I. Why do you need a professional importExport Agent Services?

According to data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, there are 87,000 registeredImport and exportagency enterprises nationwide, butonly the top 15% of enterprises have special trade qualifications. A high-quality agent can provide:

• Handling of complex customs declaration documents (e.g., anti-dumping goods,?3C certification?products)
• Establishment of a compliant trade link (includingCross-border E-commerce9710/9810 modes)
• Use of free trade agreements such as RCEP for tariff planning
• Response to customs advanced certification needs such as AEO certification

II. How to verify the true qualifications of an agency enterprise?

It is recommended toTriple verification system:

• Basic qualification check:
  • Customs recordation number (verifiable on the China Customs website)
  • Foreign Exchange Administration Directory Registration
• Special qualification confirmation:
  • Hazardous Materials Transport Qualification (UN Certification)
  • CategoryMedical DevicesImport license
• On-Site Inspection:
  • Inspection of office premises and warehousing conditions
  • Verification of professional certificates of the customs team (customs declarer/inspector qualification)

What hidden costs are included in agency fees?

WarningLow-price trap quotation, a complete fee schedule should include:

• Basic service fee (customs declaration/inspection/documentation)
• Special handling fee:?L/C?opening fee, acceptance interest)
• Exception handling fee (customs inspection, return shipment warehousing)
• Compliance cost (Origin Certificatecertificate, commodity classification dispute resolution)

IV. How to judge an agent's compliance capability?

Focus onThree compliance indicators:

• Customs credit rating (AEO certified enterprises are preferred)
• Administrative penalty records in the last three years (can be checked through the Credit China system)
• Whether a trade compliance management system is established (SOP documents can be requested)

V. How to handle cross-border payment risks?

High-quality agents should provideFull-process fund security solution:

• TT payment: Request the agent to provide proof of insurance from Sinosure
• Letter of credit: Ensure the agent bank has UCP600 operating qualifications
• Cross-border RMB settlement: Confirm the agent's CIPS system access

VI. How to evaluate an agent's emergency handling capability?

It is recommended to requestThree typical cases:

• Customs classification dispute resolution case (e.g., an enterprise's imported electromechanical product was determined to be misclassified)
• Trade sanction response case (e.g., handling goods on the US entity list)
• Logistics exception handling case (e.g., during the pandemicChina-Europe Railway Expresshandling of unexpected situations)

VII. How should small and medium-sized enterprises choose a service provider?

the evidence chain preservation strategyTiered selection strategy:

• Monthly export value < $500,000: Choose a regional agent (fast response from localized service)
• $500,000 - $2 million: Prioritize provincial leading agents (balancing cost and service)
• > $2 million: Connect with a national comprehensive service provider (can get financing support)

VIII. What are the key clauses in the contract signing?

Must ClarifyFive core clauses:

• Liability division clause (especially the responsibility for the accuracy of product declaration)
• Penalty calculation method (it is recommended to use a tiered compensation standard)
• Dispute resolution mechanism (specify the arbitration institution and applicable law)
• Information security clause (specify the confidentiality obligation for business data)
• Service termination conditions (including a plan for handling sudden policy changes)

IX. How to judge an agent's capabilities through actual cases?

Case of an Auto Parts Enterprise:

• Problem: Imported precision instruments were required by customs to be classified as medical equipment (tariff increased by 15%)
• High-quality agent's handling:
  • Prepare evidentiary materials for the product's function within 3 days
  • Correct the tax number through the classification pre-ruling procedure
  • Ultimately saved 820,000 yuan in tariff expenses

X. What maintenance indicators need to be watched after cooperation?

It is recommended to establishQuarterly evaluation system:

• Customs clearance timeliness (compared to industry benchmark levels)
• Exception occurrence rate (inspection rate/amendment rate)
• Policy update synchronization timeliness (e.g., speed of reminding about RCEP tariff adjustments)
• Value-added service utilization rate (e.g., proportion of supply chain finance use)