Do products represented by domestic agents count as imported products?
Solved#Import agent#
I've always had a doubt. There are many products on the market that are sold by domestic agents. For example, some skin care products, electronic products, etc., which carry the banner of foreign brands. I just want to know, do products represented by domestic agents count as imported products? Is there any definition criteria in this regard? If they count as imported products, are there big differences in aspects such as quality supervision and after-sales compared with products produced domestically? I hope friends who know the ropes can explain it to me in detail.
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Products represented by domestic agents do not necessarily count as imported products. To determine whether a product represented by a domestic agent is an imported product, the key is to look at its place of production. If a product is produced abroad, imported into the country through regular customs declaration, and sold by a domestic agent, such products belong to imported products. When they enter the country, they need to go through a series of inspection and quarantine procedures by the customs and can only be released for sale if they meet relevant standards.
However, if a product is a foreign brand but the entire production and processing process is carried out domestically, even if there is a domestic agent, it cannot be regarded as an imported product. In terms of quality supervision, imported products need to comply with the regulations and standards of imported goods, while domestically produced products follow the corresponding domestic production standards. In terms of after-sales, imported products may have a relatively more complex process due to factors such as cross-border communication. However, if the domestic agent improves the after-sales system, it can also better protect the rights and interests of consumers.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
To put it simply, check if it has gone through the customs import declaration process. If so, it is most likely an imported product. Like many big-name cosmetics, they are produced abroad, declared and imported, and then sold by domestic agents. These are imported products.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
It depends on the actual situation of the product. If the raw materials and production are all abroad, and only the domestic agent is responsible for selling, then it is an imported product. If it is produced by domestic OEM, then it is not an imported product.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
If it is an imported product, there will generally be import-related markings on the packaging, such as the country of origin, importer, and other information. Without these, it is likely not an imported product, even if there is a domestic agent.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Imported products have strict customs procedures and inspection and quarantine. If the domestic agent can provide these certification documents, it can basically be determined as an imported product. Otherwise, there is doubt.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
From a logistics perspective, if the product is transported from abroad to the country and there is a complete logistics record, combined with the customs declaration procedures, it can be judged as an imported product. The domestic agent's sales are only a subsequent link.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
If the product sold by a domestic agent shows a foreign origin on the official website of the foreign brand and there are import procedures for domestic sales, then it counts as an imported product. Otherwise, it may not.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
To determine whether a product represented by a domestic agent is imported, in addition to looking at the place of production, also check the brand authorization situation. Some small brands may claim to be imported, but actually may be domestic counterfeits with labels attached, and the agent may not be aware of it.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Imported products generally have a Chinese label indicating relevant information. If the product sold by a domestic agent does not have a formal Chinese label, it is likely not a genuine imported product.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
For products represented by domestic agents, check their quality certification standards. If they meet foreign standards and there are import certificates, it is most likely an imported product. If they meet domestic standards, it may not be.