I. to enterExport agentWhat qualifications does the company need?

According to the latest 2025 "Foreign Trade Law," the establishment of a professional import and export agency company must meet the following requirements:

• Basic Qualifications
  • The registered capital shall not be less than RMB 1 million (for cross-border e-commerce enterprises, it may be reduced to RMB 500,000).
  • Obtain the "Registration Form of Foreign Trade Operator"
  • Complete the registration of the consignee and consignor for customs import and export goods.
• Special qualifications
  • The import and export of hazardous materials requires a hazardous chemicals business license.
  • Food category requires a Food Circulation License.
  • Medical devices require CFDA filing.

2. What is the difference between an agency company and self-operated import and export?

From a practical operational perspective:

• Differences in legal entities: In the agency mode, the agency company does not act as a direct party to the sales contract.
• Difference in fund occupation: Agencies usually do not advance payment for goods, resulting in lower financial pressure.
• Difference in Risk Bearing:Customs clearanceThe responsibilities of foreign exchange verification and cancellation, along with other professional matters, shall be undertaken by the agent.

How to evaluate the professional capabilities of agency companies?

It is recommended to examine from five dimensions:

• Customs credit level：Priority is given to AEO-certified enterprises (China Customs Advanced Certification).
• Require 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.: Request to provide operation records of similar products
• Global Service Network: Establish offices in at least 3 major ports/free trade zones.
• Technical systems: It should possess the capability to interface with ERP systems and provide real-time tracking functionality.
• Compliance team: Full-time customs, tax, and legal personnel must be assigned.

IV. What items are included in the agency service fees?

43. The industry standard charging structure in 2025:

• Basic Service Costs：0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (inclusive)customs clearance, documentation, logistics coordination)
• Value Added Services:
  • Foreign Exchange Risk Management: Single Transaction 50-200 Basis Points
  • Tax Planning: Annual Service Fee 30,000-80,000 RMB
  • Supply Chain Finance: Financing Amount 1%-3%

V. What are the precautions for the import and export of special commodities?

Special reminder for three types of special commodities:

• Lithium battery products
  • UN38.3 test report required
  • Transportation must comply with IATA DGR regulations.
• Food additives
  • EU requires EFSA certification.
  • The United States requires FDA GRAS certification.
• Used equipment
  • Japan requires METI filing.
  • Most Southeast Asian countries require pre-shipment inspection.

VI. How to Avoid Common Legal Risks?

Based on typical cases from the past three years, it is recommended that:

• Contract risks: Clearly stipulate the responsibility for HS code declaration.
• Intellectual Property Risk: Request the agent to provide brand authorization verification services.
• Sanctions risk: The agency company should possess a real-time updated OFAC screening system.

7. What are the special requirements for cross-border e-commerce agents?

For the 9710/9810 regulatory model:

• Data interface: Requires API integration with the General Administration of Customs' cross-border e-commerce system.
• Time of Customs: The completion rate of customs clearance within 72 hours should reach over 95%.
• 7. Return handling: It is necessary to establish an overseas warehouse reverse logistics system.