How long does it usually take to handle import and export agency? Come and share your experience!
Solved#Export agent#
Our company recently plans to start import and export business and wants to hire an agency to handle the related procedures. However, we are not very clear about how long the entire process of handling import and export agency will take. Is there anyone familiar with this who can share how long it generally takes to complete import and export agency? We hope for as much detail as possible, such as the approximate time spent on different steps, so we can have a clear idea and plan ahead.
Professional consultant answers
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
The time required for handling import and export agency varies depending on multiple factors. First is industrial and commercial registration, which usually takes 3 - 5 working days if the documentation is complete. Next is Customs registration, which normally takes 5 - 7 working days. Then comes inspection and quarantine registration, typically requiring 3 - 5 working days. Registration with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange takes about 2 - 3 working days. If an electronic port card is involved, it takes approximately 3 - 5 working days. If everything goes smoothly, the entire process can be completed in about 15 - 25 working days. However, if the documentation is incomplete or issues arise at certain steps requiring rectification, the time will be extended. Therefore, preparing all required documentation in advance can effectively shorten the processing time.
In summary, with complete documentation and smooth progress at each step, around 20 days is common.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
When I handled it, the process went relatively smoothly and took about 2 weeks. However, it largely depends on local efficiency and your documentation preparation—some places are faster, while others may be slower.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
About a month. When I did it, there was a minor issue during Customs registration, which delayed things for a few days. If it had gone smoothly, it could have been faster.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
For my import and export agency, industrial and commercial registration took 4 days, Customs registration took 6 days, and the rest added up to about 10 days, totaling 20 days.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
This depends on specific regional policies and procedures. When my friend handled it, the local process was cumbersome and took almost 1.5 months.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Usually, it takes 20 - 30 days to complete. If the agency is familiar with the process and the documentation is well-prepared, the time can be shorter.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Last time I handled it, inspection and quarantine registration had a long queue, which took several extra days. The whole process took about 25 days.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
If everything goes smoothly, it can be done in just over half a month. If not, it might take one or two months—it all depends on whether there are obstacles at any step.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Generally speaking, around 20 days. However, electronic port card processing can sometimes be delayed due to system issues, making the time uncertain.