How to Verify the Authentic Qualifications of a Foreign Trade Agency Company?

Request for Agent ProvisionThree Certificates and Two Documents:

• Basic files
  • Business License (confirming that the scope of business includes import)Export agent) is
  • Customs registration certificate
  • Foreign Exchange Administration Filing Certificate
• Value-added document
  • Customs declaration forms from the past six months (randomly select 3 for inspection)
  • Bank Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Voucher (Verification of Actual Foreign Exchange Receipt and Payment Capability)

Pay special attention in 2025.Under the RCEPFor the implementation of rules of origin, the agent may be requested to present the latest customs clearance cases from relevant member states (such as Vietnam, Indonesia).

How to verify the real capabilities of an agent?

Must request provision ofComprehensive Cost Breakdown List for the Entire Process:

• Basic service fee (typically charged at 1%-3% of the cargo value)
• Potential add-ons
  • Special document preparation fee (e.g., CO, FE certificates)
  • Allocation ratio of demurrage charges at the port of destination
  • Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause

Recommended adoptionDDP termsPrice comparison, requiring the agent to commit to no additional charges except for force majeure factors such as war risk and strike risk.

How to assess the international trade compliance capability of an agent?

The focus is on examining three levels:

• Export controls
  • Request for solutions to comply with U.S. EAR regulations.
  • Verify the EU's experience in dual-use item controls
• Trade remedy
  • Anti-dumping duty calculation capability (provide past cases)
  • Feasibility of Origin Circumvention Solutions
• Certificate management
  • Electronic Data Storage System (must comply with AEO certification standards)
  • Customs declaration form amendment process timeline

How to determine liability in case of cargo delay?

It is essential to clarify the attribution of responsibilities at four critical junctures:

• Inland transportation after factory loading is completed
• Risk of cargo damage during port storage
• Shipment delay caused by customs inspection
• Mechanism for Handling Unclaimed Cargo at Destination Port

It is recommended to stipulate in the agreementSectional Liability Insurance, request the agent to provide copies of insurance certificates for each stage.

Can the agent handle special trade modes?

Key confirmations based on business requirements:

• Processing trade manual cancellation cycle
• Experience in operating cross-border e-commerce 9610/9710 models
• Temporary entryExport goodsGuarantee processing
• Design of One-Day Tour Route for Bonded Zone Business

Can request agents to provideAnnouncement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025Interpretation Plan for the Latest Implementation Rules on Cross-Border E-Commerce.