How to avoid three major risks of importing equipment through general agency model?

Reconstruction of core value in general agency model

Under the implementation background of the 2025 revised Administrative Measures for Import of Electromechanical Products, enterprises face three new challenges when introducing large industrial equipment:Upgraded technical access standards,Complex tariff structures,Strengthened localized supervision. Professional general agencies build risk firewalls through the following service modules:

• Market access prediction system
  • 3CDynamic tracking of certification catalogs
  • Import license pre-review service
  • Technical standard compliance verification
• Customs clearance and logistics optimization solutions
  • HS code pre-classification service (error rate ≤0.3%)
  • Tariff preferential path planning
  • Special transport vehicle dispatch system

Comparative analysis between self-import and agency models

According to Q1 2025 data from General Administration of Customs,equipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.The proportion of businesses using professional agents has risen to 78%. Core differences between the two models are reflected in:

• Time cost differences: Agency model reduces average customs clearance cycle by 40%
• Capital occupation differences: Guarantee fund turnover efficiency improves 3-5 times
• Risk coefficient differences: Port detention rate caused by classification errors decreases by 92%

Five key control points in customs clearance process

Taking a German precision machine tool import project as example, general agency service providers need to control the following core links:

• Contract terms design: FOB/CIF term selection directly affects 2-3% of total costs
• Document pre-review system: Proforma invoiceIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:, Compliance review of technical parameter sheets
• Inspection contingency plan: Special packaging solutions for X-ray machine inspection
• Tax payment optimization: Combined strategy of aggregate taxation and electronic payment
• Localization coordination: Cross-departmental coordination for equipment installation and commissioning

Three-dimensional evaluation system for general agent qualifications

Key factors when selecting qualified agents:

• Industry experience dimension
  • ≥50 cases of similar equipment import experience
  • Customs AEO certification qualification
• Service network dimension
  • Localized teams at major ports
  • Emergency warehousing resource coverage capability
• Risk contingency dimensions
  • Force majeure response plan
  • Legal dispute handling procedures

Case study insights

An automobile manufacturer imported stamping production lines through a general agent, achieving:

• HS code confirmation completed within 3 working days (average self-declaration takes 7 days)
• Approximately 12% tariff reduction through RCEP rules of origin application
• 20% reduction in equipment installation period thanks to localized service network

Comparison with a self-import case: Incorrect classification resulted in 1.2 million RMB port demurrage fees and 45-day project delay.

2025 policy trend forecast

With the formulation of Smart Equipment Import Supervision Regulations, enterprises should focus on:

• Data security review incorporated into import licensing process
• Graded management standards for second-hand equipment market access
• Dynamic adjustments to regional tariff preferential policies