AgentlyExport customs clearanceWhat core documents are needed?

According to the requirements of the latest Announcement No. 58 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the following must be prepared for agent export declaration7 types of core documents:

• Original agency agreement (the rights and responsibilities of both parties need to be clearly defined)
• Commercial invoice (including complete information of both the buyer and the seller)
• Packing list (accurate to the HS code of the commodity)
• Power of attorney for customs declaration (needs to be stamped with the companys official seal)
• Transportation documents (marine bill of lading/air waybill, etc.)
• Certificate of origin (mandatory for specific commodities)
• Special regulatory certificates (such as export licenses, quarantine certificates, etc.)

What is the specific process of agent declaration?

A standardized agent declaration process includes5 key links:

• The preliminary preparation phase
  • Sign a tripartite agency agreement
  • Complete the pre - classification of goods
• Document preparation stage
  • Nuclear isTrade termsConsistency with the customs declaration form
  • Prepare documents that meet the requirements of AEO certification
• Declaration and customs clearance stage
  • Declare through the single - window system
  • Handle customs inspection instructions
• Logistics connection stage
  • Coordinate port/airport operations
  • Handle abnormal situations (such as container skipping)
• Follow - up tracking stage
  • Archive management of customs declaration forms
  • Handle the transfer of tax refund documents

What items are included in the agent declaration service fee?

The formal agency customs declaration fees usually include5 charging modules:

• Basic customs declaration fee (charged per ticket)
• Document preparation fee (including translation and certification)
• System usage fee (EDI/single - window access)
• Abnormal handling fee (cooperation with inspection, etc.)
• Value - added service fee (urgent customs declaration, etc.)

Special attention is needed3 types of hidden costs: Port THC surcharge, customs deposit interest, proportion of late - declaration fees. It is recommended to clearly stipulate in the agency agreement.

How to evaluate the professionalism of an agent declaration company?

When choosing an agency customs declaration company, the following should be examined4 core indicators:

• Certification of Qualification
  • AEO Advanced Certification Enterprise
  • AAA - level credit enterprise of the customs declaration association
• Business experience
  • Customs declaration cases of the same category of goods
  • Operation experience in special supervision areas
• Service networks
  • Filing situation at major ports
  • Overseas customs clearance cooperation ability
• Information system
  • 45. Real - time customs clearance status tracking system
  • Risk early warning and reminder function

What legal risks may be faced in agent declaration?

Based on more than 200 dispute cases we have handled, the main risks are concentrated in3 dimensions:

• Document compliance risks
  • Wrong declaration of product name/HS code
  • Forgery of certificate of origin
• Actual risks of goods
  • Failure to declare sensitive goods
  • Intellectual Property Infringement
• Qualification Risk
  • Operating beyond the scope
  • Using borrowed qualifications for customs declaration

Proposal to passDouble verification mechanismRisk prevention and control: Verify the enterprises credit before signing the agency agreement, and implement a two - person review system during the customs declaration process.

Supplementary instructions for common questions

Q: Can we declare customs by ourselves instead of using an agent?
A: According to the provisions of the Customs Law, the consignor or consignee can declare customs independently. However, when it comes to special goods (such as dangerous goods) or when AEO certification is required for customs clearance, it is recommended to entrust a professional agent.

Q: How is the tax refund liability divided for agent customs declaration?
A: The tax refund entity is always the export enterprise, but a high - quality agency company will providePre - review service for tax refund documents, and place the tax refund risk in the customs declaration link in advance.

Q: Is there an urgent channel for customs declaration timeliness?
A: Starting from 2025, the General Administration of Customs will implement the "two-step declaration" model, allowing professional agency companies to achieve rapid customs clearance within 8 hours through methods such as advance declaration and guaranteed release.