What exactly does the import and export agency process entail? How to choose a reliable service provider?

service expert with 20 years of industry experience, this article will systematically analyze the core points of clothingExport RepresentationWhat core functions are ultimately undertaken?

Professionalimport and exportAgency companies primarily undertake three core functions:Trade compliance control, document process optimization, and risk mitigationAccording to the latest data from China's General Administration of Customs in 2025, the main reasons why 85% of small and medium-sized enterprises opt for agency services include:

• Handling complex customs declaration documents (HS code classification,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Ming, etc.
• Comply with special customs regulatory requirements of various countries (such as EU REACH regulations, US FDA certification)
• Coordinate logistics and tax procedures (Export Drawback, cross-border payment and settlement

What are the key steps involved in the complete agency process?

The typical import and export agency process can be divided into five stages:

• Pre - preparation Stage
  • Enterprise Qualification Filing (forforeign tradeFiling Registration for Business Operators
  • Product classification and regulatory condition confirmation
• Document processing stage
  • Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, and shipping contract
  • Apply for special permits (such as3CCertification, Endangered Species Certificate
• Customs declaration and inspection stage
  • Customs declaration and tax payment
  • Cooperate with port inspection and quarantine (37 new quarantine categories added in 2025)
• Logistics execution stage
  • Transportation Mode Selection and Space Booking
  • Special Cargo Supervision (Hazardous Materials/Cold Chain Transportation)
• Post-service phase
  • Export tax rebate declaration (average processing time reduced to 45 days)
  • Trade data archiving and compliance audit

How to evaluate an agencys professional qualifications?

When selecting a proxy service provider, the key focus areas should include:

• Customs AEO certification level (priority given to Advanced Certified Enterprises)
• Industry-specific operational experience (e.g.Medical Equipment, chemicals, etc.)
• Information system integration capability (supports direct data connection with the Single Window)
• Emergency Case Database (Solutions for Customs Clearance Delays and Inspection Disputes)

A certainCross-border E-commerceReal-world corporate cases from 2025 demonstrate that after selecting an agency equipped with an intelligent classification system, HS code error rates dropped from 12% to 0.8%, saving over 2 million yuan annually in demurrage costs.

What additional costs are incurred by delegated agency?

In addition to the basic agency fee (typically 0.5%-1.2% of the cargo value), the following may be involved:

• Document preparation fee (200-500 RMB per shipment)
• Customs Inspection Cooperation Fee (800-2000 RMB per instance)
• Express service fee (30%-100% of standard delivery time)
• Interest on Margin Advance (calculated at the prevailing bank interest rate)

How to Avoid Common Risks in Foreign Trade Agency?

It is recommended that enterprises pay close attention to the following risk points:

• Risk of trade entity misalignment (Never export under the name of an agency company)
• Intellectual property infringement risks (Key categories for customs monitoring in 2025)
• Foreign exchange payment compliance risk (ensuring agent accounts align with contracts)
• Risk of improper document retention (legal requirement to retain documents for 5 years)

What special handling is required for the import and export of special goods?

Additional attention is required for specific products:

• Lithium Battery Transportation: UN38.3 Test Report + MSDS Document
• Food imports: Registration of overseas manufacturers + Chinese label filing
• Agent service provider?Equipment ExportPerformance Test Report + Destination Country Access Certification
• Artwork Import/Export: Cultural Department Approval + Professional Packaging Plan