What are the import and export documents agencies?

Import and Export DocumentsInternational Trade Services IndustrySpecializing in handling various legal documents and administrative paperwork involved in cross-border transactions for foreign trade enterprises. According to the latest 2025 data from the General Administration of Customs of China, the nationwide record of importExport agentThe enterprise has broken8.2 million, the industrys annual service scale exceeds3000 billion yuan.

Why do you need professional document agency services?

International trade involves30+ core documents, common pain points include:

• Risk of compliance:2025 New edition of the Customs Administrative Penalty Regulations raises the maximum penalty for single certificate error to the value of the goods30%
• Loss of timeSelf-processing takes an average of more time than professional agents3-5 working days
• Hidden costs:73% Corporate Derivatives Loss Caused by Document Problems

What specific services does the Document Agent include?

The complete service system covers three major modules:

• Basic certificate:
  • Commercial invoices / container production
  • Applications for origin certificates (including free trade agreement certificates such as RCEP)
  • Customs reporting documents
• Special certification:
  • Product certifications such as FDA/CE
  • ATA carnet
  • Consular Certification and The Hague Certification
• management of risk:
  • Commercial compliance review
  • HS Code Classification Disputes
  • Optimization of origin rules

How do agencies deal with urgent policy changes?

Professional agencies are establishedThird Level Response Mechanism:

• Real-time monitoring 50+ trade policy database for countries/regions
• Establishment of direct communication channels with customs and commercial inspection departments
• Providing differentiated solutions for countries with agreements such as RCEP

For example, with the new EPR regulations implemented by the EU in 2025 year, professional agents can prepare compliance documents for enterprises6 month in advance.

How to assess the professionalism of the document agent?

Focus on four dimensions:

• Certification of QualificationCustoms AEO certification, member of the Customs Association
• System capacitySupports Single Window Linking and Blockchain Storage
• Accumulation of casesOperating experience in specific industries (such as medical devices, hazardous goods)
• Service networksLocal service points in major ports/free trade zones

How is the document agent charged and are there any hidden fees?

Industry GeneralThe Staircase Charge Model:

• Basic service fee: Single certificate production (200-800 USD/set)
• Government Charges: Payment as Really Occurred
• Accelerated service fee:3-5 times the normal process

Special attention is neededThree hidden costsNon-working time service fees, limitation of the number of documents revised, special port supplementary fees.

How do SMEs choose service providers?

Recommended adoption4-Step Screening Method:

• Step 1: Verify the administrative penalty records of the enterprise credit reporting system
• Step 2: Requirements to provide six months of service cases with industry
• Step 3: Test system response speed (e.g. timing of electronic stamp application)
• Step 4: Confirm erroneous compensation terms (Industry standard compensation for service fees3 multiplied)

What are the latest trends in the paper agency industry?

Three major transformations will emerge in the industry by 2025:

• Digital upgrading: The General Administration of Customs implements the "Paperless Customs Clearance 2.0" system.
• Regional ServicesProfessional team for emerging markets such as ASEAN and the Middle East
• Compliance extensionESG reporting and carbon footprint certification

Taking the Middle East Gulf countries as an example, professional agents now offer special services such as Arabic-language business invoices and GCC certification.