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How to start an import agency company?
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TRACKING NO. 20260129 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
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No import/export license, customs delays,
or complex compliance issues.
or complex compliance issues.
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I plan to start animport agency company. What are the core points from compliance filing and logistics operations to business negotiation?
Grace WangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Foreign Trade ConsultantStart a Chat
To start an import agency，first complete business registration and apply for import/export rights，then register as a declaration unit with customs，file for inspection and quarantine，and complete directory registration with the Foreign Exchange Administration. During import，focus on regulatory requirements: e.g。food requires advance quarantine approval，and electromechanical products may involve automatic import licenses. Compliance risk points include HS code classification errors (pre-classification services suggested)，document inconsistency (B/L，invoice，and declaration must be logical)，and failure to declare forex receipts/payments as required. Establish a compliance ledger and regularly check if declaration data matches actual cargo flow.
Lucas LiuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Operations ConsultantStart a Chat
Logistics-wise, first clarify transport preferences of target markets: prioritize sea freight LCL for Europe/North America to reduce costs; air freight is for time-sensitive Japan/Korea/SE Asia shipments. For Incoterms, FCA (Free Carrier) is recommended to transfer risk, or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to enhance customer experience. For clearance, prepare documents early: B/L (telex/original), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (essential for tariff preferences), and share pre-entry data with the broker. Optimize logistics costs through consolidation and booking during off-seasons, while watching destination port demurrage (suggest stipulating the buyer bears this in the contract).
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
In business negotiations, suggest using T/T + L/C combination for initial cooperation (T/T deposit, L/C balance upon documents) to reduce risks for both parties. Contract terms must specify "goods description is based on the customs declaration" to avoid disputes. Negotiation scripts can emphasize "Our company has over 300 successful import clearance cases for XX type commodities" to build a professional image. Build customer trust via AEO certification (if available), partner forwarder qualifications, and client recommendation letters. Payment negotiations can transition gradually: L/C for the first order, T/T against declaration copy for later, and finally OA terms (after credit rating assessment).