Pitfall 1: Only Looking at Agent Prices While Ignoring Company Qualifications?

Choose to EnterExport agentPrimary VerificationThree types of core qualifications:

• Customs AEO Certification (2023 New Version Certification Standards)
• International Freight Forwarding Filing (FIATA Qualification Preferred)
• Industry Association Membership (e.g., Chinacustoms clearanceAssociation Governing Unit

A cross-border e-commerce company in 2024 had its entire container of goods detained at Rotterdam Port due to the absence of hazardous materials transportation qualifications from its agent, resulting in 360,000 yuan in demurrage fees—a case worth vigilance.

Pitfall 2: What to Do When Service Scope Doesnt Match Needs?

Recommend selecting agents based on enterprise type:

• Production - type enterpriseKey considerations:
  • Processing trade manual handling capability
  • Bonded zone warehousing support
  • Certificate of origin application efficiency
• Trading CompanyFocus areas:
  • Professionalism in L/C document review
  • Special document processing capability (e.g., FORM E certificates)
  • Multi-port coordination experience

Pitfall 3: How to Spot Hidden Fee Traps?

2025 industry research shows 73% of enterprises encountered hidden charges, with key focuses on:

• Customs inspection surcharges (clear upper limits should be specified)
• Document translation fees (confirm language rates in advance)
• Abnormal situation handling fees (e.g., container rollover solutions)

Contract review essentials:Require agents to provide detailed fee comparison tables, clarify exchange rate conversion rules, and specify dispute resolution locations (domestic arbitration in China recommended).

Pitfall 4: How to Verify Risk Control Capability?

High-quality agents should possessThree-tier risk control system:

• Pre-compliance review (HS code pre-classification accuracy rate)
• In-process logistics tracking (real-time visualization system)
• Post-dispute resolution (litigation loss rate over past three years)

A 2024 case where an agents failure to update the U.S. sanctions list led to a client being added to the Entity List warns us: agents must haveDynamic regulatory update mechanisms.

Pitfall 5: How to Correctly Judge Industry Reputation?

Effective methods to avoid misleading by false advertising:

• Verify AEO-certified enterprise information on customs announcements
• Request authentic client case libraries (including contact details)
• Check administrative penalty records via China Customs Credit Information Disclosure Platform

A manufacturing client compared three agents2023-2025 customs declaration error rates(1.2%, 3.8%, and 0.7% respectively) and ultimately chose the supplier with the lowest error rate.

Choose to EnterExport agentThis is a systematic project; we recommend establishing aFive-dimensional evaluation model covering qualifications, service, pricing, risk control, and reputationfor regular supplier reassessment. Mature agent partnerships should offer customized solutions, not just standard service packages.