Export agentWhat services can you actually provide for me?

The service matrix of professional export agency encompasses three dimensions:

• Basic servicesDocument preparation, customs declaration and inspection, transportation arrangement
• Value - added ServicesTarget country compliance consulting, trade financing,Export tax rebateActing
• Risk Management:L/CReview, foreign exchange hedging solutions, trade dispute mediation

Taking the case of an electromechanical enterprise in 2022 as an example, its agent not only completed customs clearance and transportation but also provided early warnings about the new energy efficiency regulations in the target country, preventing $500,000 worth of goods from being returned.

How are the agency fees calculated? Are there any hidden charges?

In 2025, the mainstream industry pricing models exhibit three key characteristics:

• The basic service fee is charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value.
• Transparent itemization of additional fees:
  • Special document certification fee (e.g., Saudi SABER certification)
  • Emergency Handling Fee (e.g., Customs Inspection Overtime)
• Flexible payment terms (30-90 days credit period)

How to assess a proxy company's capability in legal risk prevention?

Focus on examining three compliance indicators:

• Real-time Screening System for US OFAC and EU Sanctions Lists
• Application Notes for INCOTERMS? 2025 Edition
• Violation records related to Customs AEO certification in the past three years

It is recommended to request the agent to provide screenshots of the trade compliance management system interface they use (with confidential business information redacted).

What special considerations should small and medium-sized enterprises pay attention to when choosing an agent?

According to the 2024 statistics from the General Administration of Customs, enterprises with an annual export value below $5 million require special attention.

• Does the agency have a dedicated channel for small orders?
• Proficiency in LCL (Less than Container Load) operations (affecting over 30% of transportation costs)
• Do you offer customized trade term combination solutions?

What are the most commonly overlooked key clauses in an agency contract?

Be sure to clearly specify the following six clauses in the contract:

• Definition of Force Majeure Scope (e.g., Whether the 2024 Red Sea Crisis is Included)
• Calculation Method for Document Error Compensation
• Intellectual Property Security Exemption Clause
• Cross-Border Data Transfer Compliance Commitment
• File Handover Process Upon Service Termination
• Preferred Dispute Resolution Venue (recommended to specify China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission)

What responsibilities should an agent bear in the event of customs clearance delays?

The division of responsibilities should be based on the cause of the delay.

• Agent's faultDocumentation errors will incur demurrage fees + penalty charges.
• Force MajeureBy 2025, "AI Customs System Malfunction" will be added as a statutory exemption.
• Customer responsibilityIf not provided in a timely mannerCertificate of OriginThe agent may charge an emergency handling fee.

What special services are needed for emerging market expansion?

It is recommended to implement a three-tier verification:

• Basic level: Cross-border service scope of business license
• Credit Layer: Customs AEO Certification Status Inquiry
• Professional Level: Membership qualifications in international industry associations such as FIATA and IATA

What are the new changes in agency services in the era of digital trade?

By 2025, digital compliance services will have become the standard:

• Blockchain traceability system integration (covering 78% of EU buyers)
• Automatically generate UN/CEFACT-compliant electronic documents
• Real-time Carbon Footprint Tracking Report