enteredExport agentWhat services do agencies actually provide?

Professional ImportExport agentAgencies primarily undertake three core functions:

• Customs clearance services: Including HS code classification, customs declaration document preparation, and tax payment services (paperless customs clearance will be fully implemented starting 2025)
• Logistics coordination:
  • International transportation method selection (sea/air/China-Europe Railway Express)
  • Special cargo transportation solutions (dangerous goods/cold chain, etc.)
• Trade Compliance: Anti-dumping investigation response, certificate of origin authentication, export control compliance review

Must foreign trade enterprises use agencies to conduct import and export?

According to the latest 2025 Foreign Trade Law, enterprises can independently choose their operation mode:

• Self-operated import and export: Requires AEO certification from customs, with 67% of enterprises having annual export volumes exceeding $5 million (Ministry of Commerce 2025 Q1 data)
• Advantages of agency model:
  • Saves labor costs for documentation departments (average reduction of 40%)
  • Avoids exchange rate fluctuation risks (agencies provide forward exchange services)

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

Typical fee structure consists of three components:

• Basic Service Costs: 0.5%-1.2% of cargo value (depending on product complexity)
• Government fee collection: Tariffs, VAT, quarantine fees (new carbon neutrality surcharge added in 2025)
• Value Added Services:
  • Export tax refundAdvance payment (fastest 3 working days to receive funds)
  • Letter of credit risk guarantee (0.8% of guarantee amount)

How to evaluate an agencys professional capabilities?

It is recommended to evaluate from four dimensions:

• Certification of Qualification: At least Class A customs management qualification
• Industry Experience: Specialization in specific categories (e.g., FDA certification experience for medical devices)
• The Global Network: Branch offices in major trading countries (to comply with RCEP, CPTPP and other agreements)
• Risk control: Provides supplementary solutions like cargo transportation insurance and exchange rate hedging

Are there cargo risks when using agency services?

Pay special attention to three major risk points:

• Control of goods ownership: Require the agent to endorse the original bill of lading
• Tax risks: Timeliness of issuing VAT special invoices (maximum 45 days)
• Risk of compliance: During the 2018 China-US trade war, 23% of inspection and seizure cases involved agent operational errors (Customs data)

How will the 2025 new customs policies affect agency services?

Three major policy changes worth noting:

• Digital upgrading: Single Window direct data connection with cross-border e-commerce platforms (requires API integration capability)
• Green customs clearance: Exporting to the EU requires product carbon footprint reports (new certification service from agents)
• Credit management: Customs credit rating directly affects clearance time (AA-rated enterprises have inspection rates below 3%)