The primary condition for selecting an export agent is verifying its business qualifications. According to the latest 2025 'Customs Declaration Unit Record Management Regulations', compliant agents must hold:
Industry certification(Can be queried through China Customs Enterpriseimport and exportCredit Information Publicity Platform)
Yesforeign tradeForeign Trade Operator Registration Form
Record - keeping certificate of international freight forwarder
(Enterprises of category B and above are in normal status)
It is recommended to request the agent's AEO certification status for the past 3 years, which directly affects clearance efficiency and inspection probability. As of Q2 2025, only 12% of national customs declaration enterprises have obtained advanced certification.
How to determine if an agent's industry experience matches?
Professional alignment directly affects operational efficiency. It is recommended to verify through the following methods:
(Pay attention to the completeness of declaration elements)Export cases of similar products in the past 2 years(Note desensitization processing)
Check whether its cooperative carriers have special transportation qualifications
For example, hazardous chemicals require MSDS certification
Cold chain goods require ATP certificates
Conduct on-site inspections of system compatibility (e.g., whether it can interface with ERP)
What hidden costs are included in the agency service fee?
2025 industry survey shows that 78% of disputes stem from fee misunderstandings. In addition to basic service fees, special attention should be paid to:
Destination port miscellaneous fee allocation mechanism
Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause
Customs classification dispute handling fees
Document modification surcharges (e.g., FORM E re-signing)
(Expense details corresponding to different terms such as EXW/FOB/DDP, etc.).Fee structure matrix table, clearly defining the calculation methods of fixed fees and variable fees.
How to evaluate an agent's risk resistance capability?
Establish an evaluation system from three dimensions:
Fund guarantee
Registered capital not less than 5 million yuan
Records of export credit insurance
Crisis handling case database
Customs audit response success rate
Experience in avoiding trade sanctions
Alternative Solution Reserve
Contingency plans for alternate ports
Mechanisms for responding to sudden policy changes
Are there cooperation risks with small and medium-sized agents?
2025 customs data shows that the proportion of enterprises with annual export volumes below $20 million choosing regional agents has increased to 43%. Key control points include:
Confirm their single-transaction business liability insurance coverage
Verify whitelists of upstream and downstream suppliers
Request bank fund supervision certificates
Establish phased payment mechanisms
How important is digital capability in agent selection?
According to the 2025 International Freight Forwarders Association report, agents with intelligent customs declaration systems can reduce clearance time by 30%. Focus on: