
How to determineExport agentDoes the company possess legitimate qualifications?
When selecting an agency company, focus on verifying three aspects of qualifications:
- Customs filing: Require presentation of the Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate issued by customs, with new electronic port digital certification requirements added from 2025
- Industry Certification: Prioritize companies with AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification, which improves customs clearance efficiency by 40%
- Trade method matching: Processing trade enterprises need to confirm the agency has bonded logistics supervision qualifications
What specific services are included in import and export agency?
Professional agency services cover the entire trade chain:
- Basic Services
- Document preparation (proforma invoice, packing list, certificate of origin)
- HS Code classification (1,200 items updated in the 2025 new version)
- Customs declaration and tax payment agency
- Value Added Services
- Export tax refundExpress channel (fastest 7 working days for payment)
- Special cargo transportation solutions (hazardous chemicals/cold chain/artworks)
- Trade Compliance Risk Assessment
What items are typically included in agency fees? Are there any hidden charges?
2025 industry standard fee structure:
- Explicit costs: Customs clearance fee (RMB300-800/shipment), documentation fee (RMB50-200/document), logistics handling fee (0.3%-1% of cargo value)
- Hidden risks: Avoid choosing agents who promise "tax-inclusive customs clearance," as it may involve smuggling risks.
- Latest changes: Starting January 2025, EU CBAM carbon tariff declaration has been included in basic agency services
How should import and export agencies adapt to tariff changes under the RCEP agreement?
Professional agents should possess the following capabilities:
- Real-time updates of tariff concession schedules for 15 member states
- Origin rules prediction (regional value content calculation accurate to 0.1%)
- Collaborate with production departments to optimize BOM lists for maximum tariff reduction
How do agency companies handle customs inspections or administrative penalties?
Quality agencies should establish a three-tier emergency mechanism:
- Primary response: On-site inspection accompaniment (2025 customs AI inspection rate has reached 65%)
- Intermediate handling: Legal opinion issuance and hearing procedure representation
- Advanced solution: Credit restoration through AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification
What innovative service models do import and export agencies offer in the digital era?
Three major technological breakthroughs in the 2025 agency industry:
- Blockchain clearance: Document circulation time reduced by 70%
- Smart tax planning system: Automatically matches optimal trade terms
- Real-time tracking platform: Integrates shipping/airline/customs data streams
What should SMEs pay special attention to when selecting import and export agencies?
Recommendations based on 2025 trade environment:
- Beware of low-price traps: All-inclusive service quotes below 1.2% of cargo value may pose compliance risks
- Confirm settlement flexibility: Supports CIPS (Cross-border Interbank Payment System) and digital currency settlement
- Demand data sovereignty: Ensure companies can export complete trade data packages anytime