How to determine the genuine qualifications of an agency company?

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the country hasAEO Advanced CertificationPlease translate the following Chinese into English: 的進Export RepresentationEnterprises account for only 13% of the total industry. It is recommended to verify qualifications through the following steps:

• Check the customs registration code (an 18-digit registration number must be provided).
• Verify the State Administration of Foreign ExchangeTrade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Enterprise Directory
• Please provide the records for the past three years.No Violation Certificate
• Please confirm whether the target market has theSpecial Qualification Certification(such as the EU's EORI, the U.S.'s C-TPAT)

Are there any hidden costs in agency fees?

An internal audit conducted by a Fortune 500 company in 2024 revealed that non-compliant agency practices resulted inHidden CostsOn average, it accounts for 7.2% of the contract amount. Special attention is required:

• Exchange rate difference settlement method (price difference between T/T and L/C)
• Breakdown of Destination Port Surcharges (17 Common Fees Including THC, DOC, etc.)
• Standards for Handling Abnormal Situations (Contingency Plans for Customs Inspection, Port Demurrage, etc.)
• Tax refund account period calculation formula (including bank discount cost)

How to evaluate risk control capabilities?

a full - process cost listFour-dimensional risk control systemDocument:

• Compliance Review System (HS Code Intelligent Verification Record)
• Trade Country Risk Early Warning Mechanism
• Logistics Full-process Visualization System (must include shipping company official data interface)
• Credit insurance coverage (clearly specifying the compensation ratio and exclusions)

How does the payment method ensure the security of funds?

According to the ICC 2025 Trade Finance Report, it is recommended to adoptDual-account supervision model:

• Foreign exchange account: A jointly managed account opened by the agent at the regulatory bank.
• RMB Account: Third-party payment platform escrow transaction is adopted.
• Clearly define payment milestones andBill of Lading Release ConditionsThe corresponding relationship
• (Pay attention to the completeness of declaration elements)Tax payment certificates for the past 3 months(not less than 150% of the contract amount)

How to Avoid Intellectual Property Disputes?

Customs record data from a well-known brand in 2024 shows that agency exports account for 34% of infringement cases. It is essential to verify that the agent possesses:

• Global Trademark Database Real-time Query System
• Product Technical Feature Comparison Tool (Preventing Patent Infringement)
• Origin Marking Review Process (Including Free Trade Agreement Compliance Review)
• Overseas legal advisory team (covering at least major export markets)

Is digital service capability important?

According to the WTO's 2025 Trade Facilitation Assessment, the level of digitization directly impactsClearance time efficiencyMore than 30%. Verification required:

• Single Window Data Integration Status (Customs Declaration, Tax Refund,FX Settlement AgencyFull process)
• Blockchain traceability system (covering at least 3 major ports)
• AI intelligent document generation accuracy rate (third-party test report required)
• Multilingual real-time communication system (supports automatic conversion of trade terms)