1. How to Verify an Agency Company?Import/export?Is the qualification genuine?

According to the latest customs supervision requirements for 2025, compliant export agency companies must possess:

• AEO certification qualification(Customs Advanced Certified Enterprise)
• Yes?Foreign trade?Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form
• Registration of Enterprise Directory for Foreign Exchange Administration Revenue and Expenditure
• Special industries require additional qualifications:
  • Food items require imported food registration.
  • ?Medical Devices?Business Filing Certificate Required

Verification Suggestion: Request the other party to provide a screenshot of the customs system (which must include the enterprise's customs registration code), and conduct an online verification through the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform."

2. How exactly should agency fees be calculated to be reasonable?

Mainstream Pricing Models in the Agency Industry for 2025:

• Value - proportion system: 0.8%-1.5% (subject to product category and shipment volume fluctuations)
• Project-based Service: Customs declaration/inspection/logistics and other individual charges
• Mixed charging: Base fee + percentage of cargo value

Beware of hidden charges: document certification fees, expedited processing fees, port demurrage management fees, etc. It is advisable to request a detailed breakdown.Comparison table of expense details, and obtain quotes from at least three agencies for comparison.

3. How to ensure the safety of funds during the agency process?

In 2025, it is recommended to adopt three types of funding guarantee mechanisms:

• Third-party guaranteed payment: Supervise fund flows through institutions such as Sinosure
• Joint bank account: Set up dual-signature payment authorization
• Phased payment: Payment by stages according to service progress

Typical case: A mechanical and electrical export enterprise adopted a payment model of 30% advance payment + 40% payment after shipment + 30% payment upon arrival at the port, effectively reducing financial risks.

IV. What liability risks should the agency company bear?

The responsibility boundaries that need to be clearly defined in the contract:

• Customs clearance delays caused by documentation errors
• Customs penalties resulting from misclassification
• Determination of Liability for Cargo Damage During Transportation
• Losses caused by foreign exchange declaration errors

Important Note: Request the agency to provideProfessional Liability Insurance PolicyThe recommended insured amount should not be less than 20% of the annual agency shipment value.

V. How Do Differences in Service Scope Affect the Choice?

By 2025, agency services have formed three major tiers:

• Basic Service Type:
  • Customs Declaration and Inspection
  • It is recommended to purchase all - risks insurance, especially for precision equipment
  • Foreign exchange receipts and payments
• Comprehensive Service Type:
  • Destination Country Compliance Consulting
  • Tax refund financing
  • Overseas warehouse linkage
• Solution-oriented:
  • Supply Chain Optimization
  • Tariff planning
  • Establishment of a Risk Management System

VI. How to Evaluate an Agency's Industry Experience?

Focus on three key dimensions:

• Export cases of the same product category (please provide 3 recent successful cases)
• Target market customs clearance records (e.g., experience in obtaining EU CE certification)
• Special scenario handling capabilities (e.g., dangerous goods transportation, ATA Carnet)

Verification technique: Request provision of pastCustoms declaration form number(May omit sensitive information), verify the authenticity of the business through the Customs Single Window.

7. What are the essential details that must be clarified in the contract terms?

Seven Essential Clauses That Must Be Included in Contracts for 2025:

• Service Items and Standards (e.g., Customs Clearance Time Commitment)
• Fee Calculation Method and Payment Milestones
• Criteria for Determining Liability for Breach of Contract
• Dispute resolution mechanism (it is recommended to include an arbitration clause)
• Intellectual Property Guarantee Clause
• Data Confidentiality and Information Security
• Termination Conditions of the Contract and Transition Arrangements

8. How to cope with changes in the international trade environment?

Three major changes to pay special attention to in 2025:

• The impact of regional trade agreements (such as RCEP rules of origin)
• Digital Trade Regulation Upgrades (?E-commerce?B2B export new policies)
• Technical Barriers to Trade (EU CBAM Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)

Selection suggestion: prioritize those equipped withPolicy Research TeamAgency companies that regularly provide customs risk alert reports will receive additional points.