Does a freight forwarder actually have the right to engage in import and export? Can anyone give an accurate answer?
Solved#Freight forwarding#
I've recently been collaborating with a freight forwarder to handle the import and export of a batch of goods. But suddenly, a question came to my mind: Does the freight forwarder itself have the right to engage in import and export? I didn't pay much attention to this before and am worried that it might affect the goods transportation process. Is there any knowledgeable friend who can talk about how the right to engage in import and export is regulated for freight forwarders? Do all freight forwarders have it, or only some? And what are the criteria for judgment?
Professional consultant answers
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
A freight forwarder itself doesn't necessarily have the right to engage in import and export. The main responsibility of a freight forwarder is to arrange matters related to the transportation of goods for customers, such as booking shipping space, customs declaration, and commodity inspection.
Some freight forwarders may have the right to engage in import and export, which usually depends on the company's own business expansion and application for qualifications. If a freight forwarder applies for and obtains the right to engage in import and export operations when registering, then it can conduct import and export business in its own name.
However, in most cases, a freight forwarder assists customers with the right to engage in import and export in handling freight-related formalities. The customer has the right to engage in import and export, and the freight forwarder uses its own professional knowledge and resources to help the customer complete each link of the goods transportation. So it can't be generalized that all freight forwarders have or don't have the right to engage in import and export. It depends on the specific qualifications of the company.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Some freight forwarders have the right to engage in import and export, while others don't. This is related to the company's development plan. If the company wants to comprehensively expand its business, it may apply for the right to engage in import and export.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
The simplest way to judge whether a freight forwarder has the right to engage in import and export is to look at the business scope of its business license. If there are relevant expressions such as "import and export of goods", it is highly likely to have the right to engage in import and export.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Many freight forwarders focus on transportation services and don't necessarily have the right to engage in import and export. They cooperate with enterprises with the right to engage in import and export, each performing their own duties to complete the process of goods import and export.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
You can't just assume that the other party has the right to engage in import and export just because they are a freight forwarder. You should ask them to provide relevant certificates, such as the approval document for the right to engage in import and export operations.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Some freight forwarders may choose not to apply for the right to engage in import and export for the sake of business flexibility but rely on cooperative partners with the right to engage in import and export to conduct business.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Generally, large freight forwarder enterprises may apply for the right to engage in import and export for the sake of business diversification, while small freight forwarders may not.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Even if a freight forwarder doesn't have the right to engage in import and export, as long as it can efficiently complete the work of transportation agency, it won't affect the cooperation. The key lies in the service quality and ability.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Now the policies have adjusted the application conditions for the right to engage in import and export. Some freight forwarders may take advantage of the situation to apply for the right to engage in import and export. So it's necessary to consult the enterprise specifically.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Some freight forwarders will indicate in their promotional materials whether they have the right to engage in import and export. You can pay attention to the relevant information.