enteredExport agentWhat qualifications are required? How to verify the legitimacy of service providers?

According to the latest 2025 Customscustoms clearanceUnit Registration Management Regulations, legitimate importExport agentMust be held:

• Customs-registered qualifications for consignors/consignees of import/export goods (valid for 3 years)
• Trade foreign exchange receipts and payments enterprise directory registration issued by SAFE
• Electronic Port IC Card for the International Trade Single Window

When verifying service provider legitimacy:

• Require presentation of customs registration receipt (verifiable through Single Window)
• Check in the Enterprise Credit Management SystemAEO38. Certification status
• Please confirm that its business scope includes "import and export of goods" or "customs clearance agency."

What specific services are included in import/export agency?

Professional agency companies typically provide full-process services:

• Basic Services
  • Customs declarationDocument review
  • Transportation solution design and space booking
  • Foreign exchange receipts/payments and tax declaration
• Value Added Services
  • Certificate of Origin application (newly added 2025 RCEP agreement certification)
  • Trade Compliance Risk Assessment
  • Clearance solutions for special goods (e.g. lithium batteries, food)

How are agency fees calculated? Are there any hidden charges?

2025 industry standard fee structure includes:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value (includes customs clearance, document processing)
• Additional costs
  • Port miscellaneous fees: ￥500-2000/shipment (includes THC, documentation fees, etc.)
  • Special supervision fees: such as commodity inspection fees, fumigation fees charged as incurred

Beware of hidden fee traps:

• Request detailed quotation (must distinguish cost structures under different CIF/FOB terms)
• Confirm whether emergency handling fees are included (e.g. additional customs inspection fees)
• Verify exchange rate settlement method (recommend using BOC real-time spot buying rate)

How to process through an agency companyExport tax refund?

Professional agencys export tax rebate service process:

• The preliminary preparation phase
  • Verify commodity HS code and rebate rate (2025 mechanical/electrical products rebate rate 13%)
  • Prepare special VAT invoices (must be issued within 90 days after goods departure)
• Declaration stage
  • Submit customs declaration forms, verification forms, and invoice triplicates through the single window system
  • Agency company assists with foreign exchange verification (180-day time limit)
• Case study: A machinery equipment export enterprise reduced tax refund processing time from the standard 45 days to 28 days through professional agency services

How should cross-border e-commerce choose import/export agents? What special requirements exist?

Key selection criteria for cross-border e-commerce agencies:

• Must possess cross-border e-commerce customs clearance qualifications (registered as a cross-border e-commerce enterprise type with customs)
• Supports 9710/9810 regulatory code declaration (new 1210 bonded import code added in 2025)
• Provides overseas warehouse data integration services (must comply with destination country data compliance requirements)
• Case: A cross-border cosmetics company had 3 batches of goods detained at Los Angeles Port due to the agencys lack of FDA filing experience

How to handle customs detention of goods through an agent?

Professional agency emergency handling procedures:

• 48-hour emergency response mechanism
  • Obtain scanned copies of detention notices (must include customs stamps)
  • Initiate classification dispute review procedure (can apply for advance rulings)
• Common issue resolution solutions
  • Document discrepancies: Submit corrected documents within 3 working days
  • Declared value disputes: Provide complete trade chain documentation
  • Intellectual property issues: Immediately stop declaration and initiate legal procedures