How to find a reliable export agent? These 8 key questions must be asked!

Export RepresentationWhat legal qualifications are required?

The primary condition for selecting an export agent is verifying its business qualifications. According to the latest 2025 Customs Declaration Unit Record Management Regulations, compliant agents must hold:

• Industry certification(Can be queried through China Customs Enterpriseimport and exportCredit Information Publicity Platform)
• Yesforeign tradeForeign Trade Operator Registration Form
• Record - keeping certificate of international freight forwarder
• (Enterprises of category B and above are in normal status)

It is recommended to request the agents AEO certification status for the past 3 years, which directly affects clearance efficiency and inspection probability. As of Q2 2025, only 12% of national customs declaration enterprises have obtained advanced certification.

How to determine if an agents industry experience matches?

Professional alignment directly affects operational efficiency. It is recommended to verify through the following methods:

• (Pay attention to the completeness of declaration elements)Export cases of similar products in the past 2 years(Note desensitization processing)
• Check whether its cooperative carriers have special transportation qualifications
  • For example, hazardous chemicals require MSDS certification
  • Cold chain goods require ATP certificates
• Conduct on-site inspections of system compatibility (e.g., whether it can interface with ERP)

What hidden costs are included in the agency service fee?

2025 industry survey shows that 78% of disputes stem from fee misunderstandings. In addition to basic service fees, special attention should be paid to:

• Destination port miscellaneous fee allocation mechanism
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause
• Customs classification dispute handling fees
• Document modification surcharges (e.g., FORM E re-signing)

(Expense details corresponding to different terms such as EXW/FOB/DDP, etc.).Fee structure matrix table, clearly defining the calculation methods of fixed fees and variable fees.

How to evaluate an agents risk resistance capability?

Establish an evaluation system from three dimensions:

• Fund guarantee
  • Registered capital not less than 5 million yuan
  • Records of export credit insurance
• Crisis handling case database
  • Customs audit response success rate
  • Experience in avoiding trade sanctions
• Alternative Solution Reserve
  • Contingency plans for alternate ports
  • Mechanisms for responding to sudden policy changes

Are there cooperation risks with small and medium-sized agents?

2025 customs data shows that the proportion of enterprises with annual export volumes below $20 million choosing regional agents has increased to 43%. Key control points include:

• Confirm their single-transaction business liability insurance coverage
• Verify whitelists of upstream and downstream suppliers
• Request bank fund supervision certificates
• Establish phased payment mechanisms

How important is digital capability in agent selection?

According to the 2025 International Freight Forwarders Association report, agents with intelligent customs declaration systems can reduce clearance time by 30%. Focus on:

• EDI data exchange capability level
• Visual tracking system coverage rate
• Application of AI compliance review modules
• Blockchain evidence storage implementation status

How to prevent agent misappropriationExport Drawback?

Recommended Triple Safeguard Measures:

• Require agents to open joint custody accounts
• Set up two-factor authentication in the tax refund declaration system
• Monthly verification of customs electronic ledger

What legal issues should be considered when changing export agents?

Three key legal transition points require special attention:

• Non-compete clauses in original agency contracts
• Time limit for customs record updates (maximum 15 working days)
• Transfer of regulatory accounts with unsettled foreign exchange