What specific functions do import and export agency companies perform?

A professional import and export agency company is one that possessesCustomsAEOCertificationandInternational Trade QualificationService institutions, whose core functions include:

• Handle the full set of customs clearance documents (customs declaration, certificate of origin, inspection report, etc.)
• Coordinate transportation logistics (ocean/air freight booking, dangerous goods declaration)
• Execute foreign exchange receipts and payments and tax processing (Export tax refundForeign Exchange Verification and Cancellation)
• Provide trade compliance consulting (HS code classification, anti-dumping circumvention)

Which businesses need to entrust import and export agency companies?

According to 2025 General Administration of Customs data, the proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises using agency services reached73%The primary applicable scenarios include:

• New enterprises conducting import and export operations for the first time
• Lack of a professional foreign trade team among small and medium-sized manufacturers
• Handling special goods (medical devices, chemicals, etc.)
• Cross-border e-commerce enterprises requiring multi-country customs clearance.

How can an agency help a business reduce operational costs?

Taking an electronics export case as an example, agency services can achieve:

• Logistics Cost Optimization: Saving Through Consolidation Services40%Transportation expenses
• Tariff Reduction: Accurate Declaration for BenefitsThe RCEPPreferential Agreement Tariff Rates
• Accelerated capital turnover:Export tax refundCycle shortened to15 working days
• Storage cost reduction: Providing bonded area temporary storage services

How to verify the professional reliability of an agency?

It is recommended to filter according to the following criteria:

• Essential Qualifications:
  • Customs AEO General Certification or above qualification
  • NVOCC Filing (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
• Service capabilities:
  • At least 3 localized teams in major ports.
  • Experience in handling special categories (e.g., lithium batteries, food)
• Risk Control:
  • Purchase international freight forwarder liability insurance
  • Provide compliance audit report

What items are included in the agency service fee? How is it calculated?

The typical fee structure includes:

• Basic Service Fee: Based on the value of goods0.8%-1.5%Collect
• Special service fee:
  • Expedited customs clearance: 500-2000 RMB per shipment
  • Inspection Agency Service: 800-1500 RMB/batch
• Success Bonus:
  • Bonus sharing for exceeding tax refund targets
  • Logistics cost savings sharing

What is the essential difference between a foreign trade agent and self-operated import-export?

From the perspective of responsibility division:

• Legal Entity: Under the agency model, the enterprise remainsImport and export entities
• Risk Assumption: The agency does not bear the risk of payment collection.
• Customs Record: Import and export data is recorded under the client’s customs credit.
• Capital Flow: Payments go directly into the client's account.

What will be the impact of changes in the international trade environment in 2025 on agency services?

According to the latest WTO trade report, agency services are exhibiting three major trends:

• Digital Service Upgrade: Blockchain Customs Clearance System Coverage Increased to65%
• Compliance requirements are becoming increasingly stringent: European UnionCBAM isThe comprehensive implementation of carbon tariffs introduces new reporting obligations.
• Emergency Channel Construction: Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict Drives Demand for Alternatives to China-Europe Railway Express

What are the key clauses that must be confirmed before signing with an agency?

It is recommended to pay special attention to the following contract terms:

• Service response time (e.g., feedback on customs declaration anomalies within 2 hours)
• Compensation Clause for Errors (Responsibility for Demurrage Due to Documentation Errors)
• Data Confidentiality Agreement (Liability Clauses for Customer Information Leakage)
• Termination Conditions (Calculation Method of Early Termination Penalty)