How to choose a reliable export product agent?

Customs inspection basis:Export agentThree dimensions need to be focused on:Certification of QualificationandIndustry ExperienceandService networksIt is recommended to screen according to the following process:

• Official certification verificationCheck the certification of the Chinese Customs,AEOand the membership qualification of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
• Professional matching degree assessment:
  • Operation cases of the same category of products (at least 3 successful cases)
  • Target market customs clearance records (for example, for the European and American markets, experience in handling FDA/CE certifications is required)
• Emergency capability testingRequire to provide a sample solution for sudden customs inspections

What specific contents does the agency service include?

In 2025, the mainstream agency services have formed standardized modules:

• Core service modules:
  • Digital processing of customs declaration documents (including electronic application for certificates of origin)
  • Intelligent logistics route optimization (integrating sea/air/China - Europe freight train resources)
• Value-added Service Package:
  • Export tax refundPre - review system (can shorten the tax refund cycle by 30%)
  • Cross - border compliance early warning (real - time update of regulations such as EU EPR and US CPSC)

How is the agency fee structure composed?

The current agency fees usually include three levels:

• Basic Service Costs: Charged at 0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value (including basic customs declaration and document processing)
• Special operating costs:
  • Special packaging handling fee: USD80 - 150/cubic meter (for fragile/dangerous goods)
  • Expedited customs clearance fee: 200% of the normal - time price
• The risk guaranteeAbout 5% of the cargo value (it can be negotiated to be replaced by a bank guarantee)

How to avoid legal risks in agency cooperation?

It is recommended to clarify four key clauses in the agreement:

• Liability division clauseClarify the liability division before and after the goods leave the port
• Intellectual property protectionRequire the agent to provide the customs recordation protection certificate.
• Data Security AgreementComply with the dual standards of GDPR and the Chinese Data Security Law
• Dispute resolution mechanismAgree that the Shanghai International Arbitration Center shall be the dispute resolution institution

What new customs policies should be noted in 2025?

Key policy changes this year include:

• New EU regulations:CBAM isFull implementation of the carbon tariff mechanism (covering 6 major categories such as steel and aluminum products)
• US adjustment: 36 items are added to the Section 301 tariff exclusion list
• China upgrade: General Administration of Customs fully implements 'Intelligent Customs Declaration 2.0' system (requires connection to Single Window API)

It is recommended that enterprises require the agent to providePolicy update briefing12., and participate in the exclusive policy interpretation meeting for customs AEO - certified enterprises.

How to verify the actual operation ability of the agent?

It is recommended to verify through three dimensions:

• System docking testRequire a demonstration of data interaction with the customs single - window
• Scenario simulation drillDesign the emergency handling of the scenario where the destination port customs detains the goods
• Key points of on - site inspection:
  • Check the WMS system level of the warehouse
  • The proportion of certified personnel in the customs affairs team (at least 60% hold the customs declarer qualification certificate)

Do small and medium - sized enterprises need exclusive agency services?

According to 2025 industry research data, enterprises with annual export value <$3 million are more suitable to choose:

• Modular service packageFlexible service package paid quarterly
• Share customs resourcesMultiple small and medium - sized enterprises share senior customs declaration experts
• Digital management platformIndependently track the whole process through the SaaS system provided by the agent