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What are the goods that are imported and exported by agents?
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Our company wants to start an agency businessI want to start a freight forwarding business, but I'm not sure which specific goods I can handle. Are there any restrictions or risks involved?
Grace WangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Foreign Trade ConsultantStart a Chat
The scope of goods subject to import and export agency services primarily depends on the National Catalog of Prohibited and Restricted Goods. Firstly，weapons and ammunition，narcotics，endangered species and their products，obscene materials，etc. are strictly prohibited. Secondly，restricted items such as dual-use items，military products，certain used machinery and electronics，grain，and mineral sands require licenses from departments like the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs。
Operational recommendations。
1. Obtain accurate HS codes from clients and check regulatory requirements via the General Administration of Customs official website。
2. For food，cosmetics，and medical devices，confirm in advance whether the overseas manufacturers are registered with the General Administration of Customs。
3. Almost all used equipment imports require a "Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate" and an "Import License for Used Machinery and Electronics"。
Risk points。
Never engage in "tax-inclusive" agency services. If clients falsely declare dangerous or restricted goods，your business entity will face administrative penalties from customs authorities，and severe cases may lead to criminal prosecution。
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
From a logistics practical perspective, whether goods can be successfully transported depends on two key factors: the nature of the goods and the required documentation. General cargo (such as clothing and daily necessities) is the simplest category, with sea freight LCL being the most cost-effective option. Dangerous goods (e.g., chemical products and lithium batteries) require providing MSDS and dangerous goods packaging certificates, as well as packing according to IMDG rules, which increases costs by three to five times. Cold chain goods (e.g., meat and vaccines) require maintaining -18°C temperature control throughout the journey and booking shipping space one week in advance. Oversized cargo (e.g., equipment and yachts) must be transported via open-top containers or bulk/break-bulk vessels.
Key points:
1. Before booking shipping space, ensure clients provide complete cargo information, especially the Chinese and English product names, materials, and uses, as these determine the HS code and regulatory requirements.
2. Air freight inspections are particularly strict for electrical products, with many agents refusing to accept such shipments outright.
3. Customs clearance documents at the destination port must match those at the origin port, especially for brand authorization letters, as goods may be seized otherwise.
Advice: Beginners are advised to start with general cargo (e.g., textiles and building materials) to minimize risks and gain familiarity with operational procedures.
Cindy ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Key Account ManagerStart a Chat
The core issue behind your question lies in establishing client trust and professionalism. Telling clients "we can handle anything" is a big no-no. The professional approach should be: "We specialize in compliance and customs clearance. Let us first assist you with product pre-classification."
Strategically:
1. Prepare the "Agent Import/Export Goods Pre-Review Form" and ask clients to fill in product names, materials, usage, and images to enhance professionalism.
2. For sensitive goods (e.g., cosmetics, health supplements), proactively mention: "For such products, we need to conduct label review and filing 3 weeks in advance, with additional fees." This way, clients are aware of the risks upfront.
3. Contract terms must clarify: "Party A guarantees that the goods information is true and legal. In case of seizure or criminal liability due to undeclared items, Party B shall be exempt from liability."
For payment terms, insist on 100% prepayment for first-time collaborations or high-risk goods, or add "payment upon customs clearance" to the L/C clauses. Remember: It’s better to take extra precautions upfront than face disputes later. Professional image is built through these meticulous details.