InWhat exactly does it do?

The agent is a professional service institution holding AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification from customs,with its core functions including:

• End-to-endcustomsclearancemanagement:FromHScodeclassificationtothepreparationofcustomsdeclarationdocuments,coveringcustomsdeclaration,inspectionandquarantine,andotherprocedures.
• TradeComplianceControlEnsuretheproductscomplywiththetechnicalregulationsofthedestinationcountry(e.g.EUCEcertification,USFCCcertification).
• Taxplanningservices:HandlingofVATrefunds,applicationforpreferentialtariffpolicies(suchasRCEPagreementrates)
• Logisticssolutiondesign:Matchaccordingtocargovolumeandtimelinessrequirements//Transportationmethodssuchas

Which enterprises are required to use import and export agents?

In 2025,according to data from the General Administration of Customs,the proportion of the following three types of enterprises using agency services exceeded 83%:

• Newlyestablishedenterprises:Noimport/exportrightsorlackofcustomsdeclarationoperationexperience
• Specialcommodityoperators:Involve,hazardouschemicalsandotherregulatedcatalogcommodities
• Company:Itisnecessarytohandledeclarationsundernewcustomssupervisionmodessuchas9610/9710/9810.

How exactly is the agency service fee calculated?

The fee structure for professional agency services typically includes:

• Basicservicefee:Chargedperbill,coveringconventionalservicessuchascustomsdeclarationanddocumentreview(500-2000RMB/bill).
• • PresentationofL/Cdocuments:800-1500yuanperorder
  • Agencyforexporttaxrebate:5%-8%ofthetaxrebateamount
  :
  • Expeditedcustomsclearance:anadditional30%-50%ofthestandardcustomsclearancetime.
  • TradeAudit:Chargedat0.05%-0.1%oftheturnover.
• Risk guarantee: A fee of 5%-20% of the goods’ value will be charged for franchised products.

How to avoid the trap of "hidden fees"?

It is recommended to clearly specify the following terms in the contract:

• All-inclusiveportmiscellaneouscharges(THC,documentationfees,etc.)
• Upperlimitforemergencyhandlingfeesduringcustomsinspection
• Exchangeratefluctuationrisksharingmechanism
• Disputeresolutionapplicablelaw(itisrecommendedtochoosetheChinaInternationalEconomicandTradeArbitrationCommissionclause)

How much cost can the agent help me save?

Professional agents achieve cost optimization through the following methods:

• TariffSavingsCase:AnautopartscompanyappliedfortheECFA.thetariffwasreducedfrom10%to0.
• Optimizationoflogisticscosts:ConsolidatedLCLshipmentsfor20clients,reducingoceanfreightcostsby35%.
• TaxRefundAccelerationPlan:Theelectronictaxrefundsystemhasreducedtheaverageprocessingtimefrom90daysto21days.

Who is responsible in case of customs issues?

The division of responsibilities should focus on three key points:

• DeclarationErrorResponsibility:Finesincurredduetoprofessionalnegligencebytheagentshallbebornebytheagent.
• Productqualificationissues:Theenterpriseshallbearfullresponsibilityforanyfraudulentcertificationdocumentsprovided.
• ForceMajeureClause:Portstrikes,weatherfactors,etc.aresubjecttotheprincipleofsharedresponsibility.

How to verify the authenticity of an agency company?

It is recommended to verify through the following channels:

• Checktheregistrationnumberofthe"CustomsDeclarationUnitRegistrationCertificate"ontheGeneralAdministrationofCustomswebsite.
• Pleaseprovidethetaxpaymentcertificateforthelast3months.
• Verifytheinsurancecoverage.InternationalFreightForwarderLiabilityInsurancePolicyvalidity