How to determine if an agency company has compliant qualifications?

Choose to EnterExport agentThe primary requirement is to verify their compliant qualifications. It is recommended to check through the following dimensions:

• Official certification documents: Request to present the customs AEO certification (the 2025 latest standard is AEO Advanced+) and international trade compliance audit reports
• Business coverage scope:
  • Special industry permits (medical devices require FDA filing, chemical products require REACH certification)
  • Destination country customs clearance network coverage capability
• The digital capacity: Customs single-window docking system, maturity of real-time tracking platforms

What are the standard processes for import/export agency?

The standard process for intelligent agency services in 2025 should include:

• The preliminary preparation phase: HS code intelligent classification (error rate ≤2%), compliance pre-check
• The implementation phase:
  • generated automaticallycustoms clearanceDocument system
  • Multimodal transport intelligent dispatch (sea + rail intermodal transport ratio increased to 35%)
• Follow-up management: Tax refund electronic declaration, trade data visual analysis

How should agency fee structures be compared?

It is recommended to adopt the "3+2" cost evaluation model:

• Three basic costs:
  • Customs declaration service fee (2025 market average: RMB 450-800/ticket)
  • Logistics management fee (charged at 0.3%-0.8% of cargo value)
  • Document processing fee (electronic document discounts can reach 30%)
• Two risk costs: Compliance deposit ratio, tariff dispute handling fee

How to avoid potential risks in import/export agency?

Based on the 2025 international trade environment, special attention should be paid to:

• Policy Risks: US Section 301 tariff list on China (2025 latest involves 3800 tariff codes), EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implementation scope
• Operational Risk:
  • Choose agents with intelligent inspection systems (AI inspection accuracy ≥98%)
  • Verify if sufficient professional liability insurance is purchased (recommended coverage ≥USD 5 million)

What special considerations should SMEs have when selecting agents?

For enterprises with annual export value <USD 5 million, it is recommended:

• Flexible service model: Combination of per-ticket fees and tax-inclusive pricing
• Financing support: Choose agents providing supply chain finance (such as Sinosure + agent joint credit model)
• Digital tools: Require SaaS-based management systems (monthly fee ≤RMB 1500)

How should an agency company respond to customs clearance delays?

High-quality agents should have emergency mechanisms including:

• Three-level response initiated within 24 hours:
  • Level 1: Electronic data correction (2-hour response)
  • Level 2: On-site customs coordination (4-hour arrival)
  • Level 3: Legal relief procedures (initiated within 48 hours)
• Provide delay loss calculation models (accurate to USD 50/hour)

How to verify the actual operational capabilities of an agency company?

It is recommended to request the following proof materials:

• Real customs declaration records from the past 6 months (desensitized)
• On-site operation videos at major ports (showing the use of intelligent inspection equipment)
• Typical client cases (same-industry client ratio ≥40%)

What contract details require special attention?

Key focus areas recommended for 2025:

• Data security clauses: Dual compliance commitments to GDPR and China Data Security Law,
• Division of responsibilities: Clearly define compensation standards for customs declaration errors (recommended ≥15% of cargo value)
• Service standardsAgreed document processing time (electronic documents ≤ 2 working days)

How to evaluate the long-term service value of an agent?

It is recommended to establish a quantitative evaluation system:

• Quarterly KPI assessment (customs clearance efficiency, error rate, cost optimization rate)
• Annual value-added service evaluation:
  • Quality of supply chain optimization proposal reports
  • Effectiveness of tariff planning solutions

How does digital transformation affect agent selection?

Digital characteristics premium agents should possess in 2025:

• Blockchain document system (coverage rate ≥85%)
• AI compliance review system (risk warning accuracy ≥92%)
• Visual data cockpit (supports 20+ dimensional analysis)