Tea leavesExport Agent ServicesWhat basic qualifications are required?

According to the latest international trade regulations for 2025, professional tea export agents must possess:

• Toforeign tradetrade operators record - keeping registration(To be declared through the MOFCOM system)
• Customs AEO certification qualification (preferably select an advanced certified enterprise)
• Food Circulation License (including tea category)
• ISO22000 Food Safety Management System certification
• Market access qualifications for target markets (such as EU organic certification, US FDA registration, etc.)

How to judge the professionalism of an agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate service providers based on the following dimensions:

• Industry Experience Verification:
  • Please provide the tea category data for the past 3 years.Export ClearanceSingle
  • Check whether the pesticide residue standards of the target market (such as Japan's Positive List System) have been addressed.
• Service Capability Test:
  • Inquire about the accuracy of HS code classification (e.g., the difference between green tea 090210 and flavored tea 210120).
  • Please explain the latest rules of origin (such as the applicable conditions for tariff reduction under RCEP).

What are the essential steps involved in tea export agency?

The standard export process should include:

• Enterprise Qualification Filing (Approximately 15 working days required for the first export)
• Cargo inspection (application for phytosanitary certificate required in advance)
• Preparation of Customs Declaration Documents (Special Attention to Ingredient Labeling Standards)
• Transportation Solution Design (Humidity Control Requirements for Bulk/Full Container Load)
• Customs clearance support at the destination port (label compliance must be confirmed in advance).

What items are included in the agency service fee?

The 2025 industry fee standards generally include:

• Basic service fee (customs declaration, documentation, tax refund declaration)
• Value-added service fee (e.g.:
  • Customized Packaging Solution Design
  • Target Market Compliance Consulting
  • ?L/C?Document Review Service)
• Risk reserve fund (to cover storage fees arising from unexpected inspections)

How to Prevent Common Risks in Tea Export?

Recommendations based on the analysis of industry dispute cases in 2023:

• Quality risk:Request the agent to provide SGS inspection services.
• Funding risks:Apply for ICC Clause A insurance (covering the risk of transportation mold).
• Payment Risks:When adopting the DP (Documents against Payment) method, it is necessary to agree on the allocation of bank charges.
• Technical barriers:Conduct pre-compliance testing for the new EU EU 2023/XXXX regulation in advance.

Tea leavesTax RebatesHow to maximize?

Professional agents should assist enterprises in:

• Accurately apply the tax refund rate (the tax refund rate for tea products in 2025 is 9%).
• Reasonably plan the certification time of input invoices
• Avoid common declaration errors (such as the impact of blended tea ingredient ratios on tax rebates).
• Establish an export tax rebate risk control system (to prevent suspicion of tax fraud)

What should I do if my shipment is inspected by customs?

Emergency response capabilities that professional agents should possess:

• Quickly provide compliance certification materials (the pesticide residue test report must include items required by the target country).
• Coordinate with third-party certification bodies to issue a statement of circumstances.
• Be familiar with the custody requirements for detained tea cargo (temperature and humidity control standards).
• Master the administrative reconsideration application process (for unreasonable inspection conclusions)