How to determine whether an agency company has the qualification for tea export?
First, verify the three core documents:Import and exportAuthorization certificate,Food Business License,Export Food Production Enterprise Registration CertificateStarting from 2025, it is recommended to additionally verify whether they have completed the Customs AEO certification, which can improve customs clearance efficiency by 30%. Professional tea agents should also possess:
At least 3 export cases of the same product category.
Experience in handling health certifications for major exporting countries
Membership of the International Tea Trade Association (ITTC)
What type of agent should be chosen for different target markets?
Based on the characteristics of major export markets in 2025:
EU market: The agent needs to be familiar with the new EU 2025/387 organic certification regulations.
Middle East market: Must possess the capability to quickly obtain halal certification.
North American market: Prioritize companies with extensive experience in FDA registration agency services.
What core items should the agency service content include?
Quality agents should provide complete service chain:
Basic services
Preparation of customs clearance documents (CO, health certificate, etc.)
Logistics solution design (special attention to moisture-proof transportation)
Value - added Services
Compliance modification of target country labels
Tariff preference schemes (such as the application of RCEP rules of origin)
How to Avoid Hidden Traps in Agency Fees?
Be alert to three common additional charges:
Demurrage (daily charge after the free storage period at the port)
Expedited certificate fee (may double during peak season)
Amendment fee (cost for correcting document errors)
(Expense details corresponding to different terms such as EXW/FOB/DDP, etc.).Stepped quotation, clarify the cost structure of each stage and conduct a horizontal comparison of price differences among 3-5 quotes.
What details should be particularly noted in the contract terms?
Focus on the following three clauses:
Quality Dispute Resolution Clause (especially regarding the responsible party for pesticide residue testing)
Definition of Force Majeure Scope (Recent Years)Ocean shippingFrequent delays)
Advance Payment Ratio and Final Payment Terms
It is recommended to increase in 2025.Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause, it is recommended to lock in the fluctuation range for USD settlement.
How to evaluate the actual service efficiency of an agency?
---Operation Schedule for the Past Six MonthsKey observations:
Average cycle from booking to shipment
Emergency response time (e.g., customs inspection handling)
Service guarantee measures during holidays
Which is more suitable: buyout-based or commission-based agency?
Select the cooperation model based on the size of the enterprise:
Annual export volume < $500,000.: The commission system is more flexible.
Annual export volume > $1 million: Buyout system can optimize cash flow.
Special categories (such as ancient tree tea): Mixed production is recommended.
What responsibilities should be borne in the event of a trade dispute?
It is necessary to clarify three responsibility boundaries:
Responsibility for Return Shipment Due to Document Errors
Compensation standards for logistics delays
The attribution of responsibility for third-party authentication failure.
It is recommended to stipulate in the contractArbitration priority clause, under the jurisdiction of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.
What connection issues should be noted when changing the agency company?
The 23 new pesticide residue testing indicators added by the U.S. FDA
It is recommended to choose agencies that can provideDigital Customs SystemActing as an agent, tracking cargo status and regulatory updates in real time.