How to quickly verifyExport Agent ServicesLegal qualifications?

To verify the agent's qualifications, follow these three steps:First layerCheck basic documents (business license, customs registration certificate, foreign exchange administration filing),The second layerVerify special qualifications (such as hazardous materials transportation permits, specific product export registrations),The third layerVerify credit records (Customs AEO certification, bank credit certificate). It is recommended to validate the company's registration information online through the China International Trade Single Window (latest version as of 2025), while also requesting the agent to provide statistical reports on customs clearance data for the past three years.

How can small and medium-sized factories match with suitable agency services?

It is recommended to filter according to the following priority order:

• Product compatibility: Special operations?Equipment Export?Agents with relevant experience are required to be matched.
• Shipment scale:
  • Monthly export volume < USD 500,000: It is recommended to opt for a regional agent.
  • Monthly export volume > $1 million: prioritize national comprehensive service providers.
• Service response: Request the agent to provide a list of designated personnel for specific projects and their commitment to response times.

What hidden costs are included in export agency fees?

In addition to the basic customs clearance fee (estimated market price of approximately ￥450 per document in 2025) and logistics fees, special attention should be paid to:

• Document certification fees (such as chamber of commerce certification, embassy certification)
• Abnormal Situation Handling Fee (Customs Inspection Surcharge, Amendment Fee)
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Margin (Using ForwardConvert foreign exchange into RMBTime)
• Potential destination port charges (demurrage, terminal handling charges)

How to avoid encountering unprofessional export agents?

Its recommended to conductTriple stress test:

• Request for agent interpretation of the latest customs policies (e.g., amendments to Announcement No. 124 of the General Administration of Customs in 2023).
• Simulating emergency response scenarios (such as customs clearance obstruction at the destination port,?L/C?Documents do not match)
• Check the completeness of the operating system (whether it has functions such as ERP integration and real-time tracking).

What service details should be prioritized during the initial collaboration?

It is recommended to focus on verifying:

• Document Preparation Standards (especially for Proforma Invoice andOrigin CertificateFormat)
• Customs Clearance Exception Handling Process (Average Processing Time, Backup Plan)
• Fund Security Assurance (Payment Methods, Foreign Exchange Settlement Cycle)
• Confidentiality Agreement Implementation (Customer Information, Transaction Price Protection Measures)

How to evaluate the actual operation ability of an agent?

It can be verified through three dimensions:

• Hardware facilities: Does the company have its own customs clearance team and supervised warehouse?
• Case data: Request to provide export cases of similar products (with customer information redacted).
• : Whether it supports direct connection and declaration with the Electronic Tax Bureau: Test the data interaction capability between its customs declaration system and the factory ERP.

What legal risks should be considered when signing an agency contract?

Must Clarify7 contract clauses:

• Division of Liability Clause (especially regarding liability attribution for incorrect product classification)
• Definition Scope of Force Majeure
• Intellectual Property Protection Clause
• Dispute resolution mechanism (it is recommended to specify the place of arbitration)
• Service Termination Conditions
• Compensation standards for breach of contract
• Document retention period (to be kept for at least 5 years)

What should I do if issues are found with the agent during the cooperation period?

Recommended for executionThree-level processing mechanism:

• Primary issue: Requesting rectification within a specified period through a written rectification notice.
• Intermediate Risk: Trigger the margin deduction clause as stipulated in the contract.
• Major mistake: Terminate cooperation immediately and file a record with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.