1. What kind of agency can truly solve export challenges?

High - qualityforeign tradeAn agency must possess three core competencies:Professional qualifications, end-to-end services, risk management systemAccording to the General Administration of Customs' 2024 data, the service efficiency of AEO-certified agency enterprises nationwide is 38% higher than that of ordinary enterprises. It is recommended to prioritize companies that possess the following qualifications:

• Enterprises with AEO advanced certification by the customs
• International freight forwarder filing (FIATA qualification)
• Cross-border Payment Business License
• At least three local customs clearance networks in major exporting countries.

II. What Hidden Traps Are There in the Fee Standards of Agency Companies?

Industry research in 2025 shows that 63% of foreign trade enterprises have encountered hidden fees. Special attention should be paid to the following fee clauses:

• Exchange rate conversion surcharge (should not exceed 0.5% of the real-time exchange rate)
• Document processing fee (single transaction shall not exceed 200 yuan)
• Storage overdue fee (free rental period days must be specified)
• Port Disbursement (official local fee receipt required)

3. How to Verify the Authentic Service Capability of an Agency Company?

Recommended to adopt the three-checks three-questions verification method:

• Check registration information: Verify the establishment duration and registered capital through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.
• Check case data: Request to provide customs declaration forms for similar category products from the past 3 months (with sensitive information redacted).
• Crisis Handling: Simulate emergency scenarios (such as customs inspections, shipping delays) to test response plans.

IV. What should be considered when selecting agents in emerging markets?

For emerging markets such as RCEP member countries, the Middle East, and Africa, the following recommendations are proposed:

• Select an agency with a localization team (at least equipped with Chinese-speaking liaison personnel).
• Confirm the capability to handle special documents such as Halal certification and COO certificate.
• Please provide the latest interpretation report on the tariff policies of the destination country.
• Please translate the following Chinese into English: Verify the fire safety certification of local storage facilities.

V. Seven Key Clauses That Must Be Clearly Stated in an Agency Contract

• Division of Responsibilities: Clarify the criteria for determining liability for cargo damage.
• Data Security: Agreement on Confidentiality of Business Information and Leakage Prevention Measures
• Service Timeliness: Refine time nodes for each step (e.g., completing booking within 48 hours).
• Force Majeure: Definition of Scope and Loss Allocation Mechanism

6. How to Evaluate the Technical Capabilities of an Agency in the Digital Trade Era?

High-quality agency companies in 2025 should possess:

• API data integration capability (supporting at least mainstream ERP systems)
• Real-time tracking system (coveringMaritime Transportation,Air Transportation, multiple modes of land transportation)
• Intelligent Risk Control System (Automatically Identifying Risks Such as HS Code Errors and Missing Documents)
• Electronic document issuance capability (compliant with international standards such as e-AWB)

7. How to maintain the agency relationship after cooperation?

It is recommended to establish a dual communication mechanism:

• Daily Communication: Dedicated Customer Service + Quarterly Business Review Meeting
• Emergency communication: Establish a 24-hour emergency response hotline.
• Data sharing: Monthly exchange of key indicators such as transportation lead time and cost fluctuations.
• Service Improvement: Jointly conduct annual service process optimization projects.