What exactly is the nature of the import and export agency service?

Acting as an import and export agent falls underInternational Trade Professional Services, the core value lies in enabling companies that lack import-export qualifications or operational capabilities to complete the entire cross-border transaction process. According to the latest 2025 statistics released by the General Administration of Customs, national imports輸出代理店The number of registered enterprises has reached 98,000, with the proportion of high-quality agency enterprises holding AEO advanced certification rising to 17%.

Which companies need import and export agency services?

The following three types of companies most frequently use proxy services:

• newly established foreign trade enterprises: Eliminates the time cost of setting up an in-house import and export department
• Special goods operators: Fields such as medical devices and food that require special qualifications
• cross-border e-commerce enterprises: Handle complex customs clearance needs across multiple platforms and countries

What are the core services provided by an agency?

• End-to-End Process Management：
  • HS Code Classification and Declaration
  • Certificate of Origin Processing
  • Application for Advance Tariff Ruling
• Cross-border logistics solutions：
  • Special Cargo Transportation (Cold Chain / Hazardous Materials)
  • Multimodal Transport Route Optimization
• Tax Compliance Management：
  • Value-added tax輸出稅還付
  • Cross-border tax planning

How to assess the professional competence of an agency?

It is recommended to evaluate from five dimensions:

• Certification: Whether it possesses AEO certification from customs and international trade compliance certification
• Industry Experience: Number of successful cases in specific product domains
• Global Network: Number of countries covered by overseas customs clearance agents
• Digital capabilities: Do you provide a real-time customs clearance status tracking system?
• Risk control: Whether to establish a compliance review mechanism and trade remedy contingency plan

What impact will 2025 international trade policies have on agency services?

Based on the latest policy changes, the agency services sector is showing three major trends:

• Digitalized customs clearance：稅関「単一窓口」3.0システムとの全面的な連攜
• Application of RCEP Rules: Specialized Application of Rules of Origin Cumulation
• Green Trade Requirements: Carbon emission data reporting has become a mandatory service item

How is the fee structure for import and export agency services composed?

Typical fee structure includes:

• Basic service fee (0.8%–1.5% of the contract amount)
• Special Operation Surcharge (e.g., Anti-Dumping Duty Declaration)
• Funding Service Fee (for services such as Letter of Credit issuance and other financial services)

High-quality agency enterprises usually provideCost Simulation Calculator, helping companies estimate costs in advance. According to 2025 industry research data, businesses that use professional agency services save an average of 23% in hidden trade costs.