I’ve been researching import trade recently and am a bit confused about the concepts of agency import and general trade. Could someone clarify whether agency import falls under general trade? What are the differences or connections between the two? It would be great if a professional could explain with practical examples to help me understand better. Thanks!
I want to know about the agency import customs clearance fees for nylon plastics. I have never been in contact with import customs clearance before and have no idea about the cost calculation standards and the impact of trade terms. The best answer points out that the agency import customs clearance fees for nylon plastics are affected by factors such as the cargo value, import volume, trade terms, and port miscellaneous fees. The tariff is about 6.5% and the VAT is 13%. The agency customs clearance service fee of Zhongshitong is roughly 2000 - 5000 yuan. The accurate cost needs to be calculated based on the actual situation.
Someone asked that they were not clear about what industry the agency import belongs to. The best answer pointed out that the agency import belongs to the foreign trade service industry. It mainly undertakes to handle import-related matters on behalf of domestic clients. Although it involves logistics coordination, its core is to facilitate import trade and provide professional services. It is an important part of the foreign trade service industry.
Interested in import and export trade and want to know what products are included in agency import and export. The best answer says that there are numerous agency import and export products, covering electronic products, clothing and textiles, mechanical equipment, chemical products, food and beverages, household items, toys, etc. Except for special products restricted by the country, most products can be imported and exported through agencies. You can also consult professional institutions.
The company intends to find an agent to import goods and asks whether a letter of credit can be used for agency import and what special precautions need to be taken during the operation. The best answer states that a letter of credit can be used for agency import, and it can provide guarantees. During the operation, it is necessary to clarify the responsibilities of the agent and the principal, select a good issuing bank, and strictly review the terms. Although there are many procedures, careful operation can ensure the smooth progress of the business.
Interested in the agency import and export business, asking what kind of company it belongs to. The best answer points out that it generally belongs to a comprehensive trading company or a professional agency import and export company. Comprehensive trading companies have a wide range of businesses and rich resources; professional agency import and export companies focus on agency services and are proficient in the process. Although freight forwarding companies may be involved, their professionalism in the trade link is slightly inferior, and the choice should depend on one's own needs.
Some people who have just got involved in foreign trade are not clear about the specific work content of agency imports. They are asking about steps such as how to contact foreign suppliers and how to handle customs declaration. The best answer details the key aspects of foreign trade agency imports, including business negotiations, handling certificates, arranging transportation, customs declaration and inspection, picking up and delivering goods, and settlement, etc., giving beginners a preliminary understanding of its work process.
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Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Agency import does not necessarily belong to general trade. General trade refers to the purchase or sale of goods domestically, produced or consumed domestically, and imported or exported under normal customs procedures. Agency import, on the other hand, involves clients with import needs entrusting qualified enterprises to handle customs clearance.
If agency import follows the transaction and declaration patterns of general trade, and the goods are for normal production or consumption, then it qualifies as general trade. For example, if Zhongshitong is entrusted to import electronics at market price under general trade customs procedures, and the goods enter the domestic market for sale or use, this is general trade agency import.
However, if agency import involves special zones or policies (e.g., goods entering bonded zones for processing and re-export), it falls under processing trade, not general trade.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
To determine whether agency import is general trade, focus on customs declaration and goods usage. If declared as general trade with goods for domestic circulation/consumption, it is general trade; if involving special zones or purposes (e.g., export processing zones), it is not.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Agency import and general trade cannot be equated simply. General trade emphasizes transaction methods and goods flow, while agency import focuses on the operating entity. Some agency imports may align with general trade, while others may not due to special business conditions.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Review the agency import contract terms. If it specifies general trade norms (e.g., pricing, taxes), it likely qualifies; if it includes special terms (e.g., re-export), it may not.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Whether agency import is general trade also depends on goods nature. Normal consumer goods imported under standard procedures usually qualify, while duty-free goods under special policies do not.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
From a cash flow perspective, if agency import payments align with general trade settlements without special arrangements, it may qualify; otherwise, it may not.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Trade control policies matter too. If agency import goods follow general trade controls, they qualify; if under special policies, they do not.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
General trade has specific regulatory processes. If agency import follows these (e.g., normal declaration, taxation), it qualifies; if using special channels, it does not.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
If agency import involves new models like cross-border e-commerce retail, even with agency involvement, it does not belong to traditional general trade.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Consider post-import sales. If goods are sold through general commercial channels domestically, it qualifies; if for special purposes (e.g., donations), further analysis is needed.