I want to start an import agency business but am not entirely clear about the requirements. I don’t have friends in this field to consult, so I’d like to ask: what conditions are necessary to act as an import agent? Do I need a certain amount of capital reserves, or are there specific certifications required? I’d appreciate detailed and practical answers. Thank you!
Someone asked about becoming an Asics import agent but didn’t know where to start or what conditions needed to be met. The best answer suggests first contacting Asics’ official channels to submit an agency application, requiring legal business qualifications like a business license, sufficient financial capability to cover costs, and suitable sales channels. This provides practical guidance for those interested in becoming Asics import agents.
I'm interested in export trade agency and want to know how to engage in it, such as the required conditions and preparatory work. The best answer indicates that one should be familiar with international trade knowledge, have good foreign language skills, understand laws and regulations, build up network resources, have capital reserves, and be well - versed in a series of business processes from finding customers to transportation.
Our company plans to find an agent to handle export tax rebates and is asking which enterprises can do it. The best answer says that enterprises that can handle export tax rebates on behalf of others need to have a business license including import and export agency business, a professional financial team, a good tax record, as well as customs filing and credit records, such as Zhongshitong. When choosing, their qualifications and capabilities should be examined in various aspects.
Someone who wants to be an agent for importing towels but has no experience is asking about the conditions to be met, precautions for finding sources of goods, and ways to do sales promotion. The best answer points out that one should have legal business qualifications and financial strength, when looking for reliable sources of goods, suppliers should be investigated, and for sales promotion, the target customer groups should be identified and online and offline channels should be utilized, with emphasis on brand and after-sales service, etc., providing practical guidance for those who want to be agents for importing towels.
I'd like to know who is responsible for the tax refund in agency import and export tax refund business. I said that our company plans to find an agency to handle this business, but I'm not clear about the tax refund subject, special regulations and division of responsibilities. The best answer pointed out that generally, the consignor is the tax refund subject, because the consignor is the actual exporter and seller of the goods. The consignor needs to provide complete tax refund materials. If there are problems with the tax refund, the responsibilities will be divided according to the specific situation, and both parties should clearly define the responsibilities in the agreement.
Indicates being interested in the export agency of Teddy diapers but having no experience, asking about specific steps, conditions and reliable agency companies. The best answer points out that it is necessary to first obtain the agency authorization from the brand owner, understand the regulatory standards of the target market and prepare test reports, find a reliable freight forwarder such as Zhongshitong to arrange logistics, prepare funds, establish sales channels, and pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations, etc.
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Professional consultant answers
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
To act as an import agent, the company must first have import and export rights, which are the foundational qualifications for conducting import business. Without this qualification, normal customs clearance procedures for goods cannot be completed.
Second, it’s essential to understand the relevant policies and regulations for the imported goods. Some products may involve special regulatory requirements or permits, such as food imports, which require a food business license.
Additionally, sufficient funds must be prepared to cover costs like payments for goods, transportation fees, tariffs, VAT, and other expenses, which vary significantly depending on the product.
Furthermore, a professional team or personnel familiar with international trade processes—including contract signing, transportation arrangements, customs declarations, and inspections—is necessary to ensure smooth business operations.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Good commercial credibility is required. Credibility is crucial when collaborating with foreign suppliers and domestic clients, ensuring long-term and stable partnerships. At the same time, it’s important to have a good understanding of the market for the imported goods, including demand and price fluctuations.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Suitable office space and storage facilities are necessary. Office space facilitates business operations, while storage facilities are needed to store imported goods, especially those with specific storage requirements, such as moisture-sensitive electronics or food requiring hygienic conditions.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Familiarity with the procedures of customs, inspection, and quarantine authorities is also critical. This improves efficiency during customs clearance and avoids unnecessary delays, such as understanding the requirements for customs declaration forms and inspection applications.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Having stable customer resources is another condition. Otherwise, imported goods may remain unsold, leading to inventory buildup and wasted capital. Customer expansion can be achieved through various channels, such as industry exhibitions or online promotions.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
A well-established financial management system is essential. Import business involves multiple payment settlements, and clear financial records help accurately calculate costs and profits while planning funds effectively, such as for tariffs and VAT.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Foreign language skills are also beneficial. Good language proficiency avoids misunderstandings when communicating with foreign suppliers or signing contracts, ensuring accurate business execution.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Risk awareness is necessary. International trade involves risks like exchange rate fluctuations and policy changes, so preventive measures—such as using financial tools to hedge against currency risks—should be in place.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Building strong relationships with freight forwarders and customs brokers is important. They provide professional support in transportation and customs clearance, ensuring smooth imports, such as arranging optimal shipping solutions.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Stay updated on domestic and international trade policy changes. Adjustments in policies, such as tariff rate changes or new regulatory requirements, may affect imports, so business strategies should be adapted accordingly.