How many steps are there in the export agency process? How to avoid pitfalls in foreign trade business?

Export RepresentationWhat are the core steps in the process?

The complete export agency process includessix core stages:

• Qualification review and contract signing
  • 2025 customs-added AEO certification verification requirements
  • Compliance confirmation of trade terms (such as INCOTERMS 2025)
• Cargo pre-inspection and packaging specifications
  • Special commodity export license processing (such as lithium battery UN38.3 certification)
• Cross-border logistics solution design
  • China-Europe Railway ExpressandMaritime TransportationLCL transit time comparison
• Customs clearance document preparation and declaration
  • ElectronicIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Key points for declaration system operation
• Foreign exchange settlement and tax refund processing
  • Latest policy applications for cross-border RMB settlement
• After-sales service and dispute resolution
  • Destination port demurrage fee recovery mechanism

How to identify a professional export agency company?

When selecting an agency company, focus on evaluatingThree core competencies:

• Industry certification systems
  • Risk Scanning:
  • Customs Advanced Certified Enterprise (AEO) qualification
• Risk prevention and control mechanisms
  • Whether equipped with a compliance review team
  • Whether having export credit insurance cooperation channels
• Digital Service Capability
  • Real-time cargo tracking system (referring to 2025 EU customs new regulations)
  • Automated document preparation system (compatible with various customs declaration formats)

How are export agency fees structured?

The 2025 typical fee structure includesfour main components:

• Basic service fee (0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• : Special services such as special packaging and dangerous goods declaration
  • Bunker adjustment factor (floating according to SCFI index)
  • Peak season surcharge (refer to the latest shipping company announcement)
• Government fees
  • Certificate of origin visa fee (according to the latest 2025 standard)
• Risk Reserve
  • Anti-dumping deposit (specific product categories)

How to prevent cross-border transportation risks?

It is recommended to establisha three - dimensional risk prevention and control system:

• Pre-event prevention
  • Conduct HS code pre-classification (refer to the 2025 new version of tariff rules)
• In-process monitoring
  • Implement temperature and humidity monitoring during transportation (mandatory requirement for pharmaceutical products)
• Post-incident response
  • Establish RCEP member countries fast customs clearance emergency channel

How to guarantee export agency timeliness?

2025 recommended actionsTime efficiency management combination strategy:

• Full container load (FCL)+door - to - door delivery at the port of destination;
  • Southeast Asia routes adopt road + sea transshipment mode
• Intelligent appointment system
  • Connect to port ETD booking platform (such as Ningbo Port Smart Terminal)
• Emergency alternative solutions
  • Prepare China-Europe Railway Express as alternative to sea freight emergency plan

What reference value do success cases have?

A certainMedical EquipmentEnterprises achieve through professional agenciesThree breakthroughs:

• EU CE certification cycle shortened by 40%
• African port detention rate reduced to below 3%
• Comprehensive logistics cost savings of 15%

Key measures include adopting medical constant temperature containers, pre-declaring EU MDR regulation compliance statements, and activating exclusive customs clearance channels at Mombasa Port in East Africa.