What is a food import and export general agent?

A food import and export general agent refers to a professional service agencyExclusive authorization, fully responsible for product import, distribution, and compliance management in the Chinese market. According to the latest Food Import and Export Management Measures implemented in 2025, general agents must simultaneously undertakeQuality and safety responsibilityandTrade compliance obligations.

What core responsibilities does a general agent specifically undertake?

• Access Compliance:
  • Handling Food Import Filing and Registration
  • Completing Overseas Manufacturer Registration as Required by the General Administration of Customs
  • Coordinating Customs Laboratory Testing and Chinese Label Review
• Trade execution:
  • Cross-border Logistics Solution Design and Cost Optimization
  • Tariff Planning and Trade Agreement Application
  • Foreign exchange receipts/payments and tax declaration

What are the advantages of a professional general agent compared to self-operation?

Based on our experience serving 300+ import enterprises, professional agents can save clients23% in overall costs, mainly reflected in:

• Leveraging scale advantages to obtain better ocean freight rates
• Pre-certified storage facilities reduce inspection detention time
• Mature emergency response mechanisms for customs inspections
• Real-time monitoring of major port policy changes (e.g., Shanghai Ports intelligent clearance system to be implemented in 2025)

How to evaluate the service capabilities of a general agent?

We recommend establishing an evaluation system from four dimensions:

• Qualification verification: Check the validity of Import and Export Consignee Filing and Food Business License,
• Case investigation: Request complete customs clearance records of similar products (desensitized)
• System capacity: Test the integration of their trade management system with the Customs Single Window
• Emergency Reserves: Confirm backup customs clearance port solutions and crisis handling SOPs

What are the potential risks of general agent services?

Special attention required for three new types of risks:

• Data Compliance Risks: The Cross-border Data Security Law to be implemented from 2025 requires agents to possessCustoms AEO certificationQualified
• Cold Chain Breakage Risks: Imported frozen products require verification of temperature control equipmentBlockchain TraceabilityFunction
• Liability Transfer Risks: Some agents ambiguously define quality and safety responsibility boundaries in contracts

How are general agent service fees calculated?

In 2025, the industry will mainly adopt two charging models:

• Commission System: Charge 1.2-3.5% of import value, including basic services
• Service Fee System: Itemized charges by project (e.g., registration service fee ￥8,000/item)

Its recommended to require agents to provideExact cost checklist, with focus on comparing hidden costs like cold chain storage,Inspection of vaccinesadditional fees.

How to establish a long-term cooperative relationship?

• Sign framework agreements that include at leastAnnual Performance Evaluation ClausesEstablish joint working groups to handle new regulation responses (e.g., EUs carbon tariff mechanism to be implemented in 2025)
• Conduct regular supply chain stress tests, including:
• Simulating customs inspection controls
  • Testing backup logistics channels
  • Verifying document response speed
  • What problems can a food import/export general agent solve? How to choose a reliable service provider?