the real qualifications of a company?Export RepresentationThree core documents must be checked:

To verify qualifications, three key steps must be completed:

• Official Record Inquiry: Verify its Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs (it is recommended to use the latest domain name for 2025).
• Industry association certifications: Check whether they hold the qualification certificate issued by the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA).
• Key Points for Entity Inspection
  • The actual office area shall be no less than 200㎡ (common operational risks for small agencies).
  • Customs Supervised Premises Cooperation Certification Document

What are the hidden pitfalls in export agency fees?

Market monitoring data for 2025 shows that 76% of disputes stem from fee opacity. Special attention is required:

• Exchange Rate Conversion Rules: Request written confirmation of the benchmark date for the settlement exchange rate (it is recommended to use the exchange rate published by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System).
• Additional service charging: The list of 16 common additional charges, including document authentication, amendment fees, and container demurrage, must be confirmed in writing in advance.
• : Mechanical products are prone to disputes due to HS code classification. It is recommended to apply for an advance ruling from the customs in advance.: Verify whether the cargo insurance includes special clauses such as war risk and strike risk.

What should I do if there is a delay due to customs inspection?

The emergency mechanisms that professional agents should possess include:

• Pre - classification Service: Provide the HS code legal opinion for the goods in advance.
• On-site coordination skills：Certified customs brokers shall be stationed at major ports.
• Guaranteed Customs Clearance Program: For AEO-certified enterprises, a guarantee may be provided as an alternative to physical inspection.

How to Avoid Risks in International Trade Payments?

It is recommended to adopt a triple safeguard mechanism:

• Combination of settlement methods: 30% advance payment + 60%L/C+10%尾款的結(jié)構(gòu)化支付方案
• Credit Investigation Service: Request the agent to provide the DUNS verification report.
• Application of Financial Instruments: Businesses with payment terms exceeding 180 days must be covered by export credit insurance.

Who is responsible for damage to goods during transportation?

The division of responsibilities should focus on three critical time points:

• FOB terms: The risk passes to the buyer after crossing the ship's rail.
• CIF terms: The agent shall be responsible for the minimum insurance coverage to the destination port.
• EXW terms：Risk transfer is completed upon ex-works delivery.

How to handle disputes over customs clearance at the destination port?

The support that professional agents should provide includes:

• Pre-review service: Verify the required certification documents for the importing country in advance (such as Saudi SABER certification).
• Local agency network: Cooperating customs clearance companies are established in major trading countries.
• Legal Support: Emergency lawyer lists should be prepared for special regions such as South America and Africa.

Why should the contract specify the version of Incoterms?

The 2025 edition of ICC Incoterms? introduces significant changes:

• Cancel DPU terminology: Changed to DPP (Delivered at Place Paid)
• Extension of Insurance Coverage: The minimum coverage under CIF terms includes war risk.
• Electronic document confirmation: Officially recognize the legal validity of blockchain bills of lading.

How to evaluate the after-sales service capability of an agent?

The focus is on examining three key indicators:

• Tax refund timeliness: From complete documentation to the receipt of tax refunds, the process shall not exceed 15 working days.
• Dispute Response: Establish a 4-hour emergency response mechanism
• Data services: Provide a trade data analysis report containing 42 indicators.