How to verify aExport agentcompanys professional qualifications?

When selecting agency service providers, focus on these four dimensions:

• Customs filing informationRequire submission of Customscustoms clearanceEntity Registration Certificate and verify status via Customs General Administration website
• Industry certification system
  • Priority given to AEO-certified enterprises (Customs Advanced Certification)
  • ISO 28000 supply chain security management certification
• Service network coverageConfirm their partnered ports/airports cover your operational regions, e.g. Ningbo/Shanghai port experience for Yangtze River Delta operations
• Contract safeguard clausesMust include professional clauses such as HS code declaration responsibility division and demurrage cost allocation mechanism

What items are included in agency service fees?

The fee structure of formal agency companies typically includes:

• Basic Service Costs0.8%-1.5% of cargo value (negotiable tiered rates for bulk commodities)
• Processing fees
  • Customs declaration: 200-500 RMB per document
  • Certificate of Origin: 150-300 RMB per copy
• Funds for services0.3%-0.5% foreign exchange service fee for transactions involving foreign currency settlement
• Special RemindersBeware of companies requiring large prepaid deposits - legitimate firms typically use bank guarantees

How can foreign trade beginners mitigate agency cooperation risks?

Recommend establishing a three-tier risk control mechanism:

• Compliance review
  • Require the agent to provide customs credit records from the past 3 months
  • verifiedExport tax refundWhether accounts are independently managed
• Logistics tracking system
  • Confirm availability of container GPS positioning data
  • Require daily updates on bill of lading receipt status
• Payment Security Guarantee
  • Recommend using DP payment terms for first orders
  • Transactions exceeding $100,000 must sign Escrow agreements

How do agencies handle unexpected customs inspections?

Professional agents should have emergency SOPs:

• Pre-incident planningPredict inspection probability based on HS codes and prepare technical documentation in advance
• On-site responseDispatch personnel to inspection site within 2 hours and provide supplementary materials within 4 hours
• Transparent feesInspection-related lifting fees and storage fees charged at actual cost (must provide customs payment receipts)

How to determine whether the agency’s offer is reasonable?

It is recommended to adopt the "three-comparison" evaluation method:

• Market benchmark price comparisonReference annual service guidance prices published by China Customs Brokers Association
• Service content comparisonConfirm quotations include value-added services like pre-classification and tariff research
• Exchange rate clause comparisonCheck whether quotations specify adjustment mechanisms for exchange rate fluctuations exceeding 2%

How should cross-border e-commerce select specialized agency services?

For 9810/9710 regulatory code business, must confirm the agent has:

• Cross-border e-commerce customs clearance qualifications: Customs cross-border e-commerce enterprise type registration
• Data interface capability: Ability to connect with mainstream e-commerce platform order systems via API
• Return processing solution: Provides bonded zone reverse logistics services, supports 1210 model return-to-zone