How to choose an export agency process? These 6 key questions must be clarified.

How to determine the real qualifications of an agency company?

According to the latest General Administration of Customs data in 2025, only 13% of enterprises nationwide meet...AEO Advanced CertificationImportExport RepresentationEnterprises account for only 13% of the industry. It is recommended to verify qualifications through the following steps:

• Check customs registration codes (an 18-digit registration number must be provided)
• Verify with the State Administration of Foreign ExchangeTrade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Enterprise Directory
• Request proof of no violations in the past three yearsConfirm whether they possess
• Special qualification certifications(e.g., EU EORI, U.S. C-TPAT)Are there hidden costs in agency fees?

A 2024 internal audit of a Fortune 500 company showed that non-compliant agencies led to...

An average of 7.2% of the contract amount. Pay special attention to:Hidden CostsExchange rate settlement methods (price differences between T/T and L/C)

• Details of destination port surcharges (THC, DOC, and 17 other common fees)
• Standards for handling exceptions (customs inspection, port detention, and contingency plans)
• Tax refund period calculation formula (including bank discount costs)
• How to evaluate risk control capabilities?

Documents:

a full - process cost listFour-dimensional risk control systemCompliance review system (HS code intelligent verification records)

• Compliance review system (HS code intelligent verification record)
• Country risk early warning mechanism for trade
• End-to-end logistics visualization system (must include shipping company official data interface)
• Credit insurance coverage (clearly define compensation ratio and exclusions)

How do payment methods ensure fund security?

According to ICCs 2025 Trade Finance Report, it is recommended to adoptDual-account supervision model:

• Foreign exchange account: Joint account opened by agent at supervising bank
• RMB account: Use third-party payment platform escrow service
• Clarify the correspondence between payment milestones andBill of lading release conditions(Not less than 150% of contract value)
• (Pay attention to the completeness of declaration elements)Tax payment certificates for the past 3 monthsHow to avoid intellectual property disputes?

Customs record data from a well-known brand in 2024 shows that agency exports accounted for 34% of infringement cases. Must confirm the agent has:

Real-time global trademark database query system

• Product technical feature comparison tool (to prevent patent infringement)
• Origin marking review process (including FTA compliance check)
• Overseas legal advisory team (covering at least major export markets)
• Is digital service capability important?

According to WTOs 2025 Trade Facilitation Assessment, digitalization level directly affects

Over 30%. Should verify:Clearance time efficiencySingle window data integration status (customs declaration, tax refund,

• End-to-end process)In order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.Blockchain traceability system (covering at least 3 major ports)
• AI document generation accuracy (requires third-party test report)
• Multilingual real-time communication system (supports automatic trade term conversion)
• How to choose agency export process? These 6 key questions must be clarified