Our company plans to engage an agent company for export business. We have no prior experience in this area and would like to know what documents are needed for goods exported through an agent. Do different products require different documents? We hope for a detailed answer so that we can prepare in advance and avoid being flustered at that time.
The company plans to export goods and find an agency. It wants to know what fees are involved in cargo export agency and how to calculate them. The best answer points out that common fees include agency fees charged as a percentage of the export value of goods (0.5% - 3%), customs declaration fees charged per ticket (200 - 500 yuan per ticket), transportation fees, document fees (100 - 300 yuan per ticket), certificate of origin processing fees (100 - 200 yuan per copy), etc. Different agencies may have different charging standards, and it is recommended to consult and compare more.
Our company has goods to export and wants to understand the fee standards for export agency services, worried about being overcharged. The best answer states there is no fixed standard for fees. Common methods include a percentage of the cargo value (1%-5%) or a per-shipment fee. Fees vary for different types of goods, and factors like service scope, transportation method, and port can influence the charges. Specific fees should be negotiated with the agency, and it's recommended to compare multiple options.
Concerned about encountering unreliable import agents when importing goods from Mombasa, asking whether Mombasa import agents are genuine and how to judge. The best answer points out that Mombasa import agents can be both genuine and fake, and they can be identified by checking qualifications, inquiring about reputation, evaluating professionalism, etc. For example, Zhongshitong has rich experience and can provide one-stop services. When choosing, don’t just look at the price; consider multiple aspects.
Looking for a reliable agent to handle the export customs clearance of goods and inquiring whether SF Express can act as an agent. The best answer states that SF Express can provide some export customs clearance services. For common commodities, it can assist in handling procedures with the help of its logistics network, but for special goods, a professional customs clearance company may be required. It is recommended to consult the SF Express customer service first and also compare with professional companies, and make a decision after comprehensive consideration.
A staff member of a trading company asked whether, when the company purchases goods from Country A, transports them to Country B and then resells them to Country C, this situation of entrepot trade counts as an export figure and whether it has an impact on the company's export performance statistics. The best answer is that entrepot trade does not count as a regular export figure. Export refers to the sale of domestically produced goods abroad. The goods in entrepot trade are not produced domestically and are generally not included in the export statistics. However, some regions may have different considerations from the perspectives of trade services, etc. The company can also set its own rules for performance statistics.
Our company plans to find an agent to handle the import business. We are confused about who should handle the customs declaration for the agency import business, whether it should be the consignor (ourselves) or the agent. At the same time, we want to know the precautions for customs declaration. The best answer states that the customs declaration entity depends on the agreement in the agency agreement between the two parties. If the agent handles the customs declaration, it can be more efficient. If the consignor has the qualifications and is familiar with the goods, it can also handle the customs declaration by itself. Whoever handles the customs declaration must ensure the accuracy of the information and clarify the division of responsibilities.
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Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Generally, the following types of documents are required for goods exported through an agent:
First are commercial documents, including commercial invoices, which need to list in detail information such as the description, quantity, and value of the goods; and packing lists, which clarify the packaging details of the goods.
Second are transportation-related documents. The bill of lading is the core as it is a receipt for the goods and a proof of the transportation contract; the booking instruction is used to book shipping space with a freight forwarder.
Third are customs clearance documents. The customs declaration form should be filled with accurate information about the goods; the verification and write-off sheet is used when completing the verification and write-off of export proceeds; various inspection and quarantine certificates, such as quality inspection certificates and sanitary certificates, are provided according to the different requirements of the goods.
In addition, an agency agreement is essential to clarify the rights and obligations of the principal and the agent. Due to different regulatory requirements for different products, there will be differences in documents. For example, food requires more certificates related to health and safety, while electronic products may involve certification documents, etc.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Generally, a contract is required, that is, the foreign trade contract signed between you and the foreign customer. All terms in it should be clear, which is the basis of the export business. Also, a certificate of origin is needed to prove the country of origin of the goods. Some countries have preferential tariff policies for goods from specific origins, so this is also quite important.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
The packing details should be prepared, specifying what is in each box, the weight, volume, etc. Also, a customs declaration power of attorney is required for entrusting the agent company to handle customs declaration. It must be stamped with the official seal.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
For goods subject to quota management, corresponding quota certification documents are needed. For example, when exporting textiles to some countries and regions, a quota is required. Otherwise, the goods cannot be exported.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
An export license may also be required. For some special commodities, such as chemicals and military products, an export license is a must for export, which is a requirement of national regulation.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Although the foreign exchange verification and write-off sheet is not as strict as before after the reform, it may still be used in some business processes to prove the authenticity of the export business and the situation of foreign exchange receipts and payments.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
If the goods need to be transshipped, transshipment documents should also be prepared, such as a transshipment notice, to inform relevant parties of the transshipment information of the goods.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Don't forget the insurance documents. Especially under trade terms such as CIF, after insuring the goods, there will be insurance documents to protect against risks during the transportation of the goods.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
A fumigation certificate for wooden packaging is required if the goods are packed in wooden materials. Some countries require this certificate to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Product brochures are sometimes needed, especially for some high-tech products, to help foreign customers understand the product performance, usage methods, etc.