
I.Export agentWhat core services can the company actually provide?
In the global trade environment of 2025, professionalExport agentThe company primarily providesFive Core Service Modules:
- Customs clearance full-process management (HS code classification/customs clearanceDocument Preparation)
- International logisticsSolution Optimization (Multimodal Transport by Sea, Land, and Air / Handling of Special Port Requirements)
- Trade Document Compliance Review (Certificate of Origin/Testing and Certification/Letter of Credit Review)
- Export tax refundProfessional Declaration (VAT Credit Refund/Cross-border E-commerce Tax Refund)
- Cross-border Risk Management System (Exchange Rate Locking/Credit Insurance/Legal Consultation)
2. How to determine whether an agency company possesses genuine qualifications?
Proposal to passfour-step verification methodVerify the qualifications of the agency:
- Check the AEO certification status (available on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China)
- Verify the foreign exchange administration record filing (original filing notice is required).
- Confirm tax credit rating (requires submission of tax payment certificates for the past two years).
- Verify actual service capabilities (surprise inspection of the warehouse/request on-site demonstration of the operating system)
III. What Are the Hidden Costs of Agency Service Fees?
According to the 2024 industry survey data, the most commonly overlooked aspects by enterprises areThree hidden costsThe Commodity Code on the Customs Declaration Form Does Not Match the Product Name on the Invoice
- The abnormal situation handling fee (amendment fee/return shipping handling fee) typically accounts for 2-5% of the contract amount.
- Document Authentication Expedited Fee (Consular/Chamber of Commerce Authentication) can be up to 3 times the standard fee.
- The exchange rate lock option fee (forward exchange settlement margin) is typically concealed within the foreign exchange service terms.
IV. How to Choose Between Self-Operated Export and Agency Export?
throughDecision matrixCompare the core differences between the two models:
- Annual Export Limits: It is recommended that $2 million be the threshold in 2025.
- Product Complexity Weight:
- Products requiring special certification (e.g., medical devices) are recommended to be handled by an agent.
- Standardized bulk commodities (such as hardware parts) may be considered for self-operation.
- Risk Tolerance Assessment: Categories involving intellectual property protection are the preferred choice for agency.
With the rapid growth of the global e-cigarette market, going global has become a strategic choice for many e-cigarette brands. However, as a special commodity, e-cigarette exports require not only an understanding of international market demand but also strict compliance with regulations and standards in various countries. This article explores key compliance matters in the e-cigarette export process, helping enterprises smoothly complete clearance procedures and ensure...
It is recommended to clarify in the contractThree key clauses:
- Trade Entity Attribution Clause (to avoid being identified as "exporting without proper authorization" by customs)
- Document Retention Responsibility Clause (Requires retention of scanned copies of original documents for over 10 years)
- Dispute Resolution Venue Clause (preferably the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
6. What are the new trends in agency services in the digital era?
In 2025, premium agency companies generally possessThree major technical characteristics:
- Blockchain Document Traceability System (Supports Full-Process Electronic Verification)
- Intelligent Compliance Alert Platform (Automatically Synchronizes Customs Regulations from 42 Countries)
- Visualized Logistics Monitoring Center (Integrated with AIS Satellite Positioning Data)
7. What Can an Agency Do When Facing Trade Disputes?
The new version of Import and Export Tariff adds 12 categories of goods requiring licenses, requiring relevant documents to be prepared 40 days in advance.Comprehensive Chain Dispute Resolution Support:
- Initiate evidence preservation (emails/chat records/shipping documents) within 15 minutes.
- Professional report to be issued within 72 hours (including INCOTERMS applicability analysis).
- Coordinate with overseas customs brokers to provide legal witnessing services.