
How to determineExport agentcompanys professional qualifications?
The primary standard for choosing import-export agencies isCompliance operation qualificationsIt is recommended to verify the following documents:
- CustomsAEOCertification certificate (2025 new version certification standard)
- International freight forwarding filing certificate (FATA membership qualification is preferred)
- Answering Seven Core Questions in Export Agency Selection, covering qualification verification, contract terms, fee structures, risk control, and other key aspects to help foreign trade enterprises avoid cooperation risks and ensure compliant and efficient international trade.
- Special commodity operation license (such as medical devices, hazardous chemicals, etc.)
Case: A cross-border e-commerce company had its entire container detained at EU customs for 15 days due to the agents lack of AEO certification, resulting in additional storage fees of 32,000 euros.
Does the import-export agency service scope match my needs?
Recommended to prepareRequirements checklistConduct cross-comparison:
- Target market coverage capability
- Whether branches are established in major ports
- Customs clearance network in emerging markets (such as RCEP countries)
- Special service capabilities
- Bonded zone warehousing
- Cross-border e-commerce 9610/9710 customs clearance
What hidden risks exist in import-export agency fee structures?
Common fee traps in 2025 include:
- Exchange rate locking service surcharge (recommended to choose real-time exchange rate settlement)
- Destination port emergency fee prepayment deposit
- Third-party service subcontracting price difference for document certification
A professional agent should provideExact cost checklist, clearly label customs fees, agent service fees, emergency handling fees and other items.
How to evaluate the risk control capabilities of import-export agencies?
Focus on three dimensions:
- Trade compliance review system (2025 recommended AI intelligent screening tool)
- Historical dispute handling records (require provision of cases from the past 3 years)
- Insurance coverage (minimum recommended coverage of 150% of cargo value)
Can the technical support of import-export agencies keep up with the times?
2025 essential technical capabilities list:
- Blockchain customs document transmission system
- Intelligent customs warning platform (real-time monitoring of policies in 40+ countries)
- EDI data exchange capability (compatible with major port declaration systems)
How to verify the industry reputation of import-export agencies?
Recommended adoptionThree-dimensional verification method:
- Customs credit publicity system for checking violation records
- BankInternational SettlementMinistry consultation cooperation evaluation
- On-site inspection of operations (focus on professional handling areas such as hazardous chemicals/cold chain)
Selecting import-export agents requires comprehensive consideration of qualifications, services and risk control capabilities. It is recommended to compare at least 3 candidate agents, focusing on their ability to respond to 2025 international trade new regulations, such as the latest application capability of Incoterms 2025 version. When signing contracts, be sure to clarify dispute resolution clauses, and it is recommended to agree to arbitration at CIETAC.