How to Choose a Reliable International Freight Forwarder?

Key Considerations When Choosing a Freight ForwarderThree Essential Elements：

• Industry Qualifications: Verify the certification from the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA)
• Service Network: Confirm local presence in the target country/region通関capability
• Risk Control: Require the provision of a transportation insurance plan and an emergency response plan

What basic documents are required for exporting goods?

Essential Documents Checklist includes:

• Commercial Invoice (HS CODE must be indicated)
• Packing list (gross and net weights must be accurate to two decimal places)
• Certificate of Origin (requirements vary under different FTAs)
• Transportation Contract (with explicit Incoterms? 2025 clauses)

配送、空輸、鉄道輸送How to choose?

Comparison of Different Transportation Modes:

• 配送: Suitable for bulk cargo (cost $0.8–1.5/kg)
• 空輸: Preferred for urgent shipments (cost: $4–8/kg)
• China-Europe Railway Express: Time/Cost Balance Solution (18–22 Days)
• International Express: Small sample (DHL/UPS door-to-door, 3–5 days)

What should I do if I encounter customs clearance issues?

Common Customs Clearance Exception Solutions:

• Document discrepancy: Submit the corrected documents within 3 working days
• Dispute over commodity classification: apply for a customs advance ruling (submit 30 days in advance)
• Anti-dumping duty: Provide certificate of origin + third-party test report

What items are included in international freight forwarding charges?

Standard Fee Structure (using ocean freight as an example):

• Base fee
  • Ocean freight (charged by cubic meter/gross weight)
  • THC Terminal Handling Charge ($25–40/TEU)
• Additional charges
  • Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF, adjusted periodically)
  • Peak Season Surcharge (PSS, common from June to September)

How can we ensure on-time cargo delivery?

Timeliness Assurance Measures:

• When booking space, confirm the reliability of the sailing schedule/flight (refer to historical on-time performance).
• Choose a direct flight route (to avoid delays at transfer ports)
• Purchase shipping-time guarantee insurance (compensation standards must be clearly defined)

What should be noted when exporting special cargo?

Special Cargo Handling Standards:

• Lithium Battery: UN38.3 Certification + MSDS Documentation
• Food category: FDA/CE certification (required by the destination country)
• Dangerous Goods: IMDG Code Classification & Packaging

What should you do when facing trade compliance risks?

Key Points of Compliance Management:

• Establish an ECCN classification control system
• Regularly update sanctions list screening (OFAC/EU lists)
• Dual-header customs declaration retained (freight forwarder + shipper)

How should I purchase international transport insurance?

Insurance Selection Tips:

• Basic Coverage: Free of Particular Average (FPA) insured for 110% of cargo value
• All Risks: Institute Cargo Clauses A (ICC A)
• War Risk Insurance: Mandatory when transiting high-risk areas

輸出稅還付How do we connect them?

Tax Refund Operation Process:

• 通関書類「還付用控え」の取得（通関完了後3?5日）
• Electronic data matching for foreign exchange verification forms
• VAT invoice verification (requires the freight forwarder to provide shipping documents)

(Special reminder: The EU will implement the new Union Customs Code (UCC) Reform in 2025; exporters are advised to begin system-upgrade preparations in advance.)