How to verify an agency companys authentic qualifications?

Customs inspection basis:The MaritimeThe primary condition for agents is confirming their legal operation qualifications:

• Verify original copy of International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Form
• Confirm China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) certification
• Check if they possess Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) qualification
• Request to provide recent 3-year Customs AEO certification status

New regulations in 2025 require all shipping agents to register with the Ministry of Commerce.International freightThe enterprise information disclosure system "has completed the information filing. It is recommended to conduct an on-site inspection of the company's actual office premises."

What hidden costs lurk in ocean freight quotations?

Special attention needed in 2025 common cost structures:

• Basic costs:
  • Ocean freight (including fuelAdditional feesBAF)
  • Terminal handling charges (THC)
  • Documentation fee (DOC)
• Easily overlooked fees:
  • Supplementary Seasonal Fees (PSS)
  • Low sulfur fuel surcharge (LSF)
  • The containerImbalance charge (CIC)

It is recommended to request the agent to provideALL-IN quotationwritten confirmation letter, with special attention to the EUs upcoming implementation in 2025 ofshippingcarbon tax withholding mechanism.

How to judge actual shipping timelines?

Comprehensive evaluation is required from three dimensions:

• Depth of cooperation with shipping companies:
  • Whether possessing primary agency qualifications with Maersk, COSCO Shipping, etc.
  • Ability to provide guaranteed fixed shipping space
• Port operation capability:
  • Self-owned customs clearance team at destination port
  • Handling experience with special ports (e.g., Mumbai, Lagos)
• Historical data reference:
  • Request provision of timeliness statistics for the same route over the past 3 months
  • Check customs clearance timeliness public data for 2024

How to handle emergency situations?

Crisis response mechanisms that professional agents should possess:

• Cargo detention handling:
  • Negotiation capability for extending free demurrage period at destination port
  • Preparation of temporary port diversion plans
• Document exception handling:
  • Emergency reissuance process for electronic bills of lading (eBL)
  • Fast-track reissuance channel for certificates of origin
• Insurance claim services:
  • Coverage of internationally recognized insurance types such as PICC
  • Provision of bilingual claim documents in Chinese and English

What new changes will emerge in the 2025 shipping agency industry?

Industry trends requiring special attention:

• Mandatory enforcement of IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
• China has implemented the "Single Window" 3.0 version for electronic cargo release.
• Priority clearance policies for RCEP member country ports
• Widespread application of smart container tracking systems

It is recommended to select agents already connected tocustoms blockchain verification platform, which can reduce average clearance time by 12 hours.