1. How to verifyExport Representationthe companys formal qualifications?

Three core documents must be verified:Legally operating export agencies must possess three core certification documents:Must include goodsimport and exportor customs clearance agency in business scope;Customs registration certificateCan be verified through China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform;(Enterprises of category B and above are in normal status)Ensure it has legal foreign exchange receipt and payment qualifications. It is recommended to check the enterprise filing information by logging into the Ministry of Commerce Business System Unified Platform.

2. What hidden costs are included in agency fees?

Standard quotation should include:

• Basic service fee (customs clearance/documentation/logistics coordination)
• Foreign ExchangeIn order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.Handling fee (usually 0.2%-0.5%)
• Document certification fees (chamber of commerce certification, embassy certification, etc.)
• Pay special attention to possible additional fees:
  • Special category customs clearance surcharges (dangerous goods/food, etc.)
  • Express operation fee (declaration submitted 3 days after customs closure date)
  • Proportion of demurrage sharing

3. How to allocate export risk responsibilities?

According to the latest 2025 edition of International Trade Agency General Rules:

• The agency company shall bear:
  • Fines caused by customs declaration errors
  • Customs clearance delays caused by documentation mistakes
• The principal shall bear:
  • Product quality non-compliance with destination country standards
  • Intellectual property infringement disputes

4. Export DrawbackHow to ensure fund security?

Standard operating procedures should include:

• Foreign exchange will be transferred to the customers designated account within 3 working days after receipt
• VAT special invoices must completely match the customs declaration information
• a full - process cost listExport tax rebate special account supervision agreement

What are the key differences in service scope?

High-quality agency companies should provide:

• End-to-end services:
  • Front-end: Product HS code pre-classification
  • Mid-end: Preparation of compliance documents for destination port
  • Back-end: Export tax rebate progress tracking
• Special value-added services:
  • RCEPIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Intelligent application
  • AEO certification consulting

6. How to evaluate a companys actual service capabilities?

Assess three practical dimensions:

• Processing efficiency: Average cycle time from commission to shipment
• Exception handling: Provide at least 3 case studies of customs clearance solutions for similar products
• System integration: Whether ERP data direct connection declaration is supported

7. How to avoid legal compliance risks?

Verify that the agency company possesses:

• Application capability of the latest version of Incoterms
• Compliance databases for major trading countries (e.g. U.S. EAR regulations, EU REACH regulations)
• Trade sanctions screening system (with special attention to the 2025 updated lists for Russia and Middle Eastern countries)

8. Is industry experience important?

Specific industries must choose specialized agents:

• Medical EquipmentMedical devices: Familiarity with FDA 510(k) certification process required
• Chemical products: Mastery of GHS labeling specifications
• Food category: Possession of HACCP certification consulting qualifications

9. How to evaluate emergency response capabilities?

Require the agency company to provide:

• Response Plan for Customs Inspection
• Solutions for cargo rejection at destination port
• Legal support channels for trade disputes

10. How to choose between buyout mode and agency mode?

Decide based on the actual situation of the enterprise:

• Buyout model (prepaid payment):
  • Advantage: Quick capital recovery
  • Risk: Need to bear buyer default risk
• Agency model (A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:Post-settlement):
  • Advantage: Zero capital risk
  • Disadvantage: Payment period extended by 15-30 days