How to choose a reliable export agency company? Foreign trade experts answer 5 core questions

I. How to Quickly JudgeExport RepresentationWhether the Companys Qualifications are Compliant?

According to the latest customs data in 2025, there are more than 120,000 registered customs declaration enterprises nationwide, but less than 30% have the full - process service capability. It is recommended to verify the qualifications through three aspects:

• Basic Qualifications:Check whether the business scope of the business license includes goods and confirm the registration certificate of the customs - registered customs declaration enterpriseimport and exportChina Customs AEO Certification (The 2025 version of the certification standard has been updated)
• Industry Certification:
  • Membership Qualification of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
  • Risk Scanning:
• Query the enterprise credit rating through the China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform and give priority to high - level certified enterprisesIt is recommended to conduct a stress test on service capabilities from three dimensions:

II. How to Evaluate the Actual Service Capability of an Agency Company?

Logistics Resource Network:

• Whether there are multimodal transport solutions covering the target market
  • Whether there is an in - house operation team at major ports/airports
  • Customs Clearance Practical Cases:
• Request to provide the customs clearance time - limit records of the same category of goods in the past two years, and focus on checking the return rate and inspection response plansTrade Compliance System:
• Ask professional questions such as the application of RCEP origin rules and cross - border tax planning, and observe the professionalism of the responseThe 2025 industry survey shows that 67% of enterprises have encountered hidden charges. It is recommended to pay attention to the following:

III. What Hidden Costs are Included in the Agency Fees and Need to be Watched Out For?

Basic Agency Fees:foreign tradeUsually 0.5% - 1.5% of the cargo value, and if it exceeds 2%, the rationality needs to be specially demonstrated

• High - frequency Additional Items:Document expedited processing fee (especially in the document - submission scenario)
• Customs pre - classification service fee
  • Operation surcharge during special periodsLetter of CreditRisk Costs:
  • Clarify the sharing mechanism of demurrage charges and container detention charges caused by customs declaration errors
  • Based on international trade dispute cases in the past three years, it is recommended to take three protective measures:
• Essential Contract Clauses:Clarify data confidentiality and intellectual property ownership

IV. How to Prevent Legal Risks During the Cooperation Process?

Specify the scope of liability exemption under force majeure circumstances

• Insurance Mechanism:
  • Require the agency company to purchase professional liability insurance, and it is recommended that the insured amount is not less than 5 million yuan
  • Dispute Resolution:
• Specify the arbitration institution (give priority to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)Require the agency company to purchase professional liability insurance, and it is recommended that the insured amount is not less than 5 million yuan.
• Dispute Resolution:Agree on an arbitration institution (preferably the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)

V. Is it Necessary to Choose a Comprehensive Agency that Can Provide a Full - chain Service?

This depends on the development stage of the enterprise:

• Start - up enterprises (annual export volume < $5 million):It is recommended to choose a one - stop service provider that offers basic customs clearance + logistics to reduce the docking cost.
• Growing enterprises ($5 - 20 million):It is advisable to adopt the model of self - control of core links + outsourcing of non - core businesses. For example, build an in - house documentary team and outsource transportation execution.
• Mature enterprises (> $20 million):It is recommended to establish an exclusive service team, sign a strategic cooperation agreement with an agency company, and strive for customized service rates.

Choosing an export agent essentially means establishing a long - term strategic cooperative relationship. It is recommended to conduct supplier evaluations annually, with a focus on the agency companys ability iteration in emerging fields such as digital services (e.g., blockchain documentary processing) and ESG compliance. By establishing a scientific evaluation system, more than 30% of trade operation risks can be reduced.