What is importExport agentWhat are the core services?

Professional import and export agency companies mainly provide three major service modules:

• Customs clearance services: Including HS code classification,customs clearanceDocument preparation, tariff calculation (2025 latest tariff schedule), AEO certification guidance
• Logistics coordination:
  • International transportation solution design (including emerging channels like China-Europe Railway Express)
  • Special cargo transportation (such as lithium batteries, cold chain products)
• Trade Compliance: Export control review, certificate of origin processing, foreign exchange verification, etc.

How to choose a compliant import and export agency company?

Recommended assessment from five dimensions:

• Qualification document verification: Require presentation of General Administration of Customs filing certificate, international freight forwarding qualification
• Industry experience matching: Priority given to service providers with similar product operation cases
• Information system verification: Require demonstration of electronic port interface capability
• Risk protection mechanism: Check whether cargo liability insurance is purchased (minimum coverage recommended at USD 1 million)
• Service response standard: Clarify customs clearance exception handling time limit (2025 new customs regulation requires 4-hour response)

What items are included in the import and export agency fees?

The typical fee structure includes:

• Basic Service Costs: Charged per document (2025 market average price RMB 800-1500/document)
• Additional service fee:
  • Expedited clearance (additional 30%-50% charge per instance)
  • Special document certification (such as FDA certification agency service)
• The risk guarantee: Typically 3%-5% of cargo value (refundable)

What are the potential risks of import and export agency services?

Three types of risks need special prevention:

• Legal joint liability: Agency contract must specify liability division clauses
• Exchange rate fluctuation losses: Recommend using forward exchange locking (2025 mainstream banks provide 90-day exchange locking service)
• Customs clearance efficiency risk: Contracts should specify compensation standards for clearance delays

What new changes will there be in the import and export agency industry in 2025?

Focus on three policy trends:

• Customs digital upgradeComprehensively implement the "Intelligent Document Review" system (document error rate must be controlled within 0.5%).
• The Green Trade Requirements: EU CBAM carbon tariff declaration becomes new agency service item
• Foreign exchange management reform: Pilot areas allow agency companies to collect foreign exchange (requires SAFE filing)

How to choose self-import and export and agency models?

Recommended decision-making through cost comparison model:

• Annual cargo volume threshold: Annual export value below USD 5 million recommended to use agency services
• Product complexity coefficient: Products involving CCC certification/inspection catalog should prioritize agency services
• Capital turnover consideration: Agency model can reduce 20%-30% working capital occupation