InExport AgencyWhat exactly is it? And self-operated.Import and exportWhat's the difference?

Import and export agency refers to theCustoms AEO certification qualificationA professional service institution that represents enterprises in completing tasks includingCustoms declaration and inspection, transportation insurance, foreign exchange settlement, tax refund declaration.We provide comprehensive trade services throughout the entire process. The key difference from self-operated import and export lies in:

• Qualification requirements: Enterprises operating independently need to complete the full set of qualifications, including customs registration and electronic port procedures (which takes 3-6 months).
• Risk bearing: The agency company assumes the responsibility for document compliance, while self-operated enterprises must independently handle customs inspection risks.
• Certification fees account for 15 - 20%：Self-operation requires the formation of a professional team (with an average annual labor cost of approximately 250,000 to 400,000 RMB), while agency services charge on a per-order basis.

What specific services does an import and export agency company provide?

By 2025, the industry-leading agency has been established.full-chain solutionsTypical service modules include:

• Trade compliance services
  • HS code classification accuracy guarantee (error rate ≤0.3%)
  • Certificate of OriginIntelligent Declaration System
• Intelligent Customs Clearance System
  • Automatically dock with the Single Window API interface.
  • Track the customs clearance status of goods in real time
• Supply chain financial services
  • Order financing based on real trade data
  • Export Tax RebateAdvance Payment Service (Fastest credit within 3 business days)

How are the agency fees calculated? Are there any hidden charges?

The industry fee standards for 2025 are presented as follows:Differentiated pricingTrend:

• Basic service fee：Billing by ticket (?Ocean shipping?Full container load (FCL) approximately 800-1500 RMB per shipment)
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
  : such as 1‰-3‰?L/C?Negotiation fee
• Risk Surcharge: Involve?3C certification?and other specially supervised goods have a surcharge of 5%-15%

Professional agencies can effectively prevent and control three core risks:Three potential costs:

• Demurrage charges incurred from customs inspection (approximately 200-500 RMB per day).
• Demurrage charges for unclaimed cargo at the destination port
• Exchange losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations (it is recommended to opt for hedging services)

How to determine whether an agency is professional and reliable?

Recommend evaluating fromFour dimensionsEvaluation:

• Qualification Verification: Check the AEO certification level (Advanced Certified Enterprises enjoy a 30% increase in customs clearance efficiency).
• Industry Cases: Request to provide operation records of similar products (e.g.Medical DevicesExperience with CFDA certification is required.
• Emergency Response Capability: Inquire about customs clearance plans during special periods such as the pandemic (e.g., the emergency export channel for medical supplies in 2020).
• Technical Capabilities: Investigate whether the intelligent customs declaration system has AI-based document review functionality (by 2025, leading enterprises have achieved 95% automated document review).

Are there legal risks involved in import and export through agents? How to prevent them?

The risks primarily lie inThree levels:

• Contract risks: Clearly specify"Back-to-back" clauseThe agent shall not be held responsible for the final collection of payment.
• Intellectual Property Risk: Request the agency to provideBrand Authorization Filing System(The 2025 Customs Filing System has achieved blockchain-based evidence storage.)
• Compliance risk: Ensure the agency agreement includesTrade Compliance Commitment Clause, clearly define the liability for breach of contract in case of document fraud.

Do special commodities require an agent for import and export? What are the restrictions on self-operation?

According to the latest in 2025"Regulations on the Classification and Supervision of Import and Export Goods"The following categories are recommended to be mandatory for proxy usage:

• Medical Devices: An import registration certificate is required (average processing time: 12-18 months).
• Hazardous Chemicals: Require MSDS certification and GHS label filing
• Food category: Overseas production enterprises must register with the General Administration of Customs (as of 2025, over 80,000 enterprises have completed registration).

What are the new trends in the import and export agency industry in 2025?

The current industry landscape showsThree Major Directions for Transformation:

• : Achieve full - process quality control visualization from the production line to end - consumers through a blockchain traceability system.: Leading enterprises have deployed intelligent customs declaration robots (processing efficiency increased by 70%).
• What international trade problems can an export agency company help me solve? These 8 questions explain it thoroughly!：Establishment of RCEP Member StatesCustoms clearance integrationMechanism (Customs clearance time for ASEAN countries reduced to 48 hours)
• Green supply chain: The EU CBAM carbon tariff mechanism requires agency companies to provide a complete carbon footprint report.