the real qualifications of a company?Export Representationauthentic qualifications?

Verification of agent qualifications should focus on three dimensions:Legal business license(check business license and customs registration number),Industry Certification(such as 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 affects customs clearance efficiency.

Does the agency service scope cover the entire process?

High-quality agents should have:

• Basic services:
  • Document preparation (including 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 consultation for destination countries (especially the new EPR regulations implemented by the EU in 2025)
  • Foreign exchange risk management
  • Tax refund agency

What potential pitfalls exist in the fee structure?

Pay special attention to the following fee terms:

• Unclear currency units (cross-border RMB settlement is recommended in 2025)
• Destination port miscellaneous fee prepayment mechanism
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause
• Document certification surcharge

Case: A company incurred an additional expense of 120,000 yuan due to unagreed SOC container demurrage charges.

How to allocate cargo transportation risk liability?

Three points must be confirmed:

• Insurance coverage (it is recommended to purchase ICC All Risks clauses)
• Cargo damage compensation timeframe (the average processing cycle for international arbitration in 2025 is 8 months)
• Applicable standards for force majeure clauses

How does the agent handle sudden trade barriers?

2025 key focus areas:

• Updates to the US Section 301 tariff exclusion list
• Updates to RCEP member country rules of origin
• New customs clearance policies for the African Continental Free Trade Area

Professional agents should provide real-time alerts and alternative solutions, such as last year when aphotovoltaiccompany avoided EU anti-dumping duties through the agents recommendation to re-export via Vietnam.

How is data security guaranteed?

Confirm whether the agent has:

• ISO 27001 Information Security Management Certification
• Independent data servers (avoid using public cloud platforms)
• Hierarchical management of electronic port operation permissions

In 2025, customs has fully implemented blockchain customs declaration, requiring assurance of agent system compatibility.

How to handle disputes when they arise?

The contract should clearly specify:

• Dispute resolution venue (it is recommended to choose the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
• Evidence preservation mechanism
• Cross-border enforcement guarantee clauses

Can the agent provide supply chain financial services?

Leading agents should integrate with:

• Export credit insurance financing
• Accounts receivable factoring
• L/CDiscount services

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

How to evaluate the agents emergency response capabilities?

Examine response plans for three scenarios:

• Alternative transportation solutions for port strikes
• Rapid handling procedures for customs inspection and cargo detention
• Response measures for daily exchange rate fluctuations exceeding 2%

Does digital service meet standards?

Essential functions required by 2025 include:

• Real-time freight tracking (integrated with AIS satellite positioning data)
• Intelligent customs declaration system (automatically identifies HS code errors)
• Visual analysis of trade data