Does an export freight forwarder have the operation qualification for import business?

According to the latest "International Freight Forwarding Management Regulations" of 2025,More than 85% of export freight forwarding enterprisesAt the same time,hold the business license for import business.However,it should be noted that:

• Checkwhetherthebusinessscopeofthecompany’s"BusinessLicense"includes"importfreightforwarding."
• Confirmthattheimportservicetermsareclearlyspecifiedintheagencyagreement
• Requiretoprovideimportoperationcasesinthepasttwoyears(itisrecommendedtocovermorethanthreecountries)

What are the core differences between export and import freight operations?

From the practical experience of our service to over 300 enterprises,the main differences are reflected in:

• Processdirection:
  • Export:Factory→DomesticTransportation→CustomsDeclaration→InternationalTransportation
  • Import:InternationalTransportation→BillExchange→CustomsDeclaration→DomesticDistribution
• Document requirements:
  • Exportfocusesoncommodityinspection/Certificate
  • Importrequiresahygienecertificate/andotherentrydocuments

What additional fees will be incurred?

According to the data announced by the General Administration of Customs in 2025,the average increase in import costs has been observed.6 - 8 items of fees:

• Legalfees:Tariffs,value-addedtax,consumptiontax(ifapplicable)
• Regulatoryfees:inspectionfees,latedeclarationfees(0.5‰/day)
• Servicefees:bill-changingfees,containerdemurragefees($50-$200/day)

How to avoid the import goods being detained by the customs?

Summarized from the service dispute cases in recent years,three high-risk areasSpecial attention should be paid to:

• Disputesovercommodityclassification(itisrecommendedtodopre-classificationinadvance)
• Inconsistentdeclaredvalue(retaincompletetradevouchers)
• Lackofaccesspermission(especiallyforfood/categories)

What core documents need to be prepared?

Under the new policy of "two-step declaration" implemented by the customs in 2025,the required documents include:

• Agencyexportagreement(original)BillofLading,Invoice,PackingList
• Regulatorydocuments:
  • ImportLicense(SpecificCommodities)
  • HealthCertificate/QualityCertification
• Record - filing of customs importers and exporters of goodsCustoms Filing Receipt,Electronic port card

How to connect with import tax collection?

According to the 2025 Cross-Border Taxation Guidelines issued by the State Taxation Administration,the following points should be noted:

• ExporttaxrebateiscalculatedbasedontheFOBprice
• ImportVATcanbededucted(specialpaymentreceiptisrequired)
• Tariffsareincludedinthecostofgoodsandcannotbededucted

What key points should be noted when choosing an import freight forwarder?

Based on our successful experience in serving customers,it is recommended to adopt4-step screening method:

• VerifytheAEOcertificationstatus(giveprioritytoenterpriseswithadvancedcertification)
• Requesttoprovideinformationoncustomsclearancepartnersinthetargetcountry
• Confirmtheemergencyplan(suchasthehandlingprocessincaseofinspection/seizureofgoods)
• Comparethedetailsofthequotationsheet(bevigilantagainsthiddencharges)