How to confirm the formal qualifications of an agency company?

Choose to EnterExport agentThe companys first step must be verificationThree certificates and one filing:

• Customs AEO certification qualification (priority given to advanced certification)
• International freight forwarding filing certificate (valid through 2025)
• Register of foreign exchange receipts
• Electronic Port IC Card operation authority

It is recommended to check the companys establishment duration on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. Companies specializing in import and export services for over 5 years are more trustworthy. I once handled a case in 2020 where a company chose an unqualified agency, resulting in a full container of goods being detained at the port for 45 days.customs clearanceThe core capabilities of different agency companies vary significantly, requiring focused confirmation on:

Does the service scope match business needs?

Significant differences exist in core competencies among different agency companies, requiring focused verification:

• Advantage service types:
  • Bulk cargo VS cross-border e-commerce
  • General trade VS processing trade
• Special qualification requirements:
  • Dangerous goods transport license
  • Food/medical device import filing

2025 trends indicate that RCEP member country customs clearance services have become standard capabilities for premium agents. Request the counterpart to provide customs clearance efficiency records for similar goods in the past six months.

Are there hidden costs in the fee structure?

Be wary of quotes 30% below market price. Formal agent fee structures should include:

• Basic service fee (cashed by product value0.8%-1.5%)
• Document processing fee (200-500 RMB per shipment)
• Exchange rate fluctuation deposit (typically 5% of cargo value)

Must request provision ofExact cost checklist, pay special attention to the following potential charge items:

• Customs inspection warehouse additional fees
• Certificate expedited processing fees
• Document amendment service fees

Is the risk control mechanism sound?

Professional agency companies should have three-tier risk protection:

• Cargo insurance: At minimum coverage under CIC All Risks clauses
• Fund supervision: Third-party bank escrow accounts
• Legal support: International trade dispute resolution team

Recommend focusing on dispute resolution cases. Inquire about typical dispute types handled in the last 3 months. 2024 industry reports show that customs clearance delays caused by document errors still account for 62% of total issues.

How to evaluate the practical capabilities of an agency company?

Request proof in three dimensions:

• Hardware facilities:
  • Proprietary customs declaration system (not third-party platforms)
  • Real-time customs data query ports
• Personnel allocation:
  • Certified customs brokers ratio >60%
  • Foreign language business team (at minimum including English/minor language specialists)
• 26. Service network:
  • Self-operated offices at major ports
  • Overseas agent coverage in target markets

Can value-added services create additional value?

Premium agents should provide the following extended services:

• Market access consulting (e.g. EU CE certification guidance)
• Tariff optimization solutions (utilizing rules of origin for tax reduction)
• Supply chain finance (credit loans based on customs data)

An automotive parts company I served successfully reduced import tariffs from 12% to 8% through an agencys classification advance ruling service, achieving annual cost savings exceeding 2 million RMB.

How to verify the authenticity of service cases?

Recommend adopting the cross-verification method:

• Require submission of desensitized customs declarations (note customs inspection stamps)
• Verify data from China Customs Enterprise Import-Export Credit Publicity Platform
• Conduct on-site operation inspections (at least 10 concurrent customs clearance processes)

Pay special attention to whether the HS codes in case studies match your products. Ive witnessed agencies misleading machinery clients by using apparel case examples to secure contracts.

What are the must-read details in contract terms?

Five essential clauses that must be clarified:

• Liability division clause (especially cargo damage compensation standards)
• Timeliness guarantee clause (specified to working days)
• Definition scope of force majeure
• Data confidentiality clause (including customs information security)
• Contract termination conditions (including sudden policy change scenarios)

The 2025 Foreign Trade Law amendment strengthens agency joint liability. Recommend adding new customs regulation adaptability clauses in contracts.

How to effectively obtain customer evaluations?

Recommend adopting the three-dimensional background check method:

• Official channel: "Enterprise Credit Management System" score by Customs
• Industry channels: China International Freight Forwarders Association rankings
• Client channels: Request contact information for 3 clients with 2+ years of cooperation

Focus on inquiring about annual business volume growth. Quality agencies should help clients achieve 15%+ annual import-export growth.

What should be paid attention to during the trial cooperation phase?

Recommend implementing in three phases:

• Testing period (1-2 shipments):
  • Full-process tracking of customs clearance
  • Document preparation compliance checks
• Break-in period (3-6 months):
  • Response speed evaluation for exceptional cases
  • Holiday service capability testing
• Stable period (1+ years):
  • Annual service cost auditing
  • Customs data quality analysis