the real qualifications of a company?Export RepresentationWhat are the actual qualifications?

To verify an agent's qualifications, it is necessary to consider three dimensions:Legal Business License(Check the business license and customs registration number),Industry Certification(such as the CIFA International Freight Forwarding Certification) andPractical casesIt is recommended to verify the AEO certification status of the agent through the General Administration of Customs' enterprise credit publicity platform, as this certification directly impacts customs clearance efficiency.

Does the scope of agency services cover the entire process?

High-quality agents should have:

• Basic services:
  • Document preparation (including the new versionIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Format)
  • Customs Declaration and Inspection
  • It is recommended to purchase all - risks insurance, especially for precision equipment
• Value - added services:
  • Compliance consulting for destination countries (particularly the newly implemented EPR regulations in the EU by 2025)
  • Foreign exchange risk management
  • Tax refund agency

What are the potential pitfalls in the fee structure?

Please pay special attention to the following fee terms:

• The currency unit is unclear (it is recommended to adopt RMB for cross-border settlement in 2025).
• Pre-collection Mechanism for Destination Port Miscellaneous Charges
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause
• Document certification surcharge

Case: A company incurred an additional expense of 120,000 yuan due to the absence of an agreed SOC container demurrage fee.

How to allocate the liability for cargo transportation risks?

The following three points must be confirmed:

• Insurance coverage (it is recommended to purchase ICC All Risks coverage)
• Time limit for cargo damage compensation (the average processing period for international arbitration in 2025 is 8 months).
• Applicable Standards for Force Majeure Clauses

How do agents handle sudden trade barriers?

Key Focus Areas for 2025:

• Updates on the U.S. Section 301 Tariff Exclusion List
• Please translate the following Chinese into English: Updates to the Rules of Origin for RCEP Member States
• New Customs Clearance Policy for the African Continental Free Trade Area

Professional agents should provide real-time alerts and alternative solutions, such as in a certain case last year.photovoltaicEnterprises circumvent EU anti-dumping duties by transshipping through Vietnam based on agency recommendations.

How is data security ensured?

Please confirm whether the agent possesses:

• ISO 27001 Information Security Management Certification
• Independent data server (avoid using public cloud platforms)
• Hierarchical Management of Electronic Port Operation Permissions

By 2025, customs will have fully implemented blockchain-based customs declarations, requiring assurance of the agency system's compatibility.

How to handle disputes when they arise?

The contract shall clearly specify:

• Place of Dispute Resolution (It is recommended to choose the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
• Evidence Preservation Mechanism
• Cross-Border Enforcement Safeguard Clause

Can the agent provide supply chain financial services?

Leading agent docking:

• Export Credit Insurance Financing
• Factoring of accounts receivable
• L/CDiscounting Service

Please compare the financing costs, as the current industry average rate is approximately 5.8% annualized.

How to evaluate an agent's emergency response capability?

Evaluate response plans for three scenarios:

• Alternative transportation solutions for port strikes
• Rapid Handling Process for Customs Inspection and Detention of Goods
• Response Measures for Daily Exchange Rate Fluctuations Exceeding 2%

Does the digital service meet the standards?

Essential features for 2025 include:

• Real-time Freight Tracking (Integrated with AIS Satellite Positioning Data)
• Intelligent Customs Declaration System (Automatic Identification of HS Code Errors)
• Visualization Analysis of Trade Data