1. How to verify the legal qualifications of a customs broker?

According to the 2023 data released by the General Administration of Customs, the nation has8.7%The customs declaration was rejected due to an issue with the agent's qualification. When verifying the qualification, special attention should be paid to:

• Customs Registration Code: Real-time verification via the official website of China’s International Trade Single Window
• AEO Certification: Prioritize enterprises that have obtained the AEO Advanced Certification from customs (inspection rate can be reduced by 50%).
• Industry association qualifications：中國通関協會が授與する「優秀通関企業」の稱號

2. Does the scope of the agency services align with the enterprise's needs?

Different trade modes require specific service capabilities; it is recommended to filter along the following dimensions:

• Trade Type Adaptation：
  • General trade (accounting for 73.2% of total exports in 2024)
  • Processing trade (requires the capability to manage security deposits)
  • Cross-border e-commerce (requires integration with the customs 1210/9710 systems)
• Product Category Experience: Chemical products, medical devices, and other special commodities require specific qualifications.

III. What common pitfalls are hidden in a quotation?

A Yangtze River Delta-based company overpaid in 2024 due to failing to spot a pricing trap127,000 yuan. Special attention is required:

• Hidden fee items: Inspection Fee, Amendment Fee, Late Declaration Penalty Calculation Standards
• Exchange Rate Fluctuation Clause: It is recommended to establish a fixed exchange-rate settlement cycle.
• Service Scope: Clearly define the fees for special operations such as pre-entry of customs declarations and deletion/re-submission.

4. How to Handle Unexpected Customs Inspections?

The emergency-response capabilities that a high-quality proxy should possess include:

• on-site coordination capability: Station professional customs officers at the inspection port on a permanent basis
• Speed of document remedy：Timeliness for reissuing critical documents such as certificates of origin and inspection reports
• Risk Early-Warning System: Proactively identify potential issues such as product classification and declaration elements.

V. How should digital service capabilities be assessed?

By 2025, the paperless customs clearance rate has reached98%, need to confirm that the proxy possesses:

• Electronic Customs Declaration System: API integration capability with the Single Window
• Data Visualization: Real-time tracking of customs clearance progress and anomaly alerts
• EDI Transmission Security: ISO27001 Information Security Management System Certification

6. How can you assess an agency’s industry reputation?

It is recommended to cross-validate across three dimensions:

• Customs Credit Disclosure: Query administrative penalty records for the past 24 months
• Peer recommendation: Attend industry trade shows to obtain real-world case studies
• Service Provider Rating: Refer to the top 50 enterprises in the annual ranking of the China Customs Brokers Association

7. What are the mandatory clauses that must be included in the contract?

A Pearl River Delta company suffers losses due to a contractual oversight$270,000, it must be made clear:

• Responsibility allocation: Proportion of Late Payment Penalties Arising from Filing Errors
• Service Response Time: Including an emergency response mechanism for non-working hours
• Termination Clause: Data Handover Standards and Transition Period Arrangements

VIII. How Important Is Geographic Coverage Capability?

In 2025, the cargo throughput of the Yangtze River Delta ports will account for45%, need to confirm the proxy at:

• Core Port Layout: Shanghai Port, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, and other major hubs
• Special Supervision Area: Localized service teams for bonded zones and pilot free trade zones
• Multimodal transport network: Emerging corridors such as China-Europe Railway Express and cross-border road transport

IX. How do value-added services create additional value?

Premium proxies can provide:

• 輸出稅還付Accelerate: Direct data connectivity service with the tax system
• Supply Chain Finance: Credit Loans Based on Customs Clearance Data
• RCEP Application: Origin Rules Intelligent Matching System

10. What risks should I be aware of when changing my proxy?

Key precautions during the transition period:

• Data Migration Security: System Transfer of Customs Declaration History
• Customs Record Update: Submit the change of consignor/consignee 30 days in advance
• Business Handover Testing: Arrange 2–3 trial orders to verify process stability