Export agentWhat specific tasks can the company handle for me?

StandardExport agentCompanies should provideEnd-to-end trade servicesand including:

• Document preparation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin)
• Customs declaration, inspection, and transportation coordination
• Foreign exchange receipt and payment andExport tax refund
• Trade compliance review (especially note the new EU carbon tariff declaration added in 2025)
• Pre-audit of clearance documents for the target country

How to verify the qualifications of an export agency company?

The following core documents must be verified:

• Customs AEO certification (priority given to advanced certified enterprises)
• Answering Seven Core Questions in Export Agency Selection, covering qualification verification, contract terms, fee structures, risk control, and other key aspects to help foreign trade enterprises avoid cooperation risks and ensure compliant and efficient international trade.
• Membership qualification of the International Trade Services Industry Association
• No administrative penalty records in the past three years (can be checked on the Credit China website)

How to verify the real capabilities of an agent?

2025 industry fee standards mainly include:

• Basic service fee (0.8% - 1.5% of the cargo value)
• Special handling fee:
  • 20% surcharge for sensitive items
  • Expedited operation fees (e.g., 72-hour customs clearance)
• Third-party fees (customs brokers, testing agencies, etc.)

How to evaluate the risk control capabilities of an agency company?

The following can be requested from the counterparty:

• Insurance policy from a cooperative insurance company (coverage must exceed the cargo value)
• Trade dispute cases handled in 2024 (after desensitization)
• Demonstration of customs data interface system
• Special solutions for emerging markets (e.g., dedicated logistics channels for Lazada platform in Southeast Asia)

What clauses should be noted when signing a contract?

Key focus areas:

• Liability division clauses (especially cargo damage compensation standards)
• Definition scope of force majeure (including new risks such as cyber attacks)
• Data confidentiality agreement (must comply with the 2025 new regulations on cross-border data transmission)
• Dispute resolution methods (international trade arbitration is recommended)

How should small and medium-sized enterprises choose an agency service model?

Recommendations based on monthly export volume:

• Monthly export volume < $500,000: Choose bundled service packages
• $500,000-$2,000,000: Customized services (can be purchased by module)
• > $2,000,000: Recommend establishing a dedicated service team

Can the agency company assist in exploring new markets?

Quality agents should provide:

• Interpretation of target country access policies (e.g., updated AfCFTA rules for Africa in 2025)
• Localized certification resources (Halal certification, FDA registration, etc.)
• Overseas warehousing and distribution solution design
• Cross-border payment channel setup

How to evaluate an agency companys professionalism?

It is recommended to verify through the following methods:

• Request 3 service cases from the same industry
• Test their understanding of the latest RCEP tariff concession policies
• Inquire about their response plan for the 2025 customs declaration system upgrade
• Evaluate the coverage density of their overseas agent network