How to choose export customs declaration agents? What are common risks? 2025 latest Q&A guide

How to determine whether a customs broker is professional and reliable?

When selecting a customs broker, focus on four core dimensions:

• Customs AEO certification qualificationEnterprise Certification: Prioritize companies with Advanced Certification (AEO). According to 2023 China Customs data, AEO enterprises show 30% higher clearance efficiency
• Industry operational experienceCase References: Require successful case studies of similar goods, especially those involving3C,Medical Equipmentspecial regulated commodities
• Global Service NetworkLocal Presence: Key ports require local clearance teams, such as Shanghai Yangshan Port and Shenzhen Yantian Port as major hubs
• Risk control system completenessContingency Mechanisms: Should include three-level document review, classification dispute resolution, customs duty guarantee and other emergency procedures

What essential documents are required for customs declaration?

Basic document checklist should include:

• Original commercial contract (must show trade terms)
• Proforma invoice and packing list (must contain complete elements)
• Customs declaration power of attorney (must bear company seal)
• Transport documents (Maritime TransportationBill of Lading/Air TransportationWaybill

Special regulated goods require additional:

• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Certificate of Origin (especially for countries enjoying tariff preferences)
• Quality inspection certificates (such asWhen exporting metal jewelry to the EU, especially during sample customs clearance, the requirements are often diverse. Especially in the current international environment, the EU has carried out more reviews and supervision of the origin of raw materials. The non - Russian material declaration you mentionedCE certification)
• Dangerous goods transport identification report (e.g. UN38.3)

What hidden costs are included in customs clearance fees?

In addition to basic customs fees, pay special attention to:

• Customs inspection surchargesAccording to 2024 General Administration of Customs data, average inspection rate is about 3.2%
• Late declaration penalty calculation standards0.5‰ of goods value charged daily after 14 days of arrival
• Classification dispute handling feesPre-ruling service fees arising from HS code disputes
• Document amendment feesData changes after declaration may incur 500-2000 RMB per amendment

What common errors lead to customs declaration failures?

Customs statistics from the past three years show that high-frequency errors include:

• Classification errors(Accounting for 42% of incident rate) Recommendation to adopt pre-classification services
• Missing documents(31%) Need to establish an export document checklist
• Incomplete declaration elements(19%) Special attention required for fields such as composition content and intended use
• Expired licenses(8%) Establish a license validity early warning system

How to avoid customs administrative penalties?

It is recommended to establish a three - tier prevention and control mechanism:

• Pre-event prevention
  • Commodity pre - classification services
  • Trade compliance training (at least twice annually)
• In-process monitoring
  • Dual-person document review system
  • Customs declaration data logic verification
• Post-shipment traceability
  • Establish a customs declaration archive management system
  • Retain original vouchers for at least 3 years

How to handle customs inspections?

Professional agents should possess the following emergency response capabilities:

• Arrive at inspection site within 1 hour
• Provide compliant packaging explanation solutions
• Quickly supplement missing certification documents
• Coordinate third-party testing agencies to participate in cargo inspection