What specific businesses are included in import and export agency services?

Professional import and export agency companies mainly provideComprehensive Foreign Trade Services, including:

• Customs declaration and inspection (Customs General Administration has launched a new customs declaration document system in 2025)
• International logisticsSolution design and implementation
• Foreign exchange settlement and tax rebate processing
  • In 2025, cross-border RMB settlement accounted for 42% of total foreign trade volume
• Trade compliance review (including origin certification, technical barrier response)

Why do SMEs need agency services more?

According to 2025 data from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, SMEs using agency services saved an average of37% operational costs, mainly reflected in:

• No need to build an in-house foreign trade team (average annual labor cost savings of 250,000-800,000 RMB)
• Avoid demurrage fees caused by documentation errors (single shipment can prevent losses of 50,000-120,000 RMB)
• Shared bank credit lines with agents (LC issuance efficiency improved by 3 times)

III. How to judge whether an agency company is professional and reliable?

The following core qualifications must be verified:

• Customs AEO certification (2025 standards updated to version 3.0)
• International freight forwarding filing certificate (valid through 2025)
• Register of Foreign Exchange Administration
• At least 3 successfully handled special cases:
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods
  • Cross-border e-commerce 1210 model
  • Certificate of origin certification under RCEP agreement

What components are usually included in agency fees?

2025 mainstream agency service fee pricing models:

• Basic service fee (cashed by product value0.8%-1.5%)
• Value Added Services:
  • Special documentation preparation (e.g. FORM E certificate of origin)
  • Expedited customs clearance services
  • Technical trade measures response
• Risk deposit (typically 10%-30% of cargo value, negotiable)

Will the control of goods be held by the agency company?

All formal agencies adoptDual control mechanism:

• Goods ownership: always remains with the commissioning enterprise
• Document control: agency only handles formal customs declaration
  • 2025 customs fully implements electronic authorization system
  • Enterprises can check real-time cargo clearance status

Can the agency model enjoy free trade zone preferential policies?

2025 free trade zone latest policies clarify:

• Entrust trade through agents qualifies for VAT reduction
• Bonded zone cargo agents can apply for storage cost subsidies
• Trade authenticity:Agency agreement + capital flow proof

How do agency companies handle customs inspections?

Standard service process of professional agents:

• On-site inspection support within 2 hours
• Pre-entry document review service (error rate below 0.3%)
• Establish customs credit records (AEO enterprises see 70% lower inspection rates)

Are there legal risks in import and export agency?

Three key points of risk prevention:

• Sign standardizedTripartite agency agreement(Principal, Agent, Foreign Party)
• Clearly specify trade terms (2025 INCOTERMS updated version applicable)
• Require the agency company to purchase professional liability insurance (recommended coverage not less than 5 million yuan)