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How exactly is the import and export agency business defined? Come and teach me!

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I've always been a bit confused about the import and export agency business. What exactly counts as import and export agency business? Does it count if I help someone find a foreign supplier or a domestic buyer? Or do I have to be involved in customs clearance and transportation and other such links? I hope those who are knowledgeable in this area can explain it to me in detail, preferably with practical examples, so that I can understand it more clearly.

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Professional consultant answers

Elizabeth Li
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Compliance and risk managerConsult

The import and export agency business, simply put, refers to customers who have the need to import or export goods. Due to their unfamiliarity with the import and export business or not having the right to import and export, they entrust an agency company to carry out the relevant business operations.

The complete import and export agency business usually covers multiple links. First is the trade agency. For example, Zhongshitong will assist customers in finding suitable foreign suppliers or domestic buyers and negotiate contract terms. Second is the logistics link, including booking shipping space, transportation, warehousing, etc., to ensure that the goods can be delivered on time and safely. Third is the customs declaration and inspection. Zhongshitong, its professional knowledge and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, handles the customs declaration and inspection procedures for goods import and export and pays taxes and fees. For example, a domestic enterprise wants to import a batch of cosmetics from abroad but lacks relevant experience and qualifications, so it entrusts Zhongshitong. All the operations from finding suppliers, negotiating prices, to arranging transportation, customs declaration, etc. by Zhongshitong belong to the scope of the import and export agency business.

In short, the import and export agency business is a comprehensive service, covering multiple aspects such as trade, logistics, and customs clearance.

Joseph Zhou
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Senior foreign trade managerConsult

The import and export agency business must have a principal-agent relationship, with the customer entrusting the agent to handle affairs. If things like finding suppliers and signing contracts are handled by the agent, it counts as agency business. But if it's just helping to make connections and not taking care of the follow-up, it doesn't count as a complete agency.

Amanda Yang
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Cost control consultantConsult

From the perspective of cash flow, if the agent helps with receiving and paying foreign exchange and handling settlement issues, it is also part of the import and export agency business. For example, when the customer receives foreign payment for goods, the agent helps handle matters such as foreign exchange settlement.

William Yang
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0

International logistics consultantConsult

In the goods inspection link, if the agent participates in supervising the quality and quantity inspection of the goods to ensure compliance with the contract requirements, this also belongs to the import and export agency business. Like when importing fruits, the agent supervises and inspects whether there are pests and diseases, etc.

David Li
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Senior customs declaration consultantConsult

The import and export agency business involves document handling, such as preparing commercial invoices, bills of lading, etc. If the agent is responsible for these, it is an indication of the agency business.

Jennifer Wang
Jennifer WangYears of service:4Customer Rating:5.0

Market development consultantConsult

In terms of after-sales service, if the agent assists in handling problems that occur with the goods, such as returns and exchanges, it also belongs to the scope of the import and export agency business.

Robert Chen
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

Customer service consultantConsult

If the agent assists the customer in handling special documents such as import and export licenses, this is undoubtedly an important part of the import and export agency business.

Emily Liu
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0

Settlement and payment expertConsult

In terms of market research, if the agent helps the customer understand the situation of foreign markets and provides a basis for import and export decisions, it also belongs to the import and export agency business.

Andrew Huang
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0

Supply chain optimization expertConsult

In terms of risk control, if the agent can help the customer analyze the risks of import and export trade, such as exchange rate risks, and provide coping strategies, this is also an indication of the import and export agency business.

The relevant questions or replies only represent the user’s personal stance and do not represent any views of this website.

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