What key issues should be considered when looking for an agent to export tableware? How to avoid pitfalls?

1. How to Choose a MajorExport RepresentationA professional agency company should have the following characteristics:

According to the 2025 statistics from the General Administration of Customs, the number of tableware export enterprises in China increased by 17% compared to 2023, but the quality of agency service providers varies. It is recommended toTriple screening criteria:

• Qualification verification:
  • Checkimport and exportProperty Right Registration Certificate (Valid until 2026)
  • Verify AEO customs certification qualification
• Industry experience:
  • Request to provide export cases of ceramic products from the past three years.
  • Verify successful customs clearance records in the European and American markets.
• Service capabilities:
  • Confirmed capable of handling FDA food contact material certification.
  • Evaluate the service capability of hazardous materials packaging testing

2. What are the essential qualifications required for exporting tableware?

Taking the major export markets in 2025 as an example:

• Domestic basic qualifications:
  • Inspection and Quarantine Registration (CIQ Code)
  • Export DrawbackQualification certification
• International certification requirements:
  • EU: EN 1388 Lead and Cadmium Release Test Report
  • 美国：FDA 21 CFR Part 175.300认证
  • Japan: JIS S 2401 Food Utensil Standard

3. How to control the cost of export agency?

According to 2025 industry research data, professional agents can reduce overall costs by 23%.

• Explicit cost control:
  • Request for EXW/FOB terms comparison quotation.
  • Negotiate a quarterly settlement model for service fees.
• Hidden cost avoidance:
  • Preliminary anti-dumping duty rate in the destination country (e.g., the EU's 24.1% duty on Chinese tableware in 2023 has been extended to 2025)
  • Establish a cost calculation model for compliant packaging

IV. How to Prevent and Control Common Trade Risks?

Industry dispute cases in 2025 show that 70% of the issues are concentrated in the following areas:

• Quality Dispute Prevention:
  • Request the agent to provide third-party inspection services.
  • Clarify the standards for determining liability for transportation damage
• Payment Security Guarantee:
  • Priority is given to agents who provide Sinosure insurance coverage.
  • Payment by LC requires agreement on a soft clause review mechanism.

V. What are the special requirements for emerging markets?

Targeting the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market in 2025:

• Indonesia:
  • SNI 7315:2008 Halal Certification
  • Interface with the Import Pre-Declaration System (INATRADE)
• Saudi Arabia:
  • SASO Certification New Regulations (2024 Updated Version)
  • Compliant with GSO 1362/2021 heavy metal migration standards

6. How to evaluate the service efficiency of an agency?

It is recommended to adoptEnd-to-End Time Efficiency Control Sheet:

• Document processing cycle:
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Processing within ≤3 working days
  • Application for Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate ≤7 working days
• Logistics process lead time:
  • Booking feedback ≤24 hours
  • Free Demurrage at Destination Port ≥14 Days