What kind of agency can be considered legitimate and reliable?

To verify the qualifications of an agency, three aspects need to be checked:According to the latest 2025 international trade norms, agencies exporting steel products must possess:(Import and Export License, Customs Registration Code),Industry Certification(such as members of the China International Freight Forwarders Association),Actual years in operation. It is recommended to cross-verify through the following channels:

• Check the registration information of customs declaration entities on the official website of the General Administration of Customs
• Verify registered capital and business scope through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System
• Please provide the business transaction statements for the past three years (with sensitive information redacted).

Does the service scope cover the target market?

A professional agency should possessMarket SpecializationFeatures. For instance, an agent focused on the European and American markets should be well-versed in FDA and CE certification processes; one specializing in Southeast Asia must master RCEP rules of origin. Recommended focus:

• Target-country customs-clearance partner network (whether a local customs broker is available)
• Experience in handling special categories (chemicals, lithium batteries, etc.)
• Multimodal transport capability (integration of sea-air-rail transportation)

Are there any hidden pitfalls in the fee structure?

Beware of low-price traps; a formal quotation should include6 Basic Fees:

• 29. Basic service fee (typically 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• Document Processing Fee (Commercial Invoice/Packing List Certification)
• Transportation surcharges (fuel surcharge, peak-season surcharge)
• Tariff Prepayment Handling Fee (applicable under DDP terms)
• Storage Turnover Fee (Daily Charge for Overdue Storage)
• Emergency Handling Fee (Customs Inspection Coordination Service)

How can one verify risk control capabilities?

Request the agency to presentRisk-Control Four-Piece Set:

• Cargo Insurance Cooperation Agreement (Coverage must be 120% of the cargo value)
• Customs AEO Certificate (Advanced Certified Enterprise: 30% Faster Customs Clearance)
• Emergency Response Manual (including procedures for handling cargo delays at the port)
• Dispute Resolution Cases from the Past Two Years (Anonymized Presentation of Process and Outcomes)

What details should be noted when examining a case study?

When reviewing the case studies provided by the research agency, focus onThree Consistencies:

• Product Type Consistency (experience handling goods within the same category)
• Transport Route Consistency (Operation Records for the Same Destination Port)
• Time validity (preferably provide examples from 2023–2025)

A machinery-export company once reviewed an African project handled by its verification agent and found that the agent had skillfully managed ECOWAS certification, ultimately cutting customs-clearance time by 15 days.

How is communication response speed evaluated?

It is recommended to conduct during the negotiation phase.Stress test:

• Send business inquiries once every 2 hours during working hours
• Simulate emergency scenarios (such as schedule changes or documentation errors)
• Please provide the contact information of the specific point of contact and an alternate contact.

A quality agent should provide a substantive response within 4 hours and offer bilingual communication support in both Chinese and English.

Does the compliance capability meet the latest requirements?

Starting January 2025, China Customs will fully implementIntelligent Customs Declaration System 3.0, the agency must possess:

• Automatic validation function for electronic customs declarations
• Export Control Commodity Identification System (especially for sensitive items such as AI chips)
• Real-time HS Code Database (monthly updates on international trade classification changes)

What points should be given special attention in the contract terms?

It is recommended to engage a foreign trade lawyer for a focused review.Five Key Clauses:

• Liability Allocation Clause (Defining the Proportion of Compensation for Cargo Loss or Damage)
• Force Majeure Definition Scope (epidemics, strikes, etc.)
• Intellectual Property Indemnification Clause (Avoiding Infringement Disputes)
• Dispute Resolution Mechanism (Preferred Seat of Arbitration)
• Termination Conditions of Service (Calculation Method for Early Termination Penalty)

How to establish a long-term cooperative relationship?

Recommended adoptionStepped Collaboration Strategy:

• First trial shipment (small-batch cargo under USD 5,000)
• Quarterly Evaluation (scored across eight dimensions, including customs declaration accuracy and on-time arrival performance)
• Annual Strategic Agreement (agreed volume discounts and priority service rights)

A daily necessities exporter using this model cut logistics costs by 22% within three years and shortened order fulfillment cycles by 40%.