What is importExport agentWhat is the difference from self-operated import and export?

Import and export agency refers to a professional institution with AA-class qualification from the General Administration of Customs, which represents enterprises in handling the entire process of trade affairs, including customs clearance, logistics, and foreign exchange settlement. Compared to self-operated import and export, the agency model has three core differences:

• Qualification Requirements: Enterprises are not required to independently handle qualifications such as the Customs Electronic Port IC Card or the Foreign Exchange Administration Directory Registration.
• Risk Bearing: The agent shall bear the responsibility for the compliance of documents, such as the verification of the RCEP rules of origin newly implemented in 2025.
• Cost structure: Saves approximately 350,000 yuan in annual human resource costs for building an in-house foreign trade team (calculated based on second-tier city standards).

What specific services do import and export agents provide?

Professional agency services cover the entire trade chain, with a focus on:

• Customs clearance services
  • HS Code Classification (2025 Harmonized System Edition)
  • Issuance of Pre-classification Advice
  • AEO-certified enterprises enjoy expedited customs clearance
• Logistics Management
  • Special Cargo Transportation Solutions (Hazardous Materials/Cold Chain/Oversized Items)
  • Optimization of Multimodal Transport Costs
• Document processing
  • Application for FORM E Certificate of Origin
  • Document Examination under Letter of Credit (Compliant with the Latest Revision of UCP600)

What are the core advantages of choosing an import-export agent?

According to the data from the General Administration of Customs' 2025 Foreign Trade Service White Paper, enterprises utilizing agency services have seen an average improvement of 42% in customs clearance efficiency. The primary advantages are reflected in:

• Policy response capability: Promptly respond to new policies such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• Commercial compliance guarantees: Avoid risks such as the U.S. Entity List and EU anti-dumping investigations.
• Optimization of capital turnover: Implementing the "Clear First, Pay Later" model through credit lines.

What are the common cognitive misconceptions in foreign trade enterprises?

Based on our experience serving over 200 enterprises, special attention should be paid to:

• Misunderstanding 1:"The agent is responsible for the quality of the goods" (in reality, it only involves document compliance)
• Misunderstanding 2"Agent fees inevitably increase costs" (Integrated logistics + tax optimization can reduce overall costs).
• Misunderstanding 3: "All agents can handle special goods" (confirmation required for specific qualifications such as hazardous chemicals/medical devices, etc.)

How to choose a reliable import and export agent?

It is recommended to adopt the "Four-Dimensional Evaluation Method":

• Qualification Dimensions: Check the AEO certification status (available on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China)
• Industry dimension: Confirm whether there is experience in exporting similar products (e.g., ISO 13485 certification is required for medical devices).
• Network dimension: Purpose of port of destination assessmentCustoms clearanceCapabilities (especially in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, etc.)
• Service Dimension: Request to provide a 48-hour emergency response plan (including round-the-clock services for regions with time differences)

What are the future development trends of import and export agency?

According to the WTO's 2025 Trade Facilitation Report, the industry is projected to exhibit three major trends:

• Digital services: Blockchain traceability system connected to customs single window
• Upgrade of compliance requirements: Incorporating ESG standards into the trade document review system
• Deepening of regional economy: Mutual recognition of professional certifications among CPTPP member states.