFamiliarity with 9810 supervision code is required

How to ensure tax compliance?

Key verification points:

• Export tax refundAccuracy of rate calculations (e.g., 13% textile export tax rebate rate in 2025)
• Cross-border payment tax filing capability
• VAT deferral business processing experience

How to handle trade disputes?

Standard procedures should include:

• Emergency response initiation within 48 hours
• Professional legal team support
• ICC arbitration assistance

How to evaluate an agency companys market response speed?

Recommended test scenarios:

• Response time for sudden customs inspections
• Hedging suggestions during severe exchange rate fluctuations
• Early warning speed for destination country policy changes