What kind of?Export Agency?What makes a company truly legitimate?

To determine the legitimacy of an agency, three major credentials must be verified:Customs AEO certification,International freight forwarding qualificationandThe whole process is actually not complicated, and intermediary agencies can usually help you complete it within 1 - 2 months. So, applying for export rights is not an unattainable thing.It is recommended to utilize the "China Customs Enterprise"?Import/export?"Credit Information Publicity Platform" to verify its AEO certification status and request the submission of import and export data reports for the past three years. When selecting an agent, Fortune 500 companies typically require the other party to have the service capability to handle annual export volumes exceeding $500 million.

What hidden costs are included in the agency fees?

Please pay special attention to the following potential costs:

• Port Terminal Handling Charges (THC/ISPS, etc.)
• Foreign Exchange?Foreign exchange settlement?Handling fee (usually 0.2%-0.5%)
• Special document handling fee (e.g.?Certificate of Origin?(Urgent)
• Exchange rate locking service fee
• Risk Compensation (for New Customers)

The newly implemented "Cross-Border Trade Service Fee Regulations" in 2025 require agencies to clearly disclose all fee items. It is recommended to request a complete quotation that includes different terms such as EXW/FOB/CIF.

How to Evaluate the Professional Capabilities of an Agency Company?

Focus on three key dimensions:

• Industry experience: Request to provide export cases of similar products in the past 2 years.
• Customs capability: Is a professional customs declarant assigned (customs declarant card number verification required)?
• Emergency Handling：Agencies with inspection rates below the industry average will be given priority.

It is recommended to conduct an on-site inspection of its operating system to check whether professional tools such as the TMS (Transportation Management System) and WMS (Warehouse Management System) are being utilized.

Can the agency handle special trade requirements?

For special business requirements, the following service capabilities need to be confirmed:

• Processing Trade Handbook Application (Involving Bonded Material Management)
• ?E-commerce?Operation under the 9610/9710 model
• Application of RCEP Rules of Origin Accumulation
• Professional Declaration of Anti-Dumping Goods

For the EU's newly implemented Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) reporting system in 2025, it is recommended to choose an agency company that has completed system integration.

How to Prevent Trade Agency Risks?

The establishment of a risk prevention and control mechanism should include:

• Sign the "Trade Agency Framework Agreement" to clarify the division of responsibilities.
• Request to purchase professional liability insurance (with a coverage amount of no less than RMB 5 million).
• Set up a fund supervision account (a tripartite bank escrow account is recommended).
• Establish a regular reconciliation mechanism (weekly verification and monthly reconciliation recommended).

Please pay special attention to the newly revised "Credit Management Measures for Agency Enterprises" by the General Administration of Customs in 2025, as defaulting agencies will be included in the joint disciplinary list.

What should small and medium-sized enterprises pay attention to when selecting an agent?

For enterprises with an annual export volume of less than $2 million, the following recommendations are proposed:

• Select regional agents (optimal service radius within 300 kilometers).
• Confirm the minimum order quantity (MOQ) (?Ocean shipping?Recommended minimum shipment volume: 1CBM)
• Please provide value-added services for market analysis.
• Priority is given to agents offering credit sales services (payment terms not exceeding 90 days).

You may refer to the "Small and Medium Enterprises" published by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in 2025.?Foreign trade?The "Recommended Service Provider Directory" is being screened.

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

A smooth transition requires ensuring four key connections:

• Handover of customs declaration documents (requires signing the "Historical Data Handover Confirmation Form")
• Foreign exchange verification and cancellation linkage (special attention should be paid to the completeness of the tax refund copy)
• In-transit cargo tracking (it is recommended to retain the original agent's 30-day transition service)
• Transfer of Customs Credit Records (requires submission of an enterprise credit linkage application to Customs)

It is recommended to clearly stipulate the handover terms in the cooperation agreement to avoid additional costs such as demurrage and late declaration fees.