enteredExport agentWhat exactly is the service?

The import and export agency service refers to that professional institutions provide enterprises witha full - process international trade solution, covering key links such as cargo customs clearance, document preparation, and logistics distribution. According to the statistical data of the General Administration of Customs in 2024, 87% of Chinas foreign trade enterprises complete import and export business through agency companies, among which the usage rate of agency services for electronic products and mechanical equipment is as high as 92%.

What specific services do agency companies provide?

• Customs clearance practice handling
  • HS code classification (the 2025 version of the Harmonized System has been updated)
  • Application for certificate of origin (including preferential certificates under the RCEP agreement)
  • Handling of ATA carnet (applicable to the temporary import and export of exhibition materials)
• Logistics plan design
  • Optimization of multimodal transport routes (combination of air/sea/China - Europe freight train)
  • Special handling of dangerous goods transportation (based on the IMDG CODE 2024 amendment)
• Trade compliance management
  • Export control review (especially for goods with ECCN codes)
  • Anti - dumping duty avoidance plan

How to choose a reliable import and export agency company?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

1. Certification of Qualification: Must hold the AEO certification of the customs and haveCross-border e-commerceretail import and export qualifications (if required)
2. Industry Experience: Have more than 3 years of practical cases in the target commodity field (for example, for medical devices, be familiar with the FDA registration process)
3. Information system: Be equipped with an ERP system connected to the single window of the General Administration of Customs, supporting real - time tracking

How is the agency fee calculated? Are there any hidden costs?

Regular agency companies adopta stepped charging standard:

• Basic service fee: Usually charged at 0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value
• Special surcharge:
  • Urgent customs clearance (such as fresh and perishable goods)
  • Special document certification (such as Saudi SABER certification)

Special attention is neededNew regulations in 2025: According to the announcement of the Ministry of Finance, the value - added tax rate for agency fees has been uniformly adjusted to 9%, and service providers are required to provide a detailed bill with price - tax separation.

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

Analyze decision - making elements through a comparison matrix:

• Annual import and export volume < $5 million: It is recommended to adopt the agency model, which can reduce operating costs by 37% (data source: the 2024 annual report of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade)
• Involving sensitive technology products: Must choose an agency company with experience in handling the CCL list
• Cross - border e - commerce business: Give priority to comprehensive service providers with an overseas warehouse system

How do import and export agencies respond to the latest trade barriers?

Taking the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that came into effect in 2025 as an example, professional agency companies can provide:

1. Product carbon footprint accounting service (in line with ISO 14067 standard)
2. Green tariff optimization plan
3. Design of a circular packaging system (reducing carbon emissions in the logistics link)

It is recommended that enterprises pay special attention to theForce Majeure ClauseandGuarantee of Intellectual Propertycontent when signing an agency agreement, and if necessary, they can require the agency company to issue a bank guarantee. For special trade modes (such as processing trade, market procurement trade), it is recommended to give priority to agency service providers with experience in operating in the special supervision areas of the local customs.