enteredExport agentAre They Just Simple Middlemen?

As a foreign trade expert with 20 years of practical experience, I often encounter clients who mistakenly equate import-export agents with "trade scalpers." In reality, professional agency companies provideEnd-to-end trade solutions:

• Market access compliance review (2025 new RCEP member country rules of origin)
• Trade termsRisk control (execution of complex terms like DDP/LDP)
• Cross-border cash flow management (multi-currency settlement + tax optimization)
• Customs pre-classification service (HS CODE accuracy guaranteed)

Which is more cost-effective: Self-operated import/export or agency model?

We recommend companies make decisions based on three dimensions:

• Annual shipment frequency: Below 50 shipments/year suggests using agency model
• Single shipment value: Above $1 million may consider self-operation
• Product characteristics:
  • Special goods like hazardous chemicals require agency qualifications
  • Food category requires agency company registration

What hidden costs are included in agency fees?

2025 industry data shows 70% of trade disputes stem from fee perception gaps. Formal agency quotes should include:

• Basic agency fee (typically 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• Pre-classification service fee (required by new customs regulations in 2025)
• Additional services for AEO-certified enterprises (priority clearance benefits)
• Compliance review fee (anti-dumping/technical barrier avoidance)

How to choose a reliable import and export agency company?

It is recommended to focus on four core indicators:

• Customs qualifications: Customs AEO Advanced Certification (30% improvement in clearance efficiency by 2025)
• Industry cases: ≥3 years of experience in handling similar products
• The Global Network: Must have local clearance teams in major trading countries
• Wind control system: Should include:
  • Real-time trade compliance database
  • Dual-lawyer review mechanism

What are the new changes in 2025 import/export agency services?

Based on the latest WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, agency services show three major trends:

• Digital upgrading: Mandatory blockchain traceability system access (effective July 2025)
• Green logistics: Carbon tariff calculation included in basic services
• Compliance extension: ESG standard review becoming standard configuration

As a former trade compliance officer of a Fortune 500 company, I recommend SMEs to focus on the implementation plan for dealing with Customs Order No. 58 of 2025 when selecting agents, especially regardingCross-border data flow managementandDigitization of origin declarationsspecific service processes.