What kind of?Export Agency?What counts as qualified credentials?

To determine the agency qualification, the following documents need to be verified:

• "Customs AEO Certification Certificate" (preferably an Advanced Certified Enterprise)
• Original copy of the "International Freight Forwarding Agency Registration Form"
• Foreign Exchange Administration Filing Record (verifiable on the central bank's official website using the enterprise credit code)
• Membership in industry associations (e.g., FIATA membership of the China International Freight Forwarders Association)

Typical case: A sanitary ware exporter once had an entire container of goods detained at the Port of Rotterdam due to the agent's lack of hazardous materials transportation qualifications, resulting in $120,000 in demurrage fees.

What losses can be caused by a mismatch in service scope?

It is recommended to select specialized service providers based on product characteristics:

• ?Medical Devices?Export: It is mandatory to select an agent with MDSAP certification.
• Food category goods: It is necessary to confirm that the agent has FDA prior notice filing capability.
• ?E-commerce?Logistics: It is essential to verify whether the overseas warehouse management system is integrated with the sales platform.

The newly added EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) declaration service in 2025 has become a new criterion for selecting agents.

How to identify hidden fee traps?

The quotation must pay special attention to the following terms:

• The billing basis for Destination Terminal Handling Charges (DTHC)
• The adjustment mechanism for Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)
• Rules for Cost Allocation During Customs Inspection
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause

Important Notice:A formal agent should provide a comprehensive cost breakdown under FOB terms. It is advisable to request complete payment records for similar transactions conducted in the past six months.

How to quantitatively assess crisis management capabilities?

You may request the agent to provide emergency cases from the past three years:

• Success rate of customs classification dispute resolution
• Response timeline for anti-dumping investigations (focus on cases from ASEAN and South American markets)
• Contingency Plan for Force Majeure Events Such as Strikes in Destination Countries

A machinery exporter suffered a loss of approximately 15% of the cargo value in tax refunds due to the agent's failure to promptly respond to Turkey's anti-dumping duties.

How important is the localization service network?

Needs to be evaluated based on the target market:

• Southeast Asian market: Confirmed to have customs clearance teams in Vietnam and Indonesia.
• African market: Requires bonded warehouses in locations such as Lagos/Johannesburg.
• South American Market: Should have AEO mutual recognition qualification among Mercosur member countries.

How to evaluate the level of data-driven management?

High-quality agents should have:

• Real-time Freight Tracking System (API Integration Supported)
• Automated Electronic Customs Declaration Comparison Function
• Trade Compliance Risk Early Warning Platform
• Visual data dashboard for the client-side

What are the shortcuts for conducting industry reputation surveys?

Please recommend 3 verification channels:

• Credit Publicity of Customs Declaration Enterprises on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China.
• Member Evaluation System of WCA, the International Freight Forwarding Network
• Cooperation Whitelist for the Trade Finance Department of Multinational Banks

What points in the contract terms require special attention?

Key clauses to review:

• Liability Limit Clause (recommended requirement not less than 80% of the cargo value)
• Dispute resolution mechanism (preferably the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)
• Information Security Safeguard Provisions (Must Comply with GDPR and China's Data Security Law)
• Termination Conditions of Service (Including the Right to Unilaterally Terminate Due to Material Violations)