36. I. How to judge the importExport agentcompanys professional qualifications?

To verify the qualifications of an agency, focus on three core elements:Customs AEO certificationandYears of International Trade ServiceandRequire the provision of export records of similar equipment in the past three years, and focus on examining the operational experience in sub - fields such as baking machinery and sterilization equipment.. According to the latest data from 2025, agencies with the following characteristics are more trustworthy:

• Hold the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Advanced Certification (can reduce customs clearance time by 30%).
• A minimum of 5 years of continuous operating history.
• Having a physical branch in the target market
• Please provide verifiable export cases of similar products.

What Costs Can Agents Help Enterprises Save?Export agentWhat hidden costs are included in the fees?

Agency service fees are typically composed of a base service fee plus variable fees. Special attention should be paid to:

• Document Handling Fee: Document Authentication, Certificate of Origin, etc.
• Exception Handling Fee:
  • Port demurrage charges incurred from customs inspection
  • Amendment fee for discrepancies in documents
• Exchange rate fluctuation deposit (commonly seen in long-term agency agreements)

3. How to cooperate with the agency company when encountering customs inspection?

After the upgrade of the Customs Smart Supervision System in 2025, enterprises should:

• Prepare the electronic document package (including 3D product models) in advance.
• Ensure that the product information is absolutely consistent with the declared data.
• Authorize the agency company to use it.Electronic Seal SystemQuick Response

IV. How Can Import and Export Agents Mitigate Trade Sanction Risks?

In accordance with the latest OFAC regulatory requirements for 2025, it is recommended to establish a three-tier screening mechanism:

• Background investigation of the trading party (including ultimate beneficial owner tracing)
• Cross-verification of cargo categories and HS codes
• Dynamic Monitoring of Logistics Routes (Avoiding Transfer Risks)

V. Which is more advantageous: FOB or CIF terms?

It should be aligned with the company's financial strength and risk tolerance:

• It is recommended for small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt FOB:
  • Control domestic segment costs
  • Avoid fluctuations in shipping prices
• Large enterprises may consider CIF:
  • Obtain overall transportation bargaining power
  • Enhance the end-customer service experience

6. How does the agency company handle it?Export tax refund?

The 2025 electronic tax refund system has achieved full-process automation, and high-quality agents should provide:

• Tax refund pre-review service (shortening the cycle to 7 working days)
• Intelligent Matching System for Input Invoices
• Cross-border Cash Pooling Management Solution (Multi-currency Tax Refund Optimization)

7. What should be noted regarding the import and export of special commodities?

When dealing with special categories such as 3C certification and medical devices, the agency company should possess:

• Target Market Access Qualification Database
• Laboratory testing resource integration capability
• Experience in Applying Preferential Rules of Origin under RCEP

8. How to evaluate the emergency response capability of an agency?

It is recommended to require agency companies to provide:

• 72-Hour Global Emergency Response Case
• Alternative Port Switching Plan
• Policy risk hedging instruments (such as exchange rate locking)

9. Is a digital management system necessary?

The standard proxy service system in 2025 should include:

• Real-time Freight Tracking (with Blockchain-based Evidence Storage)
• Intelligentlycustoms clearancePre-review system
• Multi-dimensional Data Analysis Dashboard

10. What are the considerations when signing an agency contract?

Seven clauses that must be clearly defined:

• Governing Law for Dispute Resolution (It is recommended to specify Chinese law)
• Data privacy protection clauses
• Definition scope of force majeure
• Service Interruption Compensation Standards
• Guarantee of intellectual property rights
• Arrangements for the Contract Termination Transition Period
• Annual service fee adjustment mechanism