enteredExport agentIs it just about doingcustoms clearanceIs that so?

This is the most common cognitive misconception. According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China in 2024, the services provided by professional import and export agents at least include:

• End-to-end trade services
  • Document preparation and review (contracts, invoices, certificates of origin, etc.)
  • HS Code Classification and Compliance Declaration
  • Customs Risk Warning and Compliance Solution Design
• Supply chain solutions
  • Logistics Planning for Special Supervision Zones
  • Tax refund financing and other supply chain financial services
  • Optimization of Cross-Border Multimodal Transport Solutions

How to evaluate an agency companys professionalism?

In 2025, enterprises should focus on the following when selecting agents:

• Qualification verificationCustoms AEO Certification, International Freight Forwarding Qualification (FIATA)
• Technical capacity: Does it have a customs management system (such as CCTS) and the capability to interface with the electronic port?
• Industry cases: Import and export customs clearance records of similar products (simulated customs clearance reports may be requested if necessary)
• Compliance Records: Check the Customs Enterprise Credit Publicity System to confirm there are no major violation records.

How are import and export agency fees calculated?

The mainstream charging models in 2025 include:

• Basic Service Costs: Charged per ticket (RMB 800-2000 per ticket)
• Value Added Services: For example:
  • Pre-classification service for goods (300-800 RMB per HS code)
  • Trade Compliance Audit (charged at 0.05%-0.2% of the cargo value)
• The risk guarantee: A deposit of 5-10% of the cargo value is required for certain special regulatory operations.

Does acting as an import/export agent affect a company's credit?

Professional agencies can effectively mitigate the following credit risks:

• Maintenance of Customs Credit Rating (Avoid downgrading due to declaration errors)
• Timely Guarantee for Foreign Exchange Verification (Prevention of Abnormal List by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange)
• Prevention of Misuse of Rules of Origin (Avoiding Risks of Anti-Dumping Investigations)

What should be considered when acting as an agent for special products?

For special categories such as hazardous materials and medical devices:

• Confirm that the agency company possesses the corresponding business license (such as a hazardous chemicals business license).
• Verify the professional qualifications of the technical team (e.g., CCIC inspectors are required for electromechanical products).
• Confirm overseasCustoms clearanceCapability (some countries require certification by designated institutions)

How to hold accountable for errors in proxy services?

Standardized cooperation should include:

• Clearly stipulate the liability allocation clauses in the agency agreement.
• Please purchase professional liability insurance (the recommended coverage amount should not be less than 5 million yuan).
• Establish an abnormal situation reporting mechanism (written notification required within 2 hours).

How to choose self-import and export and agency models?

It is recommended that enterprises with an annual import and export volume of less than 20 million prioritize considering agency services:

• Save costs for the documentation, customs, and logistics teams (approximately reducing operational costs by 40%).
• Avoid the investment in self-built systems (the annual maintenance cost of a single window system is approximately 150,000 yuan).
• Leverage the benefits of bulk purchasing (agency's bargaining power can reduce logistics costs by 20%).

What are the new trends in import and export agency in 2025?

The industry is undergoing three major transformations:

• Digital services: The RCEP Certificate of Origin Self-Service Application System has been fully implemented.
• Upgrade of compliance requirements: The new customs supervision model of "intelligent review + on-site verification"
• Service Integration: Leading agencies begin offering value-added services such as ESG compliance.