I. What kind of?Export Agency?What makes a company truly reliable?

When selecting an export agency, you must verify three core qualifications:Customs AEO certification qualification,International freight forwarding filing certificate?and?Foreign exchange income and expenditure directory registration。The newly implemented RCEP agreement in 2025 specifically emphasizes that an agency company should have at least three years of cross-border customs clearance experience. It is recommended to request the company’s records from the past 12 monthsClearance Data Statistics Report, with a focus on the customs clearance success rate of its main routes.

II. What hidden costs are included in the agency service fee?

Industry-standard pricing includes a basic service fee (0.8%–1.5% of the cargo value) and the following potential charges:

• Special document handling fee (e.g.?Certificate of Origin?(Urgent)
• Abnormal Situation Handling Fees
  • Customs inspection storage fee
  • Interest on advanced detention charges
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Deposit (required at some ports starting 2025)

III. How can we verify the actual service capabilities of an agency?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• System integration capability: Does it support EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)?
• Crisis handling cases: Provide examples of solutions for goods being detained at customs within the past two years.
• Port relationship network: Major partner ports must include gateways to the target markets (e.g., Port of Rotterdam, Port of Los Angeles).

4. What should be noted when selecting international trade terms?

In accordance with the 2025 edition of the INCOTERMS rules, it is recommended:

• ?Ocean shipping?When prioritizing the FOB terms, confirm that the forwarding agent has service capabilities at the destination port.
• When using DDP terms, the method for calculating the tax-inclusive price must be clearly specified.
• Emerging-market trading recommendations: additional war-risk clause

V. How to Mitigate the Risks of Working with Agency Partners?

Mandatory safeguards to be implemented:

• Sign a contract containingDefault compensation clausethe official service agreement
• (Pay attention to the completeness of declaration elements)Cargo Liability Insurance PolicyPhotocopy
• Establish a phased payment mechanism (with the down payment not exceeding 30%)

6. What special strategies should small and medium-sized enterprises adopt when choosing an agent?

Recommendation for companies with annual export volumes below USD 2 million:

• Priority given to providers offeringSupply chain financial servicesqualified agency companies
• Confirm the minimum shipment quantity requirement (recommended not to exceed 2 TEU per batch)
• Examine its capability for handling small-batch, multi-batch customs declarations

7. What specific aspects does digital service capability refer to?

The 2025 Excellent Agency Should Possess:

• Real-time cargo tracking system (supports API integration)
• Automatically generate commercial invoices that comply with the requirements of various countries
• Electronic Document Management System (retention period of no less than 5 years)

8. How to handle service disputes with an agency?

Recommended contract provisions:

• Governing Law for Dispute Resolution (Singapore or Hong Kong law is recommended)
• Mandatory arbitration clause (LCIA recommended)
• Evidence Preservation Mechanism (Electronic Data Preservation Requirements)

IX. How to evaluate a proxy firm’s market responsiveness?

Key performance indicators should include:

• Notice lead time for sudden trade policy adjustments (no more than 24 hours)
• Pre-clearance feedback time for customs declaration documents (ideal ≤2 hours)
• Availability of Emergency Contact Channels During Holidays

10. How to Avoid Running into Shell Agency Companies?

Five Key Points for Recognizing Red Flags:

• Refusal to provide a video verification of the actual office address
• Unable to provide a bank credit certificate
• The quotation is significantly below the industry average (deviating by more than 15%).
• Lack of a stable overseas agent cooperation network
• Employee turnover exceeds the industry average (the 2025 industry average is 18%).

Choosing an export agency is a critical step in international trade; it is recommended toGeneral Administration of Customs Enterprise Credit Information Disclosure PlatformVerify the filing information while cross-referencing the FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) accreditation list. Before signing any formal agreement, ensure the legal team conducts a compliance review of the contract terms and establish a regular business review mechanism. Stay alert to new market regulations—for example, the CBAM carbon tariff mechanism newly implemented by the EU in 2025 will require the agency to have the capability to collect carbon-emission data.