How can you verify whether an import/export agency’s qualifications are compliant?

To determine the compliance of an agency, three key elements must be verified:Customs AEO Certification Certificate(The 2025 new-version certificate codes begin with AEOCN25),SAFE filing records(verifiable on the official website of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange),The business scope includes輸出代理店(It is recommended to verify the original business license.) In 2023, a cross-border e-commerce company had 20 million yuan worth of goods seized due to partnering with an unqualified agency—a cautionary tale worth heeding.

What is the fundamental difference between a general agent and an integrated service provider?

The core difference between the two types of service providers lies in:

• Basic proxy service provider
  • Provided only通関, logistics and other foundational services
  • The annual service fee is typically between 30,000 and 80,000 RMB.
• Comprehensive trade service provider
  • Including value-added services such as foreign exchange settlement and tax planning
  • Equipped with a professional customs affairs team and legal advisors

What hidden pitfalls exist in import and export agency fee standards?

Common industry pricing models in 2025 include:

• Basic service fee (per-ticket billing or annual package)
• Capital occupation fee (the interest rate for advance tax payments needs to be clearly defined)
• Special Service Surcharge (e.g., Anti-Dumping Duty Declaration)

Special attention is requiredStorage Fee Conversion StandardとDemurrage Liability Allocation, a certain electromechanical company once incurred an additional 170,000 yuan in demurrage charges due to an unclear clause.

How can you verify the actual operational capability of a proxy agency?

It is recommended to adopt a three-step verification method:

• Provide the information for the past six months.Genuine customs declaration(Redacted for sensitivity)
• Query customsCredit Management SystemRecord (connected to the Enterprise Credit Information Platform in 2025)
• Field investigationCustoms Operating SystemIs it equipped with the latest version of the Single Window docking system?

Do regional agencies have an edge over national ones?

Choose based on the characteristics of the business:

• Regional Agency Advantages
  • Abundant localized customs-clearance resources
  • Faster emergency response
• Advantages of National-Level Institutions
  • Strong multi-port coordination capabilities
  • Rich experience in handling trade frictions

How to guard against legal risks in agency import and export operations?

An agreement containing the following key points must be signed:

• ClearDeclaration Responsibility for Trade Mode(2025 New Cross-Border E-Commerce Declaration Rules Added by Customs)
• AgreementIntellectual Property Warranty Clause
• establishAbnormal Capital Circuit-Breaker Mechanism

What special agency qualifications are required for import and export in emerging markets?

Take Southeast Asia and Africa as examples:

• Vietnam: RequiredSelf-service printing authorization for Certificate of Origin
• Nigeria: RequirementsSONCAP CertificationProcessing capacity
• Brazil: Must MasterElectronic Bill of Lading SystemOperation

How does digital service capability influence the agent selection decision?

Qualities a premium proxy should possess in 2025:

• withCustoms Big Data PlatformDirect-connected declaration system
• SupportDigital RMB settlementpayment channel
• GeneratableSmart Tariff Pre-Classification's AI tools