How to Choose a Reliable Export Trade Agency Company?

When selecting an agency, focus on four core elements:

• Qualification Verification: Check customs AEO certification,Import and exportPower of Attorney, International Freight Forwarding Qualification (FIATA), and other statutory documents.
• Industry experience: Provide at least three export cases of the same category, prioritizing agents who have served Fortune 500 companies.
• Service network: Verify the customs clearance capability of the destination country. For example, the Southeast Asian market requires experience in certifying the origin under the RCEP (the latest applicable version as of 2025).
• Compliance Ability: Verify whether a professional trade compliance team is in place, especially in specialized areas such as addressing the U.S. EAR regulations and the EU REACH legislation.

Export Agent ServicesWhat specific processes are included in the service?

The standard service process is divided into six stages:

• Confirm the metal composition test report (Needs to include ASTM/EN/JIS standard parameters)
  • Confirmation of Trade Terms (CIP or DDP terms are recommended)
  • Pre - classification of HS codes
• Order execution phase
  • Document Preparation (including Commercial Invoice, Packing List,Origin CertificateTrade dispute settlement mechanisms
  • Booking and Customs Declaration (Special attention is required for EU CBAM carbon tariff declaration in 2025)
• Logistics Tracking Stage
  • Real-time freight status updates
  • Handling of Destination Port Exceptions

What items are included in the agency service fees?

Typical fee structure includes:

• Basic service fee: Charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (2025 industry benchmark price).
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
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  • Special document certification (such as Saudi SASO certification)
  • Destination Country VAT Collection on Behalf
• Risk guarantee: Generally 10%-20% of the cargo value, refundable after customs clearance.

When comparing different quotations, ensure to verify whether potential expenses such as destination port demurrage fees and customs inspection surcharges are included.

How to mitigate risks in export agency cooperation?

It is recommended to adopt the following risk control measures:

• Contract terms
  • Clearly stipulate the force majeure clause (refer to the latest 2025 ICC version).
  • Set the cargo ownership transfer node
• Insurance Configuration
  • Request the agent to purchase professional liability insurance (with a coverage amount of no less than $5 million).
  • It is recommended to purchase credit insurance separately.
• Fund supervision
  • Use a third-party payment platform to escrow funds.
  • Please provide a bank credit reference.

What details should be paid attention to when cooperating with an agency?

Key considerations include:

• Confirm the intellectual property authorization status in advance (especially for exports to the U.S. market).
• Timely update product certification information (such as the new EU Battery Regulation implemented in 2025).
• Establish data exchange standards (it is recommended to adopt the EDIFACT international message format).
• Regularly review the compliance records of agency companies (which can be checked through the General Administration of Customs' credit management system).