How to operate export shipping agency? 12 key questions foreign trade enterprises must know

How to choose reliable export shipping agents?

Three key dimensions should be evaluated when selecting agent service providers:Customs filing qualifications,Years of industry serviceandClient case database. The 2025 newly implemented cross-border trade digital filing system requires agents to hold AEO Advanced Certification. Its recommended to verify enterprise credit codes through the General Administration of Customs website.

What are the key steps in export procedures?

Standard export procedures can be divided into five stages:

• Document preparation stage
  • Commercial invoice and packing list preparation
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Export license application (note the newly added RCEP electronic certificate of origin in 2025)
• Customs declaration stage
  • HS code classification verification
  • Export DrawbackDocument pre-review
• Logistics and transportation stage
  • Transportation method selection (Maritime Transportation/Air Transportation/China-Europe Railway ExpressTrade dispute settlement mechanisms
  • Special declaration for dangerous goods (applicable to chemical products)

How to avoid common customs declaration mistakes?

According to 2025年第一季度 data from the General Administration of Customs, 32% of customs declaration rejections stem from the following issues:

• Incomplete description of product composition (must specify material percentages)
• Declared value deviates from proforma invoice by more than 5%
• Failure to update to the 2025 HS code revision catalog

Typical case: An aluminum alloy product shipment was detained at port for 14 days due to undeclared zinc content percentage.

How to calculate export costs?

Complete export costs include:

• Basic service fee (typically 0.8%-1.5% of goods value)
• Government fees (2025 export procedure charges list):
  • Customs inspection fee: ¥200/shipment
  • Electronic port transmission fee: ¥50/transaction
• Special handling fees (e.g. wooden packaging fumigation)

How to prevent cross-border transportation risks?

At the contract level:

• : Require the agent to purchase liability insurance of at least 5 million yuan: Insurance coverage must include war risk (mandatory requirement for 2025 Middle East routes)
• Alternative Plan: Prepare alternative port lists for key routes
• Real - time tracking: Require agents to provide blockchain logistics tracking systems

How to evaluate agent service quality?

Evaluation metrics should include:

• Customs clearance efficiency (normally completed within 48 hours)
• Document accuracy rate (must exceed 98%)
• Emergency response speed (provide solutions within 2 hours)

Recommend monthly operational review meetings with agents, focusing on newly added 2025 cross-border data security compliance items.