InExport Agent ServicesWhat costs can be saved for the company?

ProfessionalImport and exportAgency companies help enterprises save comprehensive costs through the following methods:

• Optimization of customs clearance costs：Leveraging HS code classification expertise to reduce tariff rates, a machinery company achieved a 17% tariff saving through precise classification.
• : By integrating the shipping line resources of the West Coast of the US (Los Angeles/Long Beach Port) and the East Coast of the US (New York/Savannah Port), agent services can shorten the transportation cycle by 30% and reduce the loss of LCL space.：Integrating resources from multiple shipping companies, an annual textile exporterMaritime transportCost reduced by 23%
• Time cost savings: The average customs clearance time is reduced by 3-5 working days, avoiding losses from demurrage fees.
• Hidden cost avoidance: Prevent fines caused by documentation errors (average fine per shipment can exceed 30% of the cargo value)

What is the fundamental difference between self-operated import/export and entrusted agency?

The core differences between the two are reflected in three dimensions:

• Qualification threshold:
  • Self-operated businesses must complete six fundamental qualifications, including customs registration and electronic port procedures.
  • Exporting special commodities also requires obtaining the corresponding industry license.
• Professional Ability:
  • Document error rate: 8.7% on average for self-operated enterprises vs 0.5% for agency companies.
  • There are significant differences in the ability to identify trade compliance risks.
• Resource Network: Agency companies typically have a service network covering 200+ overseas ports.

How to verify the authenticity of an import and export agency company's qualifications?

It is recommended to verify in three steps:

• Basic qualification verification:
  • Customs recordation number (verifiable on the China Customs website)
  • Filing for International Freight Forwarding (Query in the Business System of the Ministry of Commerce)
• Verification of professional qualifications:
  • FIATA Membership (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)
  • WCA World Cargo Alliance Member
• Assessment of practical operational skills: Request to provide customs clearance records for the same category of goods in the past six months.

Is the agency fee charged as a percentage of the cargo value?

Typical fee structure includes:

• Basic service fee: Charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (varies by category).
• Special handling fee:
  • Hazardous Goods Declaration Surcharge: USD120 per B/L.
  • Cold chain logistics monitoring fee: USD 0.3/CBM/day
• Risk guarantee deposit: Typically 5%-10% of the cargo value (refundable)
• Cost of funds: Interest generated from advance payment of taxes (refer to LPR rate)

How to prevent potential risks in import and export agency cooperation?

It is recommended to establish a three-tier risk control system:

• Contract terms:
  • Clearly stipulate liability for compensation due to document errors
  • Set the clause for penalty due to customs clearance time limit violation.
• : Obtain a copy of customs declaration data every week and conduct logistics reconciliation every month:
  • Request real-time query of customs clearance status.
  • Dual Verification Mechanism for Critical Nodes
• : Require the agent to purchase liability insurance of at least 5 million yuan: The agent is required to purchase professional liability insurance (the recommended coverage amount should not be less than USD 5 million).

What restrictions should be noted for the import and export of special items?

Latest Regulatory Requirements Reminder for 2025:

• Lithium Battery Transportation: UN38.3 Test Report + 1.2-Meter Drop Test Certification
• Import of food products: Overseas production enterprises must complete registration in advance (General Administration of Customs Order No. 248).
• Medical Devices: Products of Class II and above must provide FDA/CE certification.
• Export of artworks: Cultural relics are prohibited from leaving the country after 1949 (New regulation by the Ministry of Culture in 2024).

How to evaluate a customs clearance agency's overseas capabilities?

It is recommended to evaluate from four dimensions:

• Degree of localization: Does it have a directly affiliated branch in the destination country?
• Case data: Request for customs clearance records of similar products in the target country.
• Compliance Certification:AEO Certification Status (Authorized Economic Operator - Advanced Certification)
• Emergency Response Capability: Response Plan When the Inspection Rate Exceeds 15%

Cross-border E-commerceDo you need professional import and export agency services?

According to the new cross-border e-commerce regulatory policy for 2025:

• Bonded stock preparation mode：It is mandatory to entrust an agency company with cross-border e-commerce qualifications.
• Overseas warehouse shipping: It is recommended to choose a service provider with tax filing capabilities in the destination country.
• Return processing: Professional agency solutions that can reduce reverse logistics costs by 40%

How do import and export agents handle the impact of trade friction?

The response mechanism of a professional company includes:

• Tariff exemption applications: The success rate of U.S. Section 301 tariff exclusion applications can reach 68%.
• Origin optimization: Achieve tariff concessions through RCEP rules.
• Alternative Solution Library: Stock up on alternative suppliers and logistics solutions in advance

How to establish efficient collaboration with an agency?

It is recommended to implement three standardizations:

• Information standardization: Standardize product description rules (adopting the international UNSPSC code standard)
• Process standardization: Establish an EDI data automatic docking system
• Emergency standardization: Establish a tiered response mechanism (e.g., a 48-hour customs clearance exception handling process).