How to judgeExport Agent ServicesDoes the company possess legal qualifications?

According to the 2025 latest edition of the International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Management Measures, compliant agency companies must meet the following conditions:

• Dual filing certificates: Simultaneously hold Customs AEO certification and MOFCOM International Freight Forwarding Filing
• Special Qualifications:
  • Dangerous goods transportation requires ADR/RID certification
  • Food exports require CIQ filing
• Insurance proof: Minimum 5 million RMB liability insurance policy (recommended to request original copy)

What hidden traps exist in export agency fee structures?

Based on the authors experience in Fortune 500 supply chain departments, special attention should be paid to the following charges:

• FOB terms: Confirm whether terminal handling charges (THC) and documentation fees are included
• CIF terms: Request breakdownMaritime transportSurcharges (BAF/CAF) and war risk rates
• Exchange rate fluctuation clause: 2025 recommendation to agree on RMB settlement or exchange rate locking mechanism

How to verify an agency companys actual service capabilities?

It is recommended to adopt the "three checks and three inquiries" verification method:

• System check: Request demonstration of their customs declaration systems integration with the Customs Single Window
• Check case studies: Provide export documents for similar products from the past six months (with commercial secrets redacted)
• Process inquiry: Specific inquiry: SOP for handling customs clearance exceptions at destination ports

Small and medium-sizedforeign tradeHow should enterprises choose the scale of their agents?

Recommendations based on annual export volume levels:

• Below $5 million: Select regional agents (covering 3-5 main ports)
• $5-20 million: National agents (with service networks in at least 10 major ports)
• Above $20 million: Recommended to establish dedicated logistics team + agent combination model

What agent qualifications should be noted for exporting special commodities?

• Medical Devices: Requires FDA/CE registered agent qualifications
• : MSDS Safety Data Sheet, Dangerous Goods Transportation Appraisal Report: Must have GHS label production capability
• Lithium battery: Must pass UN38.3 test certification

How to prevent legal risks in export agent cooperation?

Three clauses that must be clearly defined in contracts:

• Liability division clause: Clearly define standards for determining liability for customs declaration errors
• Data confidentiality clauses: Agree on compensation standards for customer information leaks
• Force Majeure Clause: Suggested to add response plan for cyber attacks by 2025

What specifically does digital service capability refer to?

• Real - time tracking system: Must include at least three-stage visualization of space booking, customs declaration, and transportation
• Electronic document management: SupportsOrigin Certificate, online collaboration for documents such as bills of lading
• Risk warning function: Requires intelligent functions such as automatic alerts for HS code changes

How to evaluate an agent companys overseas customs clearance capability?

It is recommended to request the following supporting documents:

• Customs clearance agent authorization letter issued by the destination countrys customs (CPB certification)
• On-site inspection video or 360-degree panoramic images of local warehouses
• At least 3 clearance time records for similar products at the destination port

What steps should be taken when establishing cooperation with an export agent?

• Trial operation phase: Recommend selecting 2-3 shipments of medium-to-low value goods for testing
• Service evaluation: Establish a KPI assessment system containing 18 indicators
• Regular review: Check the credit rating changes of the agency company quarterly

(The content described in this article is based on the authors experience in Fortune 500 companies and AEO certification guidance. Specific operations should comply with the latest regulations and actual business requirements.)