How to searchThe MaritimeExport agentWhat is the official website?
According to the 2024 data from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), approximately 78% of global foreign trade enterprises obtain agency information through the following channels:
- Precise search engine retrieval:Use "Company Name + FIATA" or "Region + Ocean Shipping"Export agent"Filing" and other combined keywords
- Industry Association Database:ChinaInternational freightThe official website of the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) provides a directory search for member companies.
- B2B platform verification:The Alibaba International Station logistics service section includes verified agency companies.
- Customer Referral Tracking:Request the recommending party to provide the complete official website domain of the agent and the cooperation records.
What elements must be included in a shipping export agency website?
Compliant proxy websites should possess the following characteristics (based on the latest 2025 Customs AEO certification requirements):
- Legal Filing Information:
- Enterprise Customs Code (10-digit)
- International Freight Forwarding Filing Number (Format: HYDL-XXXX)
- Qualification Publicity Zone:
- Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier Business License (NVOCC)
- FIATA Membership Certificate (if applicable)
- Real-time Query System:Container Tracking,customs clearanceOnline functions such as status inquiry
How to verify the authenticity of a shipping agency website?
Based on over 200 customer cases we've handled, we recommend the three-level verification method:
- Domain Name Traceability:
- Query the website sponsor through the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's filing system.
- Check the domain registration time (it is recommended to choose websites that have been registered for at least 3 years).
- Qualification Cross-Verification:
- Check the NVOCC qualification on the website of the Water Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Transport.
- Compare the corporate information in the CIFA member directory.
- Practical Assessment of Professional Competence:
- Please provide samples of export customs declarations for the last 3 months (with customer information redacted).
- Verify the booking confirmation letter template for the specified shipping company.
What are the common pitfalls in shipping agency websites?
The latest monitoring data for 2025 indicates the need to be vigilant about the following situations:
- False low-price trap:Websites offering quotes more than 15% below market price have an 80% chance of hidden fees.
- Fake qualification websites:Recently uncovered "phishing websites" primarily counterfeit FIATA member logos.
- Service Commitment Exception:Claims such as "100% inspection-free" or "guaranteed customs clearance" that violate customs regulations.
- Incomplete contact information:Websites lacking a physical office address or landline phone number carry higher risk factors.
What are the recommended official inquiry channels?
- China International Freight Forwarders Association:www.cifa.org.cn（會員查詢系統(tǒng)）
- Ministry of Transport Water Transport Bureau:zwfw.mot.gov.cn（NVOCC資質(zhì)查詢）
- AlibabaInternational logistics:logistics.alibaba.com (Enterprise Certification Platform)
- FIATA Global Database:directory.fiata.com (International Directory of Agents)
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