Question 1: Does the agency company possess valid business qualifications?

In the context of the General Administration of Customs strengthening supervision of import and export enterprises in 2025, it is recommended to verify qualifications through the following methods:

• Inspecting the "Customscustoms clearanceElectronic Filing of the "Unit Registration Certificate" (verifiable via the China International Trade Single Window)
• Confirm AEO certification status (General Certification/Advanced Certification enterprises enjoy customs clearance facilitation)
• Check the "List of Enterprises for Trade Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments" filed with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Question 2: Can the scope of services align with my business needs?

It is recommended to select specialized service providers based on the type of goods:

• Special commodity agency: Medical devices require ISO 13485 certification, and hazardous chemicals require a Dangerous Goods Operating License.
• Cold chain logistics capability: The 2024 new regulations require that cross-border fresh products must have full-process temperature control and traceability.
• Cross-border e-commerceThe Service: Must have operational experience with 9710/9810 customs declaration models

Question 3: Is the fee structure transparent and reasonable?

Be wary of hidden fees; request a detailed breakdown of charges.

• Basic Service Fee: Customs declaration fee is charged per HS code (average 300-800 RMB per shipment in 2025)
• Value-added Service Fees: Specialized services such as tariff classification advance rulings and certificate of origin agency processing.
• Risk Margin: Typically, high-quality agents do not exceed 10% of the cargo value.

Question 4:Customs clearanceHow is exception handling capability validated?

You can request to see case examples from the past two years:

• Customs inspection rate (industry average 5%-8%)
• Classification dispute resolution timeline (Premium agents complete appeals within 72 hours)
• Tax Dispute Resolution (2024 Customs Introduces Dual-Channel Mechanism of "Advance Ruling + Administrative Reconsideration")

Question Five: How to evaluate the compliance risk control system?

Focus on three key compliance dimensions:

• Trade Compliance: Whether to establish an ECCN control list
• Tax Compliance: Value-added Tax Credit Refund Processing Cycle (Normal: 15 working days)
• Data Compliance: Compliance Certificate for the "Cross-Border Data Flow Security Management Measures" Effective in 2025

Question Six: Do you have professional resources in the regional market?

For specific markets, confirmation is required:

• ASEAN Market: Utilization Rate of Certificate of Origin (RCEP Cumulative Rules Can Reduce Tariffs by 5%-30%)
• EU Market: REACH Regulation Compliance Verification Capability
• US Market: Section 301 Tariff Exclusion Application Experience

Question Seven: Is the dispute resolution mechanism well-established?

It is recommended to specify in the contract:

• Criteria for Division of Responsibilities (refer to the latest interpretation of INCOTERMS? 2025)
• Compensation Calculation Method (Cargo Damage Calculated Based on CIF Value)
• Dispute Resolution Methods (Prefer agents with international arbitration experience)

Question Eight: Is the collaboration process digitized?

2025 The quality agent should have:

• Full-process Visual Tracking System (Real-time Customs Declaration Status Updates)
• Intelligent Customs Declaration System (with AI Pre-screening Support for HS Codes)
• Electronic Document Exchange Platform (Compliant with Customs Single Window Standard)

According to 2023 customs statistics, engaging professional agents can reduce average customs clearance time by 40% and lower declaration error rates by 65%. It is recommended that enterprises follow a four-step process—"qualification review → demand matching → case verification → contract approval"—to make optimal choices under the new international trade landscape by 2025.