Trade companies in urgent need of capital turnover naturally expect quick tax refunds. However, some foreign trade export agency companies with their own operations may delay refunds. Therefore, when starting cooperation, it’s not just about setting terms in the contract but also ensuring clauses for compensation in case of delays. Trade companies with high requirements for tax refund timing should avoid partnering with undercapitalized agency companies and conduct thorough background checks beforehand.

Export RepresentationWhat responsibilities does the company specifically assume?

Professional export agency companies need to assume three core responsibilities:Trade Compliance Management, Logistics Coordination and Execution, Financial Risk ControlSpecifically, it includes:

• Handle the full setimport and exportDocuments (customs declaration form,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Damage during transportation
• CoordinateInternational LogisticsLink up all links
• Control of trade term risksExport DrawbackAnd foreign exchange verification
• Provide trade compliance consultation and solutions

How to verify the service qualifications of an agency company?

It is recommended to verify through the three - certificate and two - inspection system:

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Customs AEO certification (new certification standard in 2025)
  • Record - keeping certificate of international freight forwarder
• Capability verification:
  • Query the agency error rate data publicized by the General Administration of Customs
  • Check the space guarantee agreement of the cooperative shipping company

What items does the agency fee include?

A typical charging structure includes a fixed service fee + a floating operation fee:

• Basic service fee (document processing, system use, etc.)
• Logistics surcharge (special packaging, reinforcement, etc.)
• Financial handling fee (L/CConfirmation, exchange rate locking, etc.)
• Emergency handling fee (emergency channel for customs inspection, etc.)

Which agency mode is suitable for small and medium - sized enterprises?

According to the statistics of the General Administration of Customs in 2024, enterprises with an annual export volumeBelow $5 millionAre more suitable for:

• Full - process agency: suitable for enterprises with a single product line
• Modular agency: can split links such as customs declaration and logistics
• Shared agency pool: multiple small and medium - sized enterprises share service resources

How does an agency company handle sudden trade risks?

A high - quality agency should establish a three - level emergency mechanism:

• Primary response: launch the plan within 2 hours (such as document correction)
• Intermediate disposal: coordinate the on - site emergency channel of the customs
• Advanced response: launch the international trade arbitration procedure

How to evaluate digital service capabilities?

Focus on the connection capabilities of three systems:

• The level of direct data connection with the single window
• The update frequency of the logistics visualization system
• The legal validity certification of the electronic document system

How to avoid hidden charges in agency services?

It is recommended to clarify four clauses in the contract:

• Fee calculation basis (by ticket/weight/volume)
• The compensation mechanism for changes in government fees
• The approval process for additional services
• The agreement on the arbitration place for dispute resolution

What should be noted for the agency of special commodities?

For special categories such as dangerous goods and food, it is necessary to confirm that the agency company has:

• ADR certification for the transportation of dangerous goods
• HACCP system certification for food cold chain
• The access qualifications for specific country markets (such as the agency qualification for EU CE certification)

How to measure the service timeliness of the agency company?

A three - dimensional evaluation system should be established:

• Document processing timeliness (from order receipt to release)
• Abnormal response speed (handling of customs inquiries)
• Timeliness of information feedback (push of logistics nodes)

What connection issues should be noted when changing the agency company?

It is recommended to make a smooth transition in three stages:

• Transition period (1 - 3 months):
  • Verification of the integrity of historical data migration
  • Liability division of goods in transit
• Parallel period (1 month):
  • Parallel testing of the old and new systems
  • Update of customs filing information