I’m planning to start an import business recently and am not very familiar with import customs clearance agents. I’d like to know what types of import customs clearance agents are generally available? I hope to get a detailed classification so I can choose the appropriate customs clearance method based on my business needs. Does anyone have clear insights?
Our company needs to import goods recently and has no relevant experience. We don't know which kind of import agency customs declaration is good to choose. Should we choose the one with a large scale and high charges, or the small one with low charges, or distinguish according to the types of goods? The best answer points out that when choosing import agency customs declaration, factors such as qualifications, service scope, rationality of charges, and informatization level should be comprehensively considered. We can't just look at the price or scale. Only through comprehensive evaluation can we find a suitable way to ensure customs clearance.
I'm interested in entrepot trade and want to know about its types. The main types of entrepot trade include re - export trade, where foreign goods are imported and then re - exported without substantial processing; documentary processing trade, where goods are shipped directly but the entrepot trader profits by handling documents; processing entrepot trade, where goods are processed in the entrepot country and then exported. In addition, there are various types of entrepot trade such as offshore and bonded - zone entrepot trade.
I want to import goods and find a customs clearance agency, but I don't know about their charging situation and I'm worried about being cheated. There is no fixed standard for import customs clearance agency fees, which are affected by various factors such as the type of goods, value, and transportation method. Common charging items include customs declaration fees, inspection application fees, agency fees, etc. The charges vary depending on different types of goods, transportation methods, etc. To get the accurate fee, you need to explain the details of the goods to the agency, and a professional agency will give a reasonable quotation.
The company plans to import goods and find an agent. I want to know how much the import agency service fee is generally and am worried about being cheated. The best answer says that there is no fixed standard for the import agency service fee, usually between 1% and 5% of the goods value, affected by factors such as the type of goods, the goods value, and the service content. For ordinary daily necessities, it is 1% - 3%, and for precision instruments, etc., it is 3% - 5%. When looking for an agent, make more comparisons and clarify the charging details.
I have consigned imported foods such as Italian pasta, Korean instant noodles, and Russian chocolate, but I don't know how to cook them to make them delicious. I hope to get some cooking experience. The best answer said that different types of imported foods have different cooking methods. For example, when cooking Italian pasta, add salt and olive oil, and pair it with classic tomato meat sauce; Korean instant noodles can be cooked with cheese, luncheon meat, etc. to make budae jjigae; Russian chocolate is suitable for making cakes, etc. It emphasizes that it is important to understand the characteristics of the food and combine the ingredients reasonably.
The company has goods to import and wants to understand common import customs clearance agents and their respective advantages for selection. The best answer points out that common import customs clearance agents include comprehensive freight forwarding companies, specialized customs clearance firms, and customs clearance departments affiliated with trading companies. It also introduces their advantages, such as comprehensive freight forwarding companies like Zhongshitong, which can integrate logistics resources and provide one-stop solutions. When choosing, factors such as the agent's experience should be considered based on the characteristics and needs of the goods.
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Professional consultant answers
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Common types of import customs clearance agents mainly include the following. First is general trade import customs clearance agents, applicable to most normal import goods, requiring payment of tariffs, VAT, and other taxes as per customs regulations. This method has relatively standardized procedures, and Zhongshitong has extensive experience in this area, ensuring accurate declaration of goods value and commodity classification codes.
Next is express import customs clearance agents, suitable for small quantities, low-value goods with high timeliness requirements, offering fast clearance and relatively simple procedures. However, there are certain restrictions on the types and quantities of goods.
Then there are manual import customs clearance agents, targeting processing trade enterprises. These enterprises import raw materials under customs-issued processing trade manuals and re-export finished products, enjoying bonded policies to reduce capital occupancy.
Additionally, there are ATA carnet customs clearance agents, mainly used for temporary import and export goods, such as exhibits for trade shows, allowing temporary exemption from tariffs and import taxes.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
There are also cross-border e-commerce import customs clearance agents, which have emerged with the rise of cross-border e-commerce, providing customs clearance services for goods imported via e-commerce platforms. These must comply with relevant cross-border e-commerce policies and regulatory requirements, such as specialized declaration processes and tax policies.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Specific duty-free import customs clearance agents are another type. Enterprises or projects meeting specific conditions can enjoy duty-free policies for imported goods, requiring submission of relevant documentation and approval procedures during customs clearance.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Transit customs clearance agents are also common, where goods undergo customs clearance at the entry point and are transported to the destination customs for import declaration, suitable for situations requiring clearance at different locations.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Parcel import customs clearance agents handle packages imported via postal channels. When the value or quantity of parcels exceeds certain standards, customs clearance procedures are required, with processes and requirements differing from other methods.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Temporary import and export customs clearance agents are similar to ATA carnet customs clearance but have a broader scope. Goods temporarily imported or exported can be re-exported or re-imported within a specified period without paying tariffs.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Bonded zone customs clearance agents allow goods entering bonded zones to enjoy bonded policies. Enterprises can store, process, or display goods within the zone, with customs clearance operations subject to special regulatory requirements.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
ATA exhibition goods customs clearance agents are used for temporary import and export of exhibition materials, offering relatively simple procedures to meet rapid clearance needs for exhibition supplies.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
ATA cultural exchange goods customs clearance agents provide professional customs clearance services for materials involved in cultural and artistic exchange activities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
ATA sports event goods customs clearance agents handle temporary import and export of sports-related materials, ensuring timely clearance to meet event preparation needs.