How to verifyExport RepresentationThe companys legal business qualifications?

When examining basic licenses, focus on confirming:The business scope of the business license must include goods.import and exportor international freight forwardingIt is recommended to verify the authenticity of registration information through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. Professional agency companies typically hold:

• Customs AEO certification qualification (preferably select an advanced certified enterprise)
• FIATA membership (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)
• Primary agency qualifications from major shipping companies/airlines

How to evaluate an agency companys actual service capabilities?

Request the service provider to provide operation cases from the past 3 years, paying special attention to:

• Whether they have export experience with similar product categories (such as hazardous materials/food/Medical Equipmentand other special categories)
• Whether the main service areas match the target market (e.g., RCEP countries/African emerging markets)
• Overseas agency network coverage density (customs clearance, warehousing, and other supporting capabilities)

What hidden costs exist in export agency fees?

In addition to basic agency fees, confirm the billing standards for the following costs:

• Document processing fees (including special documents like CO/FA)
• Abnormal situation handling fees (customs inspection, document amendment, etc.)
• Exchange rate fluctuation risk-sharing mechanism
• Minimum fee thresholds (especially for small-quantity orders)

How to assess an agency companys risk control system?

Professional agency companies should have complete risk control solutions:

• Purchase of international freight liability insurance (recommended minimum coverage of $5 million)
• Bank supervision mechanism for payment collection and disbursement
• Customs inspection response plan (AEO enterprises can reduce inspection rates)
• Trade compliance review process (including export controls/anti-money laundering reviews)

How does electronic service level impact cooperation?

Prioritize service providers equipped with professionalforeign trademanagement systems:

• Real-time cargo tracking system (supports API integration with enterprise ERP)
• Electronic document transmission system (complies with customs single-window standards)
• Online reconciliation and settlement functions (automatically generates fee details)

How to handle trade disputes when they arise?

Clearly define liability allocation clauses in contracts:

• Compensation standards for cargo damage/loss (based on cargo value or freight multiples)
• Rules for determining liability for customs clearance delays
• Dispute resolution mechanism (recommended to specify arbitration institutions)

How can SMEs obtain customized service solutions?

High-quality agency companies will provide tailored services based on enterprise characteristics:

• Market access consulting (product certification/tariff optimization advice)
• Supply chain financial support (e.g.Export DrawbackFinancing)
• Foreign trade talent cultivation services (customs/documentary operation training)

Special reminder:The international trade environment continues to change in 2025. It is recommended to prioritize agency companies with policy research capabilities. For example, service providers that can offer solutions for the latest policies such as the EU CBAM carbon tariff and the U.S. UFLPA Act will more effectively ensure export compliance for enterprises.