1.How to verifyDoes the company have the legal business qualifications?

When verifying basic licenses and certificates,the following key points must be confirmed:The business scope on the business license must include "goodsor" "International Freight Forwarding"It is recommended to verify the authenticity of the registration information through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.Professional agency companies typically hold:

• CustomsAEOcertificationqualification(preferablyselectanadvancedcertifiedenterprise)
• FIATAmembership(InternationalFederationofFreightForwardersAssociations)
• Primaryagencyqualificationformajorshippingcompanies/airlines

2.How to assess the actual service capabilities of an agency company?

Request the service provider to provide operational cases from the past three years,with special attention to:

• Doyouhaveexportexperiencewithsimilarproductcategories(e.g.hazardousgoods/food/(Forspecialcategories,etc.)
• Doestheprimaryserviceareaalignwiththetargetmarket(e.g.RCEPcountries/emergingmarketsinAfrica)?
• Overseasagencynetworkcoveragedensity(customsclearance,warehousing,andothersupportingcapabilities)

3.What are the hidden costs involved in export agency fees?

In addition to the basic agency fee,the following fee charging standards need to be confirmed:

• Documenthandlingfee(includingspecialdocumentssuchasCO/FA)
• Abnormalsituationhandlingfees(customsinspection,documentamendment,etc.)
• Exchangeratefluctuationrisksharingmechanism
• Minimumchargethreshold(especiallyforsmall-quantityorders)

4.How to evaluate the risk control system of an agency company?

Professional agency companies should have a comprehensive risk control plan:

• Purchaseinternationalcargoliabilityinsurance(minimumcoveragerecommendedatUSD5million).
• BankSupervisionMechanismforCollectionandPaymentofGoodsPayment
• CustomsAuditResponsePlan(AEOenterprisesmayenjoyreducedinspectionrates)
• TradeComplianceReviewProcess(includingExportControl/Anti-MoneyLaunderingReview)

5.How does the level of digital service affect cooperation?

Prioritize those equipped with professionalService provider of the management system:

• Real-timeCargoTrackingSystem(SupportsAPIIntegrationwithEnterpriseERP)
• ElectronicDocumentTransmissionSystem(CompliantwithCustomsSingleWindowStandards)
• Onlinereconciliationandsettlementfunction(automaticallygeneratesexpensedetails)

6.How to handle trade disputes when they arise?

The division of responsibilities must be clearly stipulated in the contract:

• CompensationStandardsforCargoDamage/Loss(BasedonCargoValueorMultiplesofFreight)
• RulesforDeterminingLiabilityforCustomsClearanceDelays
• Disputeresolutionmechanism(itisrecommendedtospecifyanarbitrationinstitution)

7.How can small and medium-sized enterprises obtain customized service solutions?

A high-quality agency will provide services tailored to the characteristics of the enterprise:

• MarketAccessConsulting(ProductCertification/TariffOptimizationRecommendations)
• Supplychainfinancialsupport(e.g.Financing)
• ForeignTradeTalentDevelopmentServices(Customs/DocumentationOperationTraining)

Special reminder: In 2025,the international trade environment will continue to evolve,and it is recommended to prioritize selecting an agency with policy research capabilities.For example,service providers that can offer solutions to address the latest policies such as the EU’s CBAM carbon tariffs and the U.S.UFLPA Act will better ensure the compliance of enterprises’ exports.