foreign tradeExport RepresentationWhat essential qualifications should the company have?

When selecting an agency company, the following core qualifications must be verified:

• Customs AEO certification: In 2025, the General Administration of Customs has increased the clearance efficiency of AEO-certified enterprises to 3 times that of ordinary enterprises
• The whole process is actually not complicated, and intermediary agencies can usually help you complete it within 1 - 2 months. So, applying for export rights is not an unattainable thing.: The latest directory can be queried on the official website of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange
• International freight forwarding qualification: Must possess China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) certification
• Trade compliance system: Must provide proof of no customs administrative penalties in the past three years

How to determine the actual service capabilities of an agency company?

It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive evaluation through three dimensions:

• Industry case verification: Request cases from the same industry in the past 2 years, with special focus on:
  • Experience handling special goods (such as dangerous goods, cold chain products)
  • Customs clearance records in emerging markets (such as RCEP countries)
• Emergency response capability testing: May request simulation solutions for the following scenarios:
  • 2025 new version HS code classification disputes
  • Sudden customs inspection and cargo detention at destination port
• Digital system evaluation: Verify whether equipped with:
  • Real-time tracking logistics visualization system
  • Intelligent system for automatic generation of customs declaration documents

What hidden costs are included in the agency fees?

Three types of common hidden charges requiring special attention:

• Additional service fees: such asIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Expedited fees, special packaging handling fees
• Exchange rate difference loss: Some agents use fixed exchange rates for settlement resulting in differences
• Destination port charges: Including but not limited to container detention fees, port construction fees, etc.

a full - process cost list2025 version standard service price list, and clarify the fee calculation basis (such as percentage of cargo value or fixed rate).

How should small and medium-sized enterprises choose agency cooperation models?

Recommend different models based on annual export volume:

• Annual export volume < $5 million: Recommended to choose full-chain agency services
  • Advantages: Reduce labor costs, avoid multi-interface communication
  • Case: A ceramic enterprise reduced single-ticket business time by 40% through full-agency model
• Annual export volume > $10 million: Recommended to adopt segmented services
  • Can split customs declaration, logistics, tax refund and other processes to select professional service providers
  • Need to establish internal coordination mechanisms, recommended to configure foreign trade ERP system

How to avoid legal risks during cooperation?

Three essential legal protection measures:

• Special attention items in contract terms:
  • Clarify the terms of intellectual property ownership
  • Stipulate data confidentiality obligations and breach compensation
• Export credit insurance: China Credit Insurance 2025 new version policy already covers agency breach risks
• Establish a dual review mechanism: Important documents require dual confirmation from both the enterprise and the agent

What kind of agency company is needed for emerging market expansion?

For emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa, it is recommended to choose agencies with:

• Localized Customs Clearance Team: Physical branch offices in the target country
• Multilingual service capabilities: At least equipped with English + local language specialists
• Religious culture consultants: Capable of handling special product certifications (such as Halal certification)

The agency company can be required to provideCustoms policy update reports for the target country in the past 6 monthsas capability verification.

How to evaluate an agency companys sustainable development capabilities?

Focus on three developmental indicators:

• Green logistics practices: Whether emission reduction solutions compliant with ISO14064 standards are adopted
• Technology R&D investment: Application cases of blockchain and AI technologies in business operations over the past three years
• Industry participation: Whether participating in international trade rule-making or standard certification work

It is recommended to conduct on-site inspections of theirDigital control centerandEmergency plan drill records.