How to determine if an export agency company is legitimate and reliable?

Verify the agency companysBasic QualificationsIs the top priority:

• Review the Customs-filed Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Agency
• Verify the Foreign Trade Operator Registration Form issued by the Ministry of Commerce
• Check the certification documents from China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (new e-certification system added in 2025)
• Request to provide the past 3 years customsAEOCertification status (priority given to Advanced Certified Enterprises)

What constitutes comprehensive service scope for an agency company?

Quality agents should coverEnd-to-end services:

• Basic services:
  • Customs Declaration and Inspection
  • Foreign exchange exports
  • Tax rebate processing
• Value - added services:
  • Purchase of Port Assistance
  • Commercial compliance advice
  • Supply chain financial support (requires verification of partner bank qualifications)

How should agency fees be reasonably compared?

cautiouslyThe low price trap., request to provideDetailed offer.:

• Basic agency fee (typically charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• Document processing fee (electronic document fees generally decreased in 2025)
• Abnormal situation handling fee (clear caps required for demurrage charges, inspection fees, etc.)
• Exchange rate locking service fee (choose agents providing real-time exchange rate query systems)

How to verify an agency companys actual business capabilities?

Request to provideThree key certifications:

• Past 6 monthsExport customs clearanceRecords (anonymized processing)
• Industry-specific cases (e.g., FDA registration experience required for medical devices)
• Customs inspection processing time certification (average customs inspection time reduced to 48 hours in 2025)

What risks should be noted for agency services in emerging markets?

For markets like Africa and Middle East, verify:

• Destination country clearance certification handling capability (e.g., Nigeria SONCAP certification)
• Localized warehousing resources (RCEP member countries require confirmation of bonded warehouse qualifications)
• Foreign exchange control solutions (special markets like Iran and Argentina)

Is digital service capability important?

Must evaluate in 2025:The digital capacity:

• Real-time customs clearance status query system
• Blockchain document archiving function
• AI intelligent customs declaration system (error rate must be below 0.3%)
• 46. Ability to directly connect with the single - window data

What contract details require special attention?

Focus review onFour key clauses:

• Liability division clause (especially cargo ownership agreement)
• Definition of Force Majeure (2025 new clause on cyber attacks)
• Dispute Resolution Method (Recommended: China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
• Service Termination Conditions (Must include annual KPI assessment clause)

How to effectively avoid risks during cooperation?

EstablishedThree-layer Risk Control Mechanism:

• Pre-event: Require submission of annual audit reports
• During-event: Monthly verification of customs electronic records
• Post-event: Retain scanned copies of full set of documents (minimum 5 years retention)