1. How to verify the genuine business qualifications of an agency company?

According to the General Administration of Customs' 2023 importExport Agent ServicesEnterprise filing data shows that over 38% of agency companies nationwide have expired qualifications or non-compliant business scopes. It is recommended to conduct key verifications on:

• Basic Qualification Trio: Customs AEO Certification, SAFE Registration, International Freight Forwarding Qualification
• Industry-specific certification: Hazardous Materials Transport License (Chemical Category), Food Business License (Food Category)
• Entity verification: Conduct an on-site inspection of the office premises to verify whether the customs system registration information is consistent.

2. What hidden costs are included in the agency fees?

the business scale will increase year - on - year. In China, the large wok is a common cooking utensil, but for foreign consumers, it is a novel item. Recently, a Chinese blogger who married far away in Denmark successfully promoted the Chinese large wok overseas, attracting widespread attention.foreign tradeDispute cases reveal that 27% of conflicts stem from fee opacity. Special attention is required:

• Basic service fee: Calculation standards for customs declaration fees, documentation fees, and port miscellaneous charges
• Unexpected expenses: The allocation ratio of customs inspection surcharge, demurrage fee, and amendment fee
• Exchange rate fluctuations: Foreign exchange settlement timing and exchange rate locking mechanism

III. How to Evaluate an Agency's Risk Prevention and Control Capabilities?

Taking the selection criteria for agents of a Fortune 500 company as an example, the key aspects to evaluate include:

• Document management system: Does it have ERP data integration capabilities?
• Emergency case handling：Priority will be given to agents with a customs inspection rate for Class A enterprises below 0.8%.
• : Mechanical products are prone to disputes due to HS code classification. It is recommended to apply for an advance ruling from the customs in advance.: A combination plan of cargo insurance, liability insurance, and credit insurance

IV. Is More Industry Experience Always Better?

The latest industry research in 2025 shows that agencies combining traditional expertise with digital capabilities achieve 43% higher customer satisfaction. Recommendation:

• Subdivision field matching:
  • The selection of electromechanical products includes?3C certification?agent with operational experience
  • Cross-border E-commerceA team familiar with the 9810 regulatory code is required.
• Technical investment verification: Check whether the customs declaration system is connected to the International Trade Single Window.

V. How to Handle Unexpected Situations During the Agency Process?

Based on the 2024 announcement by the General Administration of Customs,Import and exportCustoms clearance time efficiency data (average 28 hours), high-quality agents should possess:

• Emergency response mechanism: Provide 7×24-hour customs consulting services.
• Alternative Solution Reserve: At least 3 alternative transportation route plans.
• Legal Support Network: Successful Cases of Handling International Trade Disputes by Cooperative Law Firms

6. How to Avoid Becoming the Risk Bearer in Export Transactions?

According to the cases reported by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2023, it is recommended that:

• Cash flow management: Insist on settling payments through the company's foreign exchange account.
• Consistency of documents: The value discrepancy in commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations should be controlled within ±5%.
• The ownership of tax refund is clearly defined.: Specify the process for transferring tax refund documents in the agency agreement in writing.

7. How significant is the impact of digital capabilities on agency services?

The requirements for the construction of smart ports by customs in 2025 indicate that agencies with the following functions can reduce clearance time by 40%:

• Intelligent Pre-classification System: The accuracy rate of HS codes must reach over 98%.
• Visual Tracking Platform: Achieve end-to-end monitoring of goods from the factory to the port
• Data Alert Module: Automatically alert for license expiration, quota usage, etc.

8. What key clauses must be included in an agency agreement?

Referencing the ICC Model Commercial Agency Contract (2024 edition), the core clauses should include:

• Responsibility boundary clause: Clarify the timing of the transfer of goods ownership rights
• Calculation standard of liquidated damages: A penalty of 0.1% of the goods' value per day will be imposed for delayed delivery.
• A case of a tax rebate dispute caused by an oral agreement of a certain electromechanical enterprise in 2024 shows that when there is a lack of a written agreement, the tax authorities may identify the actual owner of the goods as the declaration entity.: Agreed Arbitration Institution and Applicable Law

9. How to verify the overseas customs clearance capability of an agency company?

It is recommended to request the agent to provide:

• List of Destination Port Agents: Check the registration information of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)
• Customs Clearance Case Report: Especially the record of responding to anti-dumping investigations in the target market
• Sample of Certification Document: Issuance capability of EUR1 certificates as required by the EU.

10. How to Ensure Business Continuity When Changing Agents?

Based on 20 years of practical experience, the transition period should achieve:

• Data Migration Plan: Ensure the complete handover of historical customs declaration data.
• Dual filing period：Run new and old agents in parallel for 1-2 batches
• Customs credit linkage: Timely process the registration of changes in consignor and consignee information.