How to verifya companys legal qualifications?

Three key steps to determine the legality of an agency company:

• Checkcustomsregistrationcode:Verifythevalidityofthe"RegistrationCertificateofCustomsDeclarationEntity"fortheagencycompanythroughtheofficialwebsiteoftheGeneralAdministrationofCustomsofChina(inquirywebsite:customs.gov.cn).
• Verifyforeignexchangemanagementqualifications:RequestproofofinclusionintheListofEnterprisesforGoodsTradeForeignExchangeReceiptsandPaymentsissuedbytheStateAdministrationofForeignExchange
• Verifyindustrycertifications:LegitimateagenciesshouldholdFIATAcertificationorCIFAmembership

Which clauses in agency contracts may involve legal risks?

Contract elements requiring special attention:

• Liabilitydivisionclauses
  • Jointliabilityforcustomsdeclarationdataauthenticity
  • Handlingmechanismforabnormalforeignexchangereceiptsandpayments
• Fee structure clause
  • Clearclassificationstandardsforagencyfees,portcharges,documentfees,etc.
  • Exchangeratefluctuationrisksharingmechanism
• Dispute Resolution Clause
  • AgreementtoapplyInternationalCommercialTerms(INCOTERMS2025)
  • Clearselectionofarbitrationinstitution(recommendChinaInternationalEconomicandTradeArbitrationCommission)

How to ensure safety and compliance in fund payment process?

Recommended phased payment plan:

• Advancepaymentstage:Notexceeding30%oftotalcontractamount,requiringagenttoprovidebankguarantee
• Documentdeliverystage:Paymentof60%againstoriginalbilloflading,recommendverifyingdocumentauthenticitythroughSinosure
• Finalsettlementstage:Retain10%asqualityguaranteedeposit,tobepaidwithin45daysaftercustomsclearance

Special note: Require agent to provide original Application for Outward Remittance from SAFE and verify bank slip authenticity.

Does export agent bear product quality liability?

According to Article 926 of Civil Code,division of legal liability for agency acts:

• Penaltiescausedbyfalsecustomsdeclarationmaterialsshallbejointlybornebyagent
• Overseasclaimscausedbyproductqualityissuesshallinprinciplebebornebymanufacturer
• Cargodamageduringtransitshallbeallocatedaccordingtoinsurancecoverage

It is recommended to explicitly stipulate the "exemption clause for non-self-fault" in the contract and require the agent to purchase professional liability insurance.

How to prevent compliance risks in agency services?

Establish triple risk prevention mechanism:

• Pre-shipmentreview:Verifyagenthasnocustomsadministrativepenaltiesinrecentthreeyears(throughCreditChinawebsite)
• In-processmonitoring:Requirereal-timecustomsdeclarationstatusquery(ChinaInternationalTradeSingleWindow)
• Post-audit:Annualthird-partyauditofagencyfeepaymentvouchers

Special reminder: In 2025,the customs will fully implement the "intelligent declaration" system.You need to confirm whether the agent has completed the system interface upgrade.

How to protect rights when encountering non-compliant agents?

Remedial measures to be taken step by step:

• Phase1:Collectevidencechainincludingcustomsdeclarationforms,paymentvouchers,andcorrespondenceemails
• Phase2:ApplyforindustrymediationthroughChinaInternationalFreightForwardersAssociation
• Phase3:Reportsuspectedcriminaloffensestotheeconomicinvestigationdepartmentofpublicsecurityauthorities
• Phase4:Initiateinternationaltradearbitration(recommendspecifyingShanghaiInternationalArbitrationCenterjurisdiction)

Note the statute of limitations: According to Article 257 of the Maritime Code,the limitation period for freight disputes is 1 year.

VII.What new regulatory changes will there be in the export agency industry in 2025?

Three policy adjustments requiring attention:

• Theelectroniccustomsdeclarationformhasthesamelegaleffectaspaperdocuments(AnnouncementNo.12of2025issuedbytheGeneralAdministrationofCustoms).
• Theforeignexchangewrite-offperiodhasbeenshortenedfrom120daysto90days(accordingtothenewregulationsissuedbytheStateAdministrationofForeignExchangein2025).
• MandatoryinsurancerequirementLiabilityinsurance(tobeimplementedbytheMinistryofTransportin2025)

It is recommended to regularly log in to the State Council’s Comprehensive International Trade Service Platform (www.trade.gov.cn) to obtain the latest policy interpretations.