I. to enterExport agentWhat basic qualifications should the company possess?

According to China Customs latest 2025 regulations, formal import/export agencies must meet the following conditions:

• Customs registration certificate: Possess customs declaration unit registration code (valid for 10 years)
• Foreign Exchange Administration records: Capable of handling cross-border payment and receipt business
• Business license scopeClearly include items such as "Import and Export of Goods" or "Customs Declaration Agency"
• Industry certification: Such as AEO certified enterprises, international freight forwarding qualifications (FIATA), etc.

How to evaluate the reliability of import/export agency service providers?

It is recommended to use the "Four-Dimensional Evaluation Method" to screen service providers:

• Industry Experience Verification
  • Require submission of service cases from the past 3 years (focus on industry relevance)
  • Verify customs credit rating in the public disclosure system (must maintain Class B or above)
• Service Capacity Assessment
  • Full-chain service coverage including customs clearance, logistics, tax rebates, etc.
  • Special category operation experience (e.g., medical devices, chemical products)
• Risk control system
  • Whether compliance review processes are established (HS code verification mechanism)
  • Whether trade dispute resolution plans exist
• Response efficiency testing
  • Emergency clearance response time (recommend requiring 2-hour feedback)
  • Proactive notification mechanism for abnormal situations

What items are included in import/export agency fees?

2025 industry fee standards mainly include:

• Basic agency fees: Charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value (negotiable for bulk commodities)
• Customs Clearance Service Fee: Single transaction 300-800 RMB (including customs declaration and inspection)
• Additional logistics costs: Terminal handling charges (THC), documentation fees reimbursed at actual cost
• Special service fees: Special services like expedited clearance, tax rebate financing

Beware of hidden fee traps: ① Concealed exchange rate manipulation ② Ambiguous additional terms ③ Advance collection of "deposits"

Common customs clearance issues and coping strategies?

• What to do if goods are detained by customs?
  • Document discrepancies: Submit correct documents within 72 hours
  • Commodity restrictions: Apply for Import License or arrange return shipment
  • Declaration errors: Submit Application Form for Amendment/Cancellation of Import/Export Customs Declaration
• How to handle customs inspection?
  • Routine inspection: Cooperate by providing product description documents
  • Key inspection: Contact agent to prepare test reports and other supporting materials
• How to respond to customs classification disputes?
  • Apply for Administrative Ruling on Commodity Classification (Customs General Administration responds within 60 working days)
  • File administrative reconsideration (submit within 60 days of knowing the decision)

What compliance risks can import/export agency help avoid?

• Trade entity qualification review: Verify import/export operation rights of suppliers/clients
• Standard application of trade terms: Avoid liability disputes caused by misuse of FOB/CIF terms
• Commodity classification risk control: Establish dual verification mechanism for HS codes
• Foreign exchange verification management: Ensure payment amounts match customs declaration forms

What value-added services can import/export agency provide?

High-quality agency service providers typically possess the following extended capabilities:

• Bonded warehousing services: Address temporary storage and distribution needs
• Supply chain financial services: Tax rebate financing based on trade data
• Tax planning services: Reasonable utilization of free trade zone preferential policies
• Brand overseas expansion servicesOverseas trademark registration and product certification processing