Taking the export case of an electronic product in 2023 as an example, the agency assisted the client in correcting the incorrect HS code classification, thereby avoiding an administrative penalty of approximately 120,000 yuan for a single shipment.
How to determine whether an agency company possesses professional qualifications?
When selecting an agency, the following core qualifications must be verified:
Customs AEO Certification Status (The 2025 New Version Certification Standards Have Been Implemented)
Recordation and Registration Certificate of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
Special industry agency license (
Industry-specific qualifications (e.g.Medical DevicesMust have filed with the drug regulatory authority)
It is recommended to request the agency to provide a certificate of no violation records in the past three years and verify the company's credit status through the official website of the General Administration of Customs.
What specific items are included in the agency service fees?
Standard agency service fees typically include:
Basic service fee (charged at 0.3%-1.5% of the cargo value)
Document handling fee (RMB 200-800 per shipment)
Tax Advance Deposit (charged based on the actual tax amount)
Additional service fees:
Expedited declaration fee (urgent service outside the normal declaration cycle)
Special Document Translation Authentication Fee
Please note that the 2025 revised "Port Charge Catalog" has adjusted the port construction fee collection standards. Please confirm whether the quotation includes the latest fees.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls When Choosing an Agency?
Be alert to the following risk points:
Operating beyond the approved scope (e.g., undertaking hazardous material transportation without the required qualifications)
Hidden charges (additional fees such as customs declaration amendment fees, manifest transmission fees, etc.)
Unclear division of responsibilities (the compensation terms for cargo damage need to be specified).
Information security risk (requires signing a data confidentiality agreement)
It is recommended to clearly stipulate in contractsMinimum Service Standard, such as quantitative metrics like customs clearance efficiency and maximum error rate.
What are the special considerations for small and medium-sized enterprises when choosing agency services?
For enterprises with an annual export value below $5 million, it is recommended to focus on:
Is a foreign exchange risk hedging solution provided?
Is it possible to integrate LCL (Less than Container Load) services for small batch cargo?
System integration capability (ERP data direct connection)
A garment export company reduced its single-container transportation costs by 37% and achieved fixed weekly shipments by utilizing the LCL (Less than Container Load) service provided by an agency.
How can import and export agents cope with sudden trade risks?
Professional agencies should establish the following emergency response mechanisms:
Trade Sanctions Rapid Screening System (Real-time Updates of OFAC and Other Sanction Lists)
Contingency Plan for Force Majeure Events (e.g., Alternative Solutions for Port Strikes)