What problems can import/export agencies actually help solve? What must you know when selecting agency services?

service expert with 20 years of industry experience, this article will systematically analyze the core points of clothingExport RepresentationWhat exactly does it do?

import and exportAgencies are professional service providers holding Customs AEO certification, with core functions including:

• End-to-end customs clearance management: From HS code classification to customs declaration document preparation, covering customs declaration, inspection and quarantine procedures
• Trade compliance control: Ensuring goods comply with destination country technical regulations (such as EU CE certification, US FCC certification)
• Tax planning services: VAT refund processing, tariff preference applications (such as RCEP agreement rates)
• Logistics solution design: Matching transportation methods based on cargo volume and delivery requirementsMaritime Transportation/Air Transportation/China-Europe Railway ExpressWhich enterprises must use import/export agencies?

2025 General Administration of Customs data shows over 83% of the following three types of enterprises use agency services:

Newly established

• : Without import/export rights or lacking customs declaration experienceforeign tradeEnterprise, hazardous chemicals and other regulated catalog goods
• Special commodity operators: InvolveMedical Equipment: Requiring handling of new customs supervision modes like 9610/9710/9810 declarations
• Cross-border E-commerceEnterpriseHow exactly are agency service fees calculated?

Professional agencies typically structure fees to include:

: Charged per shipment, covering routine services like customs declaration and document review (500-2000 RMB/shipment)

• Basic service feeExpedited customs clearance: Additional 30%-50% of normal clearance time charges
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
  :
  • Trade audit: 0.05%-0.1% of turnover
  • : Charged for special license goods (5%-20% of cargo value)
• Risk guaranteeHow to avoid hidden fee traps?

We recommend clearly specifying these terms in contracts:

Port miscellaneous fee package price (THC, document fees, etc.)

• Maximum emergency handling fees for customs inspections
• Dispute resolution applicable law (recommend China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission clauses)
• Exchange rate fluctuation risk sharing mechanism
• How much can agencies help save costs?

Professional agencies optimize costs through:

Tariff saving cases

• : An auto parts company applied for ECFA, reducing tariffs from 10% to 0It is recommended to verify through the following methods:, tariffs reduced from 10% to 0
• Optimization of logistics costsConsolidating shipments for 20 clients reduced ocean freight costs by 35%
• Tax rebate acceleration programThe electronic tax rebate system shortened average payment time from 90 days to 21 days

Who bears responsibility when customs issues arise?

Three key points to focus on for liability allocation:

• Responsibility for declaration errorsFines caused by agents professional errors shall be borne by the agent
• Product qualification issuesCompanies providing counterfeit certification documents must bear responsibility themselves
• Force Majeure ClausePort strikes, weather factors, etc. apply the principle of shared responsibility

How to verify the authenticity of an agency company?

Recommended verification channels:

• Check the Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate number on the General Administration of Customs website
• Request to see tax payment certificates from the last 3 months
• Verify the validity of theInternational Freight Forwarder Liability Insurancepolicy