How to choose a reliable import and export agency company? What core processes are included in import and export agency services? How are agency fees calculated in 2025?
Home»Foreign Trade Knowledge» How to choose a reliable import and export agency company? What core processes are included in import and export agency services? How are agency fees calculated in 2025?
InExport AgencyWhat qualifications does the company need to have?
According to the latest international trade regulatory requirements for 2025, compliant agency companies must simultaneously possess:
Customs AEO Advanced Certification(2025 certification standards add new requirements for digital customs systems)
International freight forwarding qualification (FIATA membership preferred)
Foreign exchange administration record of cross-border receipts and payments qualification
It is recommended to access the official website of the General Administration of Customs atEnterprise Credit Information Publicity SystemVerify the authenticity of qualifications, with special attention to checking for any records of administrative penalties.
What specific services are included in import and export agency services?
The service modules of a professional agency should cover the entire process:
Trade Compliance Management
HS Code Classification (2025 Edition of the Harmonized System)
How are the agency service fees calculated for 2025?
The cost structure typically includes:
Basic service fee (0.5%-1.2% of the cargo value)
Special operation fees (such as commodity inspection/fumigation, etc.)
Capital Service Fee (including tax refund advance interest, etc.)
Beware of hidden fee traps:In 2025, some agencies will begin charging fees for the use of digital customs systems. It is recommended to specify the fee schedule in the contract appendix.
How to Prevent Risks in Import and Export Agency?
Based on 20 years of professional experience, it is recommended to focus on:
Contract Terms Review
Clarify the division of responsibilities (especially for reporting errors)
Agree on breach of contract compensation standards
Fund Security Mechanism
Require third-party payment supervision account
Verify the foreign exchange income and expenditure path.
Case warnings:A company was levied an anti-dumping duty of 876,000 euros by the European Union in March 2025 due to incorrect HS code declaration by its agency.
What should I do if there is an abnormality in customs inspection?
Professional agency companies should provide emergency response plans:
Establish a fast-track customs communication channel (average processing time ≤3 working days)
Maintain an emergency margin of 10% of the inventory value.
Provide legal advisory support (particularly in addressing technical barriers to trade)
How to choose an agent for the import and export of special commodities?
For specific categories, specialized qualifications must be verified:
Medical Devices: CFDA Registration and Filing Required
Food Category: Verification of Overseas Production Enterprise Registration Number
It is recommended to request the agency to provide customs clearance cases of similar goods from the past two years, with a focus on inspection rates and customs clearance efficiency data.
How should small and medium-sized enterprises choose agency services?
According to the 2025 SME survey data:
Priority given to providers offeringMarket Access Analysisqualified agency companies
Pay attention to the overseas warehouse resource allocation of the agency company.
Please provide the monthly trade compliance assessment report.
It is recommended that small and medium-sized enterprises strive for payment term support during contract negotiations (it is advisable to aim for a 30-day payment term).
What are the impacts of 2025 policy changes on agency services?
This year, special attention should be paid to:
EU CBAM Carbon Tariff Fully Implemented (Steel/Aluminum Products, etc.)
Updates to RCEP Rules of Origin (Relaxation of Accumulation Rules)
The enforcement of the U.S. UFLPA Act has been intensified.
It is recommended to require the agency to provide quarterly policy interpretation reports and participate in the annual review of customs AEO certification.