1. What kind of port agency is suitable for home textile exports?

When selecting a port agent, key considerations should include:Three major competency dimensions:

• Professional Matching Degree
  • Do you have export experience in the home textile category (bedding/curtains/fabrics, etc.)?
  • Be familiar with the testing standards of major exporting countries (such as OEKO-TEX, REACH).
• Advantages of port resources
  • Is there a stable cooperative container yard in home textile distribution hubs such as the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai Port/Ningbo Port) and the Pearl River Delta (Yantian Port)?
  • Special container type handling capacity (40HQ high cube, hanging garment)The containeretc.)
• Risk prevention and control system
  • Has a Customs AEO certification management system been established?
  • The EU's Newly Implemented EPR System Response Plan for 2025

2. What hidden costs are included in port agency fees?

Request for Agent ProvisionCost Breakdown List:

• Basic costs
  • THC (Terminal Handling Charge): Adjusted to ￥580/20GP at Shanghai Port in 2025.
  • VGM Weighing Fee: Special attention should be paid to the volumetric weight calculation for bulky home textile goods.
• PotentialAdditional fees
  • Peak Season Surcharge (PSS): Especially during the peak shipping season of Christmas.
  • Amendment Fee: The cost incurred due to incorrect HS code declaration.
• Special Notice
  • Request the agent to provide written confirmation of the validity period for the "ALL IN" price.
  • Allocate 3-5% of the budget to hedge against exchange rate fluctuations (increased two-way volatility of the RMB in 2025).

III. Home TextilesCustoms clearanceWhat special documents need to be prepared?

In addition to the regular packing list and invoice, special attention should be paid toThree types of supporting documents:

• Material Certificate
  • Cotton textiles require a non-Xinjiang cotton declaration (for the U.S. market).
  • Down products must be accompanied by RDS certification (European market).
• Security Check
  • Flame Retardant Test Report (Applicable to Curtains, Sofa Fabrics)
  • Additional microplastic emission testing (EU regulation) to be implemented in 2025
• Certificate of Origin
  • Confirmation of Validity for FORM B (ASEAN) and FORM F (Chile)
  • Egypt ACID number pre-registration (72-hour advance declaration required)

IV. How to Avoid Port Operation Delays?

Based on the experience of handling congestion at Ningbo Port in 2022, it is recommended to adoptThree preventive measures:

• Time management
  • Complete container loading (including VGM submission) 24 hours before the port cutoff time.
  • The pre-aligned cargo manifest and AMS declaration must be strictly processed within the specified time limits.
• Emergency contingency plan
  • Request the agent to provide an alternative port solution (e.g., Shanghai to Qingdao Port).
  • Reserve 10% of the inventory as emergency replenishment stock.
• Technical means
  • Adopt blockchain bills of lading (such as IQAX eBL) to accelerate document circulation.
  • Install GPS tracking devices on containers (especially for high-value embroidered products).

5. How to Reduce the Comprehensive Cost of Home Textiles Logistics?

throughThree-dimensional Optimization StrategyIt can achieve a cost reduction of 10-15%:

• Loading optimization
  • Vacuum compression packaging is used to reduce volume (suitable for down quilts).
  • Mixed loading of different SKUs to improve container utilization.
• Route planning
  • For the Middle East route, prioritize transshipment via Colombo (avoiding the Red Sea risk zone).
  • The West Coast route utilizes the Port of Oakland as an alternative to the Port of Long Beach.
• Policy utilization
  • Application for China-Europe Railway Express Subsidy (Chongqing/Chengdu Departure)
  • Tariff reduction in compliance with RCEP rules of origin

6. How to efficiently handle inspection disputes?

Proposal to establishGraded response mechanism:

• Primary response
  • Retrieve the loading photos/video evidence immediately.
  • Prepare alternative product description schemes (in case of HS Code disputes)
• Professional intervention
  • Entrust a Class A customs broker to conduct classification advance rulings.
  • Contact a third-party inspection agency (such as SGS) to issue a compliance certificate.
• Legal remedies
  • Applying for Customs Compensation for Error Inspection (Pursuant to Article 94 of the Customs Law)
  • Initiate customs recordal protection when intellectual property disputes are involved.