A legitimate export agent must meet the following requirements:Four fundamental conditions:
Hold the "International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Form"
Possesses AEO certification from customs (the 2023 updated certification standards still apply).
There is a record on file in the China Electronic Port.
Provide a complete VAT special invoice.
It is recommended toThe National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity SystemVerify the company's establishment date. Companies specializing in export agency services for over 5 years are more trustworthy.
How to evaluate the service capabilities of a proxy company?
Focus on three key dimensions:
Route coverage: Check whether its advantageous routes match your export regions.
Special Qualifications:
Hazardous Materials Transport Qualification (UN Certification)
Cold Chain Logistics Certification (ISO 9001)
Emergency case handling: Request for examples of solutions to goods backlog during the pandemic
How should agency fees be calculated reasonably?
The mainstream charging models in the market in 2025 include:
Per-document fee: Single ticket handling fee ranges from 200 to 500 yuan.
Sales commission: 0.5%-1.2% (varies by product category)
Annual fee system: Suitable for customers with an annual export volume exceeding $3 million.
Professional agencies can effectively prevent and control three core risks:Compliance risks:: Port surcharges, document amendment fees, and demurrage charges, among other common fees, must be included in the contract annex.
How to Avoid Pitfalls in Export Agency Contracts?
It is recommended to clarify in the contractSix key clauses:
Allocation of Liability Clause (particularly the handover under FCA/FOB terms)
Minimum Service Time Guarantee
Force majeure exemption scope
Agreement on the Dispute Resolution Place (it is recommended to choose the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
Intellectual Property Guarantee Clause
Data Confidentiality Agreement
What documents are required for export agency support?
The compliance agent should be capable of assisting in the production.Complete set of trade documents:
Commercial Invoice (must comply with the language requirements of the destination country)
What should I do if the goods are detained at customs?
Professional agents should possessThree-tier emergency response mechanism:
24-hour emergency contact hotline
Local customs clearance agent network (it is recommended to choose companies with self-operated branches in the target country)
Pre-deposit Customs Guarantee System
According to 2024 U.S. Customs data, the clearance resolution time by professional brokers is 3-5 working days faster than that by regular brokers.
How to prevent the risk of cargo release without original bills of lading?
The agent must be required to sign.Bill of Lading Control Agreement, and implement the following measures:
The issuance of the designated freight forwarder's bill of lading (HOUSE B/L) requires your written confirmation.
Enable electronic bill of lading blockchain notarization
Require the agent to purchaseError in Delivery Liability Insurance(Sum insured not less than 120% of the cargo value)
What impact does digital transformation have on the selection of agents?
High-quality agents in 2025 should possess:Four Major Digital Capabilities:
Real-time Cabin Visualization System
AI Intelligent Classification System (HS Code Accuracy Rate > 98%)
Automatic electronic document verification function
Carbon Footprint Tracking Report (Compliant with EU CBAM Requirements)
It is recommended to conduct an on-site demonstration of its operating system, with a focus on evaluating the response speed of the automatic pre-clearance function for customs declaration data.