How to judge?Export Agency?Does the company possess the necessary professional qualifications?

When selecting an export agency, the following qualification elements must be verified:

• Customs Certification Qualification
  • AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Certificate
  • Registration Certificate of Customs Declaration Enterprise (Valid until 2025)
• Industry association certifications
  • Member of the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA)
  • World Cargo Alliance (WCA) Membership
• Industry experience verification
  • Export cases of similar products in the past three years (it is recommended to request a desensitized contract)
  • Special commodity operation qualifications (e.g., hazardous chemicals, food, etc.)

What hidden costs are included in export agency service fees?

In 2025, industry fee standards are showing three major trends of change:

• Basic Service Fee Structure
  • An agency fee of 1.2–3% of the cargo value will be charged (averaged 1.5–2.8% in 2024).
  • The minimum charge threshold has been raised to RMB 5,000 per transaction
• Value-added service fees
  • Foreign exchange risk management fee (0.3–0.8% of cargo value)
  • ?Tax Refund?Advance funding interest (8–12% annualized)
• Unexpected Expense Alert
  • Customs inspection demurrage fee (500–2,000 RMB per day)
  • Destination port document re-creation fee (USD 30–120 per occurrence)

What legal risks may affect export agency trade?

Pursuant to the 2025 Amendment to the International Trade Law, special attention must be paid to:

• Contractual Liability Clause
  • Clearly define liability for quality disputes (it is recommended to stipulate a third-party inspection agency).
  • Joint and Several Liability Clause for Intellectual Property Infringement
• Trade Compliance Risks
  • Dynamic updates to the export control list (it is recommended to check the Ministry of Commerce announcements weekly)
  • Anti-circumvention Investigation Response Plan (especially for Southeast Asia?Transit Trade?Trade dispute settlement mechanisms

How can the collaboration process with export agencies be optimized?

It is recommended to adopt a four-step process management approach:

• Requirements Communication Phase
  • Provide complete product specifications (including pre-confirmation of HS codes)
  • Clarify the market-access requirements for the target market (e.g., CE certification validity period)
• Solution Confirmation Phase
  • Please provide a guaranteed transit-time solution.
  • Confirm the encryption method for file transfer (blockchain-based evidence preservation recommended)

What special considerations should be kept in mind when exploring emerging markets?

Recommendations for key markets in 2025:

• Southeast Asian market
  • RCEP Rules of Origin Utilization Plan
  • Halal Certification Fast-Track Service
• African market
  • Prepare COC certification 6 weeks in advance
  • ECOWAS Electronic Cargo Tracking Note