How to avoid risks when importing equipment? The complete guide to selecting Chinese agency companies

Re-evaluating the value of imported equipment agency services

Under the ongoing adjustment of Chinas mechanical and electrical product import tariff structure in 2025, professional agency companies achieve 72% higher accuracy in HS code classification compared to self-operated enterprises. Customs data shows that equipment imported through formal agency channels has an average customs clearance time reduced to 1.8 working days, while self-declaring enterprises face a 34% rejection rate due to documentation issues.

Five-dimensional evaluation system for agency selection

• Qualification Verification
  • AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Advanced Certification qualification from customs
  • Processing authority for automatic import licenses of mechanical and electrical products
  • Specific industriesequipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.Filing records (e.g.Medical EquipmentRequires filing with CFDA)
• Industry experience level
  • Successful cases of importing over 50 units of similar equipment annually
  • Special equipment handling experience (explosion-proof certification/pressure vessels, etc.)
• Service network coverage
  • Configuration of localized service teams at major ports
  • Door-to-door transportation capability from destination port to factory

Flowchart for import equipment qualification verification

Taking CNC machine tool import as an example:

• Preliminary preparation phase (15-20 working days)
  • Review of the compliance of equipment technical parameters
  • 3CCertification exemption application (when applicable)
• Customs clearance operation phase (3-5 working days)
  • Customs Bond Scheme Design
  • Pre-shipment inspection of used mechanical and electrical equipment

Key risk control node management

• Quality risks: Priority should be given to agencies with a 68% year-on-year decrease in CIQ on-site inspection failure rates
• Special reminder: In 2025, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange will strictly investigate the export with purchased forms behavior. The agency receipt of foreign exchange must ensure the integration of three flows (goods flow, capital flow, and document flow).: Success rate in handling dutiable value disputes must reach 90% or above
• : Legal risk refers to the risk that the agent suffers losses due to legal issues such as contract disputes and intellectual property disputes. The agent should strengthen the study of laws and regulations, abide by laws and regulations, and avoid legal risks.: Completeness review of intellectual property pre-confirmation process

Comparative analysis between agency model and self-operation costs

• Hidden cost saving dimensions
  • Demurrage occurrence rate: Agency model 2.7% vs self-operation 17%
  • Probability of administrative penalties due to classification errors: 1:9
• Capital occupation cycle
  • Deposit turnover efficiency improved by 40%
  • Exchange rate lock window period extended to 60 days