1.How to Verify an Agency CompanyIs the qualification genuine?

According to the latest customs supervision requirements in 2025,compliant export agencies must meet the following requirements:

• AEOcertificationqualification(CustomsAdvancedCertifiedEnterprise)
• ToBusinessOperatorFilingRegistrationForm
• RegistrationofEnterpriseDirectoryforForeignExchangeAdministrationRevenueandExpenditure
• Specialindustriesrequireadditionalqualifications:
  • Fooditemsrequireimportedfoodregistration.
  • BusinessFilingCertificateRequired

Verification Suggestion: Request the other party to provide a screenshot of the customs system (which must include the enterprise’s customs registration code),and conduct an online verification through the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform."

2.How exactly should agency fees be calculated to be reasonable?

The mainstream charging model of the agency industry in the 2025 era:

• ValueRatioSystem:0.8%-1.5%(subjecttoproductcategoryandshipmentvolumefluctuations)
• Project-basedService:Customsdeclaration/inspection/logisticsandotherindividualcharges
• Mixedcharging:Basefee+percentageofcargovalue

Beware of hidden charges: document certification fees,expedited processing fees,port demurrage management fees,etc.It is advisable to request a detailed breakdown.Comparison table of expense details,and obtain quotes from at least three agencies for comparison.

3.How to ensure the safety of funds during the agency process?

In 2025,it is recommended to adopt three funding guarantee mechanisms:

• Third-partyguaranteedpayment:SupervisefundflowsthroughinstitutionssuchasSinosure
• Jointbankaccount:Setupdual-signaturepaymentauthorization
• Phasedpayment:Paymentbystagesaccordingtoserviceprogress

Typical case: A mechanical and electrical export enterprise adopted a payment model of 30% advance payment + 40% payment after shipment + 30% payment upon arrival at the port,effectively reducing financial risks.

IV.What liability risks should the agency company bear?

The responsibility boundaries that need to be clearly defined in the contract:

• Customsclearancedelayscausedbydocumentationerrors
• Customspenaltiesresultingfrommisclassification
• DeterminationofLiabilityforCargoDamageDuringTransportation
• Lossescausedbyforeignexchangedeclarationerrors

Important Note: Request the agency to provideProfessional Liability Insurance PolicyThe recommended insured amount should not be less than 20% of the annual agency shipment value.

V.How Do Differences in Service Scope Affect the Choice?

By 2025,agency services have formed three tiers:

• BasicServiceType:
  • CustomsDeclarationandInspection
  • Itisrecommendedtopurchaseall-risksinsurance,especiallyforprecisionequipment
  • Foreignexchangereceiptsandpayments
• Comprehensive Service Type:
  • DestinationCountryComplianceConsulting
  • Taxrefundfinancing
  • Overseaswarehouselinkage
• Solution-oriented:
  • SupplyChainOptimization
  • Tariffplanning
  • EstablishmentofaRiskManagementSystem

VI.How to Evaluate an Agency’s Industry Experience?

Focus on three key dimensions:

• Exportcasesofthesameproductcategory(pleaseprovide3recentsuccessfulcases)
• Targetmarketcustomsclearancerecords(e.g.experienceinobtainingEUCEcertification)
• Specialscenariohandlingcapabilities(e.g.dangerousgoodstransportation,ATACarnet)

Verification technique: Request provision of pastCustoms declaration form number(May omit sensitive information),verify the authenticity of the business through the Customs Single Window.

7.What are the essential details that must be clarified in the contract terms?

7 Core Clauses Recommended for Contracts in 2025:

• ServiceItemsandStandards(e.g.CustomsClearanceTimeCommitment)
• FeeCalculationMethodandPaymentMilestones
• CriteriaforDeterminingLiabilityforBreachofContract
• Disputeresolutionmechanism(itisrecommendedtoincludeanarbitrationclause)
• IntellectualPropertyGuaranteeClause
• DataConfidentialityandInformationSecurity
• TerminationConditionsoftheContractandTransitionArrangements

8.How to cope with changes in the international trade environment?

Three Major Changes to Watch in 2025:

• Theimpactofregionaltradeagreements(suchasRCEPrulesoforigin)
• DigitalTradeRegulationUpgrades(B2Bexportnewpolicies)
• TechnicalBarrierstoTrade(EUCBAMCarbonBorderAdjustmentMechanism)

Selection suggestion: prioritize those equipped withPolicy Research TeamAgency companies that regularly provide customs risk alert reports will receive additional points.