How to judge whether an import and export agency company is regular?

For enterprises that are conducting international trade for the first time, an agent company can solve three core problems:Qualification threshold, operational complexity, and risk control. According to the statistical data of the General Administration of Customs in 2023, 70% of small and medium - sized enterprises in the country choose to complete their first import and export business through an agent. A professional agent company can help enterprises quickly obtaincustoms clearancequalifications, handle document compliance issues, and effectively avoid risks such as trade sanctions.

How to determineExport agentIs the company legitimate?

The following three core qualifications must be verified:

• Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate (valid until 2025)
• Record-filing Form for Foreign Trade Operators
• Foreign Exchange Administration records

It is recommended to verify the company's qualifications online through the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform," paying special attention to whether its credit rating is "Certified Enterprise."

What customs clearance problems can an agency company handle?

Financing interest

• Basic service fee (0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value)
• Special fees for customs declaration and inspection
• Foreign exchange settlement fee
• Special document handling fees (such as certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, etc.)

The new version of Incoterms implemented from 2025 clearly stipulates that the agent shall clearly state the calculation methods of various fees in the contract.

How to avoid the risks of agency import and export business?

A professional agent should have the ability to handle the following complex situations:

• Resolution of HS code classification disputes
• Response plan for anti - dumping duties
• ATA Carnet processing
• Customs clearance in special supervision areas

The typical cases notified by the General Administration of Customs in 2024 show that 87% of classification errors occur in enterprises that declare customs independently, while the error rate of agent companies is only 5%.

Must export tax rebates be handled through an agency?

It is recommended to establish a triple guarantee mechanism:

• The contract clearly defines the division of responsibilities
  • Clause on ownership of goods
  • Clause for guaranteeing the authenticity of documents
• Insurance Credit
• Establish a capital supervision account

Export tax refundIs it necessary to go through an agent?

According to the latest regulations of the State Taxation Administration in 2025, enterprises can independently choose the tax refund method. However, an agent company can provide two major advantages:Accelerate the tax refund cycle (an average of 15 working days shorter)andSolve the problem of tax refund across customs areas. It is recommended that enterprises with an annual export volume of less than $5 million give priority to agent tax refund.

What is the cooperation process for agency import and export?

Four types of goods that need special attention:

• Medical devices (require CFDA filing)
• Food (require health certification of the importing country)
• Dangerous chemicals (require MSDS certification)
• Dual - use items (require permission from the Ministry of Commerce)

How to evaluate the professional capabilities of an agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Customs AEO certification level
• Size of the industry case library
• Customs team qualifications (percentage of licensed declarants)
• Information system construction (Whether there is the ability to connect with ERP)
• Crisis handling cases

What is the cooperation process for agency import and export?

The standardized process includes six stages:

1. Confirmation of trade method (general trade/processing trade, etc.)
2. Pre - review of documents
3. Arrangement for foreign exchange receipt and payment
4. Formulation of customs clearance plan
5. Implementation of logistics monitoring
6. Filing of after - sales documents

Build an in - house foreign trade team or find an agent?

It is recommended to refer to the following decision - making model:

• Annual import and export volume > $10 million: It is recommended to build an in - house team
• Involving goods under special supervision: Professional agents must be sought
• Operation in multi - country markets: Transnational agents are preferred
• Cross - border e - commerce business: Choose agents with experience in 9610/9710