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Trade Q&A
How to carry out import agency business?
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TRACKING NO. 20260218 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
Trade Challenges?
No import/export license, customs delays,
or complex compliance issues.
or complex compliance issues.
Our Solution
One-stop full-chain agency: ensure efficient
clearance and fund security.
clearance and fund security.
Cost OptimizationUrgent ClearanceGlobal ResourcesCompliant Rebates
I want to launchI want to start a business, but I'm not very clear about the qualification requirements, logistics operations, and business negotiations. Where should I start preparing?
Daniel XuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Director of Import & Export OperationsStart a Chat
To start an import agency business，the first step is to address compliance qualification issues: You need to first register for import and export rights，and complete the registration of international freight forwarding enterprises with the Ministry of Commerce (if necessary). The HS code classification must be accurate. It is recommended to use the classification system of the General Administration of Customs or entrust pre-classification services to avoid delays in customs clearance or penalties due to incorrect classification. Imported goods must be pre-verified for regulatory documents，such as the "Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit" for food products and checking the exemption list for 3C products. When declaring，it is essential to accurately report prices and quantities. Customs will trace data back three years during inspections，and false declarations will be considered smuggling. For legal inspection goods，they must be inspected upon arrival and sold only after obtaining the "Inspection and Quarantine Certificate for Imported Goods".
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
On the logistics side, first select a solution based on the cargo volume: For shipments under 100kg, choose air freight (delivery time 3-7 days); for large-scale cargo, prioritize sea freight LCL (with costs up to one-third of air freight). For Incoterms, we recommend CIF (our company buys insurance and pays ocean freight) or DDU (delivered duty unpaid), to avoid risks when clients specify their own freight forwarders. When selecting a forwarder, carefully compare the "lump-sum fee" details in the quotation to guard against hidden charges. For customs clearance, prepare the bill of lading (electronic or original) and invoice (with trade terms specified) in advance, along with the certificate of origin (for tariff preferences). Choose a customs declaration agent with AEO certification to reduce inspection rates by 30%. For time management, book shipping space 7 days in advance and declare within 24 hours after arrival. Storage fees increase daily based on container type, so strict adherence to timeframes is essential.
Cindy ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Key Account ManagerStart a Chat
Business negotiations start with establishing a professional image: Bring the "Successful Casebook of Agents" to the meeting and focus on the clearance efficiency and cost optimization of similar products. For new clients, suggest a payment method of "30% prepayment + 70% upon receipt of the bill of lading scan copy", while for regular clients, it can be relaxed to "10% prepayment + 90% upon arrival at the port". The contract should clearly stipulate that "if the delay in customs clearance is caused by our agency's mistake, we will waive the agency fee and compensate for the delay fee", and add "the client shall confirm the customs clearance materials within 3 days after the goods arrive at the port, otherwise they will bear additional fees". When the client presses for a lower price, don't directly reduce it, but say "we can help you apply for the A-class enterprise qualification of the customs, which can reduce the import tariff by 3%. This value far exceeds the price difference", shifting the focus of the price discussion to value-added services.