What is the difference between customs declaration agency and freight forwarding services? What documents need to be prepared for the export process? The latest practical guide in 2025

How to Distinguish Between Agent Customs Declaration Companies and Freight Forwarding Services?

In the international trade practice in 2025, the core differences between the two are as follows:

• Customs Declaration AgentFocus on customs declaration affairs:
  • HS编码归类
  • Review of customs declaration documents
  • Calculation and payment of customs duties
• International Freight ForwarderEmphasize the logistics link:
  • Planning of transportation modes (Maritime Transportation/Air Transportation/Railway)
  • Booking and space management
  • Handling of transportation insurance

How to select a reliable customs declaration agency service provider?

According to the compliance standards of the World Customs Organization in 2025, it is recommended to examine the following elements:

• Customs AEO certification qualification (preferably select an advanced certified enterprise)
• Customs declaration experience for specific commodities (e.g.,Medical EquipmentDrug regulatory filing is required)
• Capability of connecting with the customs affairs system (supporting EDI electronic data interchange)
• Coverage of the port service network (there should be an on - site operation team in major port areas)

Export ClearanceHow many working days are required for the standard process?

The customs clearance time - effect data of the e - port in 2025 shows:

• General trade: 3 - 5 working days (including document preparation)
• Urgent customs clearance: within 48 hours (urgent service fee needs to be paid)
• Special supervision modes:
  • Cross-border E-commerceB2B出口：7-10个自然日
  • Market procurement trade: Inspection time at the place of origin needs to be added

What risks may arise when goods are inspected by the customs?

According to the risk prevention and control data of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the main risk points include:

• Inaccurate declaration elements (differences in product name/material/specification)
• Abnormal price declaration (deviation value from the same - type goods in the same period ≥ 30%)
• Intellectual property rights infringement (focus on monitoring electronic products, clothing, shoes and hats)
• Lack of quarantine certificate (for food/Cosmetics & Personal CareCIQ certificate is required)

FOB和CIF贸易术语对报关有何影响？

The Incoterms 2025 stipulates:

• FOB条款:
  • The seller shall handle the export customs clearance procedures
  • Freight is calculated up to the ships rail at the port of shipment
• CIF条款:
  • The seller shall purchase marine insurance
  • Complete transport documents shall be provided to the buyer for customs clearance

How to handle the customs procedures for returned export goods?

According to the requirements of Announcement No. 67 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025:

• An inspection report issued by an overseas official shall be provided
• A copy of the original export customs declaration form (the electronic version shall be traceable)
• The quality problem clause shall be specified in the return agreement
• If the tax refund has been processed, the corresponding tax shall be paid up

What should be noted for the export of dangerous goods such as lithium batteries?

According to the IMDG CODE (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) in 2025:

• UN38.3测试报告有效期缩短至18个月
• The transport packaging must pass the 1.2 - meter drop test
• New transportation specifications for Class 9 dangerous goods - electronic equipment have been added
• For sea transportation, the dangerous goods manifest must be declared 14 days in advance.

How to avoid differences between the proforma invoice and the customs declaration form?

It is recommended to adopt the three - document comparison system:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Customs Declaration
• Key data (value/quantity/commodity name) must be completely consistent.

What are the special customs declaration requirements of emerging market countries?

Precautions for key markets in 2025:

• Southeast Asian countries:
  • Indonesia requires the submission of SNI certification.
  • Vietnam requirements:It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Chamber of Commerce certification
• African region:
  • 尼日利亚实施SONCAP强制认证
  • Kenya requires PVOC pre - shipment inspection.

What advantages can the digital customs declaration system bring?

According to the 2025 Customs intelligent reform plan:

• The customs declaration error rate is reduced by 82%.
• The customs clearance efficiency is increased by 60%.
• Achieve 24 - hour paperless customs clearance.
• Automatically generate compliance risk warning reports.