The division of responsibilities in the agency import business is not clear. Who should be responsible exactly?
Solved#Import agent#
Our company has recently cooperated with Zhongshitong to carry out the agency import business. However, during the business process, situations such as goods quality problems and transportation delays have occurred. Regarding these problems, there are differences in the identification of responsibilities between our company and Zhongshitong. I want to know in the agency import business, who should be responsible for these different types of problems exactly? I hope experienced friends can tell me in detail to avoid disputes in the future.
Professional consultant answers
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
In the agency import business, the division of responsibilities needs to be based on specific situations and contract stipulations. Generally speaking, if Zhongshitong fails to perform its agency duties as stipulated in the contract, such as failing to handle customs declaration, clearance and other procedures in a timely manner, resulting in transportation delays, Zhongshitong should bear the responsibility. Regarding the goods quality problems, if Zhongshitong only purchases according to instructions and there is no abnormality in the appearance when receiving the goods, then the responsibility may lie with the entrusting party, because the entrusting party has a better understanding of the requirements for goods specifications, etc. But if Zhongshitong knowingly accepts the goods with quality problems, then Zhongshitong also needs to bear the responsibility. Therefore, the key is to clarify the contract terms before cooperation, stipulate in detail the rights and obligations of both parties, so that the responsibilities can be divided more clearly when problems occur.
In short, it is necessary to combine the actual business situation and contract details to judge the attribution of responsibilities.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
If there is a transportation delay, if it is caused by the logistics party, it depends on whether Zhongshitong has fulfilled the responsibilities of supervising the logistics and providing timely feedback. If not, Zhongshitong has a certain responsibility. If the logistics problem is beyond its control, the responsibility may not lie with Zhongshitong.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Regarding the goods quality, if the contract clearly stipulates that Zhongshitong has the obligation to inspect the goods quality, it should be responsible if there are problems. If it is only helping to find suppliers and the inspection responsibility lies with your company, then the main responsibility lies with your company.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
In handling procedures such as import license application, if Zhongshitong fails to complete them on time, resulting in the obstruction of the business, it has to bear the responsibility. Therefore, the responsibility depends on which part of the business has problems and how the contract stipulates.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Regarding taxes and fees, if Zhongshitong calculates wrongly or fails to pay in a timely manner, causing additional costs or losses, Zhongshitong needs to be responsible. If your company provides incorrect data resulting in tax and fee problems, the responsibility lies with your company.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If Zhongshitong leaks commercial secrets and causes losses to your company, then Zhongshitong must be responsible. Therefore, the responsibility for confidentiality also needs to be clearly defined in the contract.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
If the suppliers selected by Zhongshitong are not reliable, resulting in a series of problems such as goods supply, Zhongshitong has to bear a certain responsibility. However, if the suppliers are designated by your company, the responsibility is another matter.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
If Zhongshitong manages the warehousing poorly, resulting in goods damage, etc., Zhongshitong is responsible. But if it is caused by unforeseeable factors such as force majeure, it may be exempted from liability, and the contract usually has stipulations about this.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
If in the process of the agency import business, Zhongshitong fails to operate according to industry norms and causes problems, it has to be responsible. Therefore, standard operation is also a key point in dividing responsibilities.