What trade problems can import/export agencies actually help solve? Professional answers to 15 frequently asked questions

service expert with 20 years of industry experience, this article will systematically analyze the core points of clothingExport RepresentationWhat basic services does the company mainly provide?

Professionalimport and exportAgency services include four core modules:

• End-to-end customs clearance management
  • HS code classification (2025新版协调制度)
  • Customs declaration document review and filing
  • Electronic port data interface
• Logistics solution design
  • Multimodal transportation route optimization
  • Special transportation for hazardous materials/cold chain, etc.
• Trade compliance review
  • Application of rules of origin (including free trade agreements such as RCEP)
  • Export control screening (e.g., ECCN classification)
• Tax planning services
  • Export DrawbackDeclaration
  • Cross-border VAT processing

Do SMEs need to engage import/export agents?

According to China Customs latest 2025 statistics, SMEs using professional agents reduce customs clearance time by an average of 2.7 days. Priority consideration is recommended for these three types of enterprises:

• Emerging enterprises with annual import/export volume <5 million yuan
• Involves3CSpecial regulated goods requiring certifications/food filings, etc.
• Exporters planning to expand into emerging markets like ASEAN

How can import/export agents help mitigate trade risks?

Professional agencies implement a triple risk prevention mechanism:

• Pre-event warning system
  • Real-time monitoring of trade policy changes in 200+ countries
  • Predicting anti-dumping investigation trends (based on latest WTO data)
• In-process compliance control
  • Document compliance rate increased to 99.2% (vs. 83.5% for self-declaration)
• Post-event dispute resolution
  • AEO-certified enterprises customs dispute resolution green channel

What internal coordination is still needed after engaging an agent?

Enterprises are advised to establish a trinity coordination mechanism:

• Information provision: Complete and accurate product technical parameters
• Process coordination: Finance/warehousing/logistics department collaboration
• Risk control participation: Regular participation in trade compliance training

How to identify professional and reliable import/export agents?

Focus on verifying four key qualifications:

• Customs AEO Advanced Certification (2025 pass rate <18%)
• FIATA membership (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)
• Handled 1000+ cases of similar commodities
• Capability for cross-border e-commerce customs clearance system integration

How are import/export agency fee structures composed?

Typical charges consist of four modules:

• Basic service feePer-document fee (RMB 200-800/document)
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
  Such as classification advance ruling (RMB 3000/item)
• Risk guaranteeTypically 1%-3% of cargo value
• Success commission5%-8% of tax rebate amount

Which is more cost-effective: self-filing or agency delegation?

Analysis through cost comparison model (taking an enterprise with annual export volume of RMB 20 million as example):

• Self-operation costs
  • Labor costs: RMB 250,000/year
  • Error penalties: average RMB 30,000/year
• Agency service cost
  • Total service expenditure: RMB 180,000/year
  • Tax rebate timeliness incentive: RMB 20,000/year

How do import/export agencies handle unexpected customs clearance issues?

Professional companies typically have a three-level emergency response mechanism:

• 1-hour responseLocal customs field specialist intervention
• 4-hour solutionTechnical/compliance/logistics team consultation
• 24-hour resolutionActivation of national-level coordination channels (limited to AEO enterprises)