I. I. Is it really worry - free to handle the export process by oneself?

According to the data of the World Customs Organization, the error rate of global customs declaration documents will still remain at 18.7% in 2025. A manufacturing enterprise I once served had a whole container of goods detained at the port of destination for 37 days due to incorrect HS code classification. For self - export, one needs to fully master:

• Preparation of customs declaration documents (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin)
• Logistics transportation arrangements (sea freight booking, air freight scheduling, land transportation customs declaration)
• Trade Compliance Review (Export Control, Anti - dumping Duty, Intellectual Property Rights)
• Foreign Exchange Verification Process (Declaration of Receipt and Payment of Foreign Exchange, Tax Filing)

II. Where exactly lies the core value of foreign trade agency?

The international trade dispute cases from 2018 to 2025 show that,Professional agency services can reduce trade risks by 42%.. Take a medical device export project as an example. The agency company avoids losses for customers through the following services:

• Pre - review the documents for US FDA certification
• Arrange for customs clearance at the port with AEO certification
• Process CE certification technical documents
• Customize a logistics solution under DDP terms

III. Can small and medium - sized enterprises complete the export process independently?

The latest survey in 2025 shows that among enterprises with an annual export value of less than $5 million, 78% choose agency services. Independent operation needs to meet the following:

• Equipped with a professional team of more than 3 people (customs declaration, documents, logistics)
• Establish the connection between the ERP system and the single customs window
• Invest at least 150,000 yuan annually to maintain AEO certification
• Establish an operation network covering over 200 ports worldwide

IV. What are the common trade compliance risks?

In March 2025, new EU regulations require that textiles be affixed with carbon footprint labels. Enterprises that fail to update in a timely manner will face:

• The maximum fine for a single ticket is 80,000 euros
• The demurrage charges at the port incurred due to the return of goods
• The risk of a decline in the enterprises credit rating
• Subsequent order customs clearance delay

V. How to evaluate an enterprises self - export capabilities?

It is recommended to conduct diagnosis from three dimensions:

• Professional Competence Assessment
  • The existing teams trade compliance knowledge reserve
  • Experience in handling special trade terms (such as CIP/DAP)
• Time cost accounting
  • Processing time for a single ticket of business
  • Response speed for abnormal situations
• Risk tolerance
  • Flexible space for capital turnover
  • Resources for Handling Legal Disputes

VI. In which situations is it necessary to use a foreign trade agency?

According to the international trade practice in 2025, the following scenarios are recommended to entrust an agent:

• Entering emerging markets (such as member states of the African Community) for the first time
• Involving the export control of dual - use items
• Special trade methods (Bonded zone one - day tour, cross - border e - commerce)
• Handle goods involved in anti - dumping cases

VII. How to Select a Reliable Foreign Trade Agent?

It is recommended to examine four core indicators:

• Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification
• Own customs declaration team at major ports
• Cases of International Trade Dispute Resolution
• Maturity of the Digital Customs Clearance System

(The data in this article is cited from the 2025 Annual Report of the World Customs Organization and the research data of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade)