InExport agentWhat exactly does it do?

Import and exportThe agent is a professional service institution holding AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification from customs, with its core functions including:

• End-to-end customs clearance management: From HS code classification to the preparation of customs declaration documents, covering customs declaration, inspection and quarantine, and other procedures.
• Trade Compliance ControlEnsure the products comply with the technical regulations of the destination country (e.g., EU CE certification, US FCC certification).
• Tax planning services: Handling of VAT refunds, application for preferential tariff policies (such as RCEP agreement rates)
• Logistics solution design: Match according to cargo volume and timeliness requirementsOcean shipping/air freight/China-Europe Railway ExpressTransportation methods such as

Which enterprises are required to use import and export agents?

According to data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the proportion of the following three types of enterprises utilizing agency services exceeds 83%:

• Newly establishedForeign tradeEnterprise: No import/export rights or lack of customs declaration operation experience
• Special commodity operators: InvolveMedical devices, hazardous chemicals and other regulated catalog commodities
• Cross-border e-commerceEnterprise: It is necessary to handle declarations under new customs supervision modes such as 9610/9710/9810.

How exactly is the agency service fee calculated?

The fee structure for professional agency services typically includes:

• Basic service fee: Charged per bill, covering conventional services such as customs declaration and document review (500-2000 RMB/bill).
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
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  • Expedited customs clearance: an additional 30%-50% of the standard customs clearance time.
  • Trade Audit: Charged at 0.05%-0.1% of the turnover.
• Risk guarantee: A fee of 5%-20% of the goods' value will be charged for franchised products.

How to avoid the trap of "hidden fees"?

It is recommended to clearly specify the following terms in the contract:

• All-inclusive port miscellaneous charges (THC, documentation fees, etc.)
• Upper limit for emergency handling fees during customs inspection
• Exchange rate fluctuation risk sharing mechanism
• Dispute resolution applicable law (it is recommended to choose the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission clause)

How much cost can the agent help me save?

Professional agents achieve cost optimization through the following methods:

• Tariff Savings Case: An auto parts company applied for the ECFA.Certificate of Origin, the tariff was reduced from 10% to 0.
• Optimization of logistics costs: Consolidated LCL shipments for 20 clients, reducing ocean freight costs by 35%.
• Tax Refund Acceleration Plan: The electronic tax refund system has reduced the average processing time from 90 days to 21 days.

Who is responsible in case of customs issues?

The division of responsibilities should focus on three key points:

• Declaration Error Responsibility: Fines incurred due to professional negligence by the agent shall be borne by the agent.
• Product qualification issues: The enterprise shall bear full responsibility for any fraudulent certification documents provided.
• Force Majeure Clause: Port strikes, weather factors, etc. are subject to the principle of shared responsibility.

How to verify the authenticity of an agency company?

It is recommended to verify through the following channels:

• Check the registration number of the "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate" on the General Administration of Customs website.
• Please provide the tax payment certificate for the last 3 months.
• Verify the insurance coverage.International Freight Forwarder Liability InsurancePolicy validity