A formal export agent must meet the following requirements:Four fundamental conditions:
Hold the "International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Filing Form"
Possesses AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification from customs (the 2023 updated certification standards still apply).
There is a record on file in the China Electronic Port.
Provide a complete special VAT invoice.
It is recommended toThe National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity SystemVerify the company's establishment date; companies specializing in export agency services for over 5 years are more trustworthy.
How to evaluate the service capabilities of a proxy company?
Focus on three key dimensions:
Route coverage: Check whether its dominant routes match your export regions.
Special Qualifications:
Hazardous Materials Transport Qualification (UN Certification)
Cold Chain Logistics Certification (ISO 9001)
Emergency case handling: Request for examples of solutions to goods stranded during the pandemic.
How should agency fees be calculated reasonably?
The mainstream charging models in the market in 2025 include:
Per-document fee: Single ticket handling fee ranges from 200 to 500 yuan.
Sales commission: 0.5%-1.2% (varies by product category)
Annual fee system: Suitable for customers with an annual export volume exceeding $3 million.
Professional agencies can effectively prevent and control three core risks:Compliance risks:: Port surcharges, document amendment fees, and container detention fees, among other common charges, must be included in the contract annex.
How to Avoid Pitfalls in Export Agency Contracts?
It is recommended to clarify in the contractSix key clauses:
Division of Responsibilities Clause (especially the connection under FCA/FOB terms)
Minimum Service Time Guarantee
Force majeure exemption scope
Agreement on the Dispute Resolution Place (it is recommended to choose the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
Intellectual Property Guarantee Clause
Data Confidentiality Agreement
What documents are required for export agency support?
The compliance agent should be capable of assisting in the preparation.Complete set of trade documents:
Commercial Invoice (must comply with the language requirements of the destination country)
Professional agents should possessTriple emergency response mechanism:
24-hour emergency contact hotline
Local customs clearance agent network (it is recommended to choose companies with self-operated branches in the target country)
Pre-deposit Customs Guarantee System
According to U.S. Customs data in 2024, the clearance resolution time for professional agents is 3-5 working days faster than that of general agents.
How to prevent the risk of delivery without a bill of lading?
The agent must be required to sign.Bill of Lading Control Agreement, and implement the following measures:
The issuance of the designated freight forwarder's bill of lading (HOUSE B/L) requires your written confirmation.
Enable electronic bill of lading blockchain notarization
Require the agent to purchaseWrong Delivery Liability Insurance(Sum insured not less than 120% of the cargo value)
How does digital transformation impact the selection of agents?
High-quality agents in 2025 should possess:Four major digital capabilities:
Real-time Cabin Visualization System
AI Intelligent Classification System (HS Code Accuracy Rate > 98%)
Automatic electronic document verification function
Carbon Footprint Tracking Report (Compliant with EU CBAM Requirements)
It is recommended to conduct an on-site demonstration of its operating system, with a focus on evaluating the response speed of the automatic pre-clearance function for customs declaration data.