foreign tradeExport RepresentationWhat are the essential qualifications required for a company?

When selecting an agency, it is essential to verify the following core qualifications:

• Customs AEO certification: By 2025, the General Administration of Customs has increased the customs clearance efficiency of AEO-certified enterprises to three times that of ordinary enterprises.
• The whole process is actually not complicated, and intermediary agencies can usually help you complete it within 1 - 2 months. So, applying for export rights is not an unattainable thing.: The latest directory can be queried on the official website of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.
• International freight forwarding qualification: Must possess certification from the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA)
• Trade compliance system: A certificate proving no administrative penalties from customs in the past three years is required.

How to determine the true service capability of an agency?

It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive evaluation from three dimensions:

• Industry Case ValidationPlease translate the following Chinese into English: : Request to provide export cases from the same industry in the past 2 years, with a focus on:
  • Experience in handling special goods (e.g., hazardous materials, cold chain products)
  • Customs clearance records in emerging markets (e.g., RCEP countries)
• Emergency response capability test: You can request to simulate solutions for the following scenarios:
  • Controversy over the Classification of the 2025 Revised HS Codes
  • Sudden customs inspection and cargo detention at the destination port
• Digital system evaluation: Confirm whether it is equipped with:
  • Real-time Tracking Logistics Visualization System
  • An intelligent system for automatically generating customs declaration documents

What hidden costs are included in the agency fees?

Special attention should be paid to three common types of hidden fees:

• Additional service fees: such asIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Express fee, special packaging handling fee
• Exchange rate difference loss：The difference arising from some agents settling at a fixed exchange rate
• Destination port charges: Including but not limited to demurrage charges, port construction fees, etc.

a full - process cost list2025 Edition Standard Service Price List, and clearly specify the fee calculation basis (such as a percentage of the cargo value or a fixed rate).

How can small and medium-sized enterprises choose an agency cooperation model?

Recommend different models based on the company's annual export scale:

• Annual export volume <$5 million: It is recommended to opt for end-to-end agency services.
  • Advantages: Reduce labor costs and avoid multi-interface communication.
  • Case: A ceramic enterprise reduced single-ticket business processing time by 40% through an all-agent model.
• Annual export volume > $10 million: It is recommended to adopt a segmented service approach.
  • Choose professional service providers for separable processes such as customs declaration, logistics, and tax refund.
  • It is necessary to establish an internal coordination mechanism, and it is recommended to implement a foreign trade ERP system.

How to avoid legal risks during the cooperation process?

Three major legal safeguards that must be implemented:

• Special Notes on Contract Terms:
  • Clarify the terms of intellectual property ownership
  • Agreement on Data Confidentiality Obligations and Breach Compensation
• Export credit insurance: The 2025 version of Sinosure's insurance policy has now covered the risk of agent default.
• Establish a dual-review mechanism: Important documents require dual confirmation from both the enterprise and the agent.

What kind of agency is needed for emerging market expansion?

For emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa, it is recommended to choose those with:

• Localized Customs Clearance Team：Having a physical branch in the destination country
• Multilingual service capability: At least equipped with English + local language specialists.
• Religious Culture Consultant: Capable of handling special product certifications (such as Halal certification).

You may request the agency to provide.Customs Policy Update Report for Destination Countries in the Past 6 MonthsAs a proficiency test.

How to evaluate the sustainability capabilities of an agency?

Focus on three developmental indicators:

• Green logistics practices: Whether to adopt an emission reduction solution compliant with the ISO14064 standard
• Investment in technology research and development: Application Cases of Blockchain and AI Technologies in Business Over the Past Three Years
• Industry engagement: Have you participated in the formulation of international trade rules or standard certification work?

It is recommended to conduct an on-site inspection of it.Digital Control CenterandEmergency Plan Drill Record.