How to choose an import and export agency company? What qualifications are required for import and export agencies? Interpretation of the latest policies in 2025

What Types of Businesses Need ImExport Representationservice?

Businesses are advised to seek professional agency services under the following circumstances:

• First-time engagement in international trade: Unfamiliar with customs clearance, tax refunds, or foreign exchange settlement processes
• Specialty goodsimport and export: InvolveMedical Equipment, regulated categories such as hazardous chemicals
• High logistics costs: Need integratedMaritime Transportation,Air Transportation, multimodal transport solutions combining land and sea freight
• policy compliance risksCompliance with the General Administration of Customs new digital declaration regulations to be implemented in 2025

What Qualifications Must an Import-Export Agency Company Possess?

According to the latest 2025 revised Foreignforeign tradeTrade Law, legal agents must meet the following requirements:

• Basic Qualifications:
  • AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Advanced Certification qualification from customs
  • Registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
  • Electronic Port IC Card operation authority
• Special qualifications:
  • Hazardous Chemicals Business License (when involving dangerous goods)
  • Medical Device Filing Certificate (for medical product imports)
  • CCC Product Certification Agency Qualification (for compulsory certification product categories)

What Core Processes Are Included in Import-Export Agency Services?

Professional agency companies should provide end-to-end services:

• Pre-shipment preparation: HS code classification, tariff pre-review, trade term consultation
• Customs clearance services: Interface with the fully implemented digital declaration system in 2025
• Logistics Management: Including cost optimization solutions such as FCL/LCL ocean shipping, air chartering, etc.
• Financial support:L/CDocument review, foreign exchange risk hedging,Export Drawbackadvance payment.

How Are Agency Fees Calculated in 2025?

Agency fees mainly consist of three components:

• Basic service fee: Typically charged at 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value
• Special operation fees:
  • Customs inspection surcharge (inspection rate has dropped to 3.2% in 2025)
  • Emergency surcharge for special periods (such as pre-Christmas air freight peak)
• Capital service fee: Calculated at LIBOR+2%-3% when involving tax rebate financing

How to Identify Unreliable Agency Companies?

Watch for the following red flags:

• Promising illegal operations like tax-inclusive clearance,
• Requests to use designated offshore accounts for settlement
• Inability to provide customs credit rating records for the past three years
• Contracts without clearly defined liability boundaries (recommend using the 2025 Standard Agency Agreement)

What Impacts Do Recent Policy Changes Bring?

Two major changes requiring special attention in 2025:

• Electronic signature system for customs declarations: Traditional customs brokers face digital transformation pressures
• Cross-border E-commerceExpansion of B2B export pilot programSurge in demand for 9710/9810 model agency services

(Note: For specific policy implementation details, please refer to the Guidelines on Deepening the Reform of Foreign Trade Comprehensive Services issued by the Ministry of Commerces official website in January 2025)

Is On-Site Inspection Mandatory When Selecting an Agency Company?

Three key elements are recommended for verification:

• Operation team scale: Premium agencies should have a professional customs team of 10+ members
• Information system development: Must possess API direct connection capability with the Single Window system
• Historical case data: Requires submission of same-category customs clearance records from the past 12 months