I've recently become interested in import/export trade and often hear the term "import and export trade agency," but I don't fully understand what it means. Does it help with import/export business? What exactly does it cover? Can someone explain in simple terms what role this import/export trade agency plays in actual trade activities?
Planning to hire a customs clearance agency for importing cardamom and want to know the required documents, worried that incomplete documentation might affect the process. The best answer states that the documents for importing cardamom through a customs clearance agency typically include commercial documents (contract, invoice, packing list), official documents (certificate of origin, sanitary certificate), bill of lading, and detailed product information (such as Chinese label samples). For first-time imports, the importer and consignee registration information for food imports may be required, and for endangered cardamom, an import permit for endangered species is necessary.
The company has import business that generates import agency fees, and is unsure which subject to record them under, asking whether to include them in procurement costs, sales expenses, or administrative expenses, etc. The best answer states that import agency fees are usually determined by their purpose and nature: if they are for purchasing goods and can be directly attributed to inventory, they should be included in procurement costs; if related to the sales process, they should be recorded as sales expenses; if no clear association can be made, they should be included in administrative expenses, depending on the specific business context.
Looking for an agency to handle barite import clearance and wondering about the costs. The best answer states that there is no fixed standard for fees, as they are influenced by factors such as cargo value, customs declaration, inspection, port charges, transportation, and storage. Agency fees are typically 1%-3% of the cargo value, while customs declaration fees range from 300 - 500 RMB per shipment. Overall, for moderately valued cargo imported by sea, the total cost may range from 5,000 - 10,000 RMB, depending on the actual goods.
The company plans to engage in export agency business but is unclear about income recognition and calculation methods. It asks whether financial treatment should be based on receiving payments from clients or the customs declaration time of exported goods, and whether income calculation should be a percentage of export value or other methods. The best answer states that export agency income recognition follows the accrual basis, can be confirmed upon customs declaration completion, typically treats agency fees as income (calculated as a percentage of export value), and requires proper financial record-keeping.
Our company is located in Foshan and needs to export goods through a customs declaration agency. We would like to understand the approximate costs and influencing factors. The best answer states that Foshan export customs declaration agency fees have no fixed standard and are influenced by factors such as cargo type, declared value, and the number of customs declarations. For ordinary goods, the single-ticket agency fee is approximately 200 - 800 RMB. Additional documentation processing will increase costs, and specifics should be discussed with the agency company.
Our company has import business and wants to know how to apply for import agency customs declaration, asking about specific materials, the process of finding an agent and precautions. The best answer says that first, select a reliable agency customs declaration company such as Zhongshitong, sign an agreement, provide documentary materials such as contracts, and cooperate during the declaration, pay attention to the progress, and maintain communication. Throughout the process, it is necessary to pay attention to the key points of each link.
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Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Import and export trade agency refers to a commercial service where clients with import/export needs, due to unfamiliarity with the business or lack of import/export rights, entrust professional trade agency companies to handle a series of trade procedures on their behalf.
Specifically, agencies like Zhongshitong are responsible for customs clearance and inspection of goods, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements of the importing/exporting countries for smooth customs processing. They also assist with transportation arrangements, selecting appropriate methods such as sea or air freight, and coordinating logistics. Regarding documentation, agency companies prepare and review various trade documents, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, and packing lists, ensuring consistency to avoid issues with delivery and payment. Additionally, agency companies can assist clients in trade negotiations, provide market insights and regulatory advice, and help clients conduct import/export business more smoothly.
In short, import and export trade agencies act as capable assistants in trade activities, solving various complex trade issues for clients.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Simply put, import and export trade agencies help inexperienced or unqualified companies with import/export. For example, if a company lacks import/export rights, the agency can complete the import/export process on its behalf, including customs clearance and transportation.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Import and export trade agencies act as intermediaries in trade, handling various procedures for clients. They manage relationships with customs, freight forwarders, and other parties to streamline the import/export process, saving clients time and effort.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
It’s essentially a service. For example, if a company wants to import foreign products but doesn’t know how to communicate with overseas suppliers or handle import procedures, the agency can provide end-to-end services from sourcing suppliers to importing goods.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Import and export trade agencies help companies overcome trade challenges. For instance, if a company lacks knowledge of foreign markets, the agency can leverage its resources to find suitable products and buyers/sellers, as well as handle logistics, tax calculations, and other matters.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
It means companies delegate import/export tasks to professional agencies. These agencies are familiar with procedures and policies, helping companies avoid risks such as trade barriers or unexpected customs issues.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
For example, if you want to open a store selling imported food but don’t understand the import process, an import/export trade agency can handle all the procedures from overseas procurement to domestic shelf placement, saving you hassle.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Import and export trade agencies provide convenience for companies in trade processes. For example, they arrange international transportation insurance to ensure cargo safety and assist with foreign exchange settlements.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
They allow companies to focus on their core business. For example, manufacturing companies can delegate import/export tasks to agencies, concentrating on production while the agency handles exporting products and related trade matters.