Is the import and export agent really not responsible at all in the business?
Solved#Export agent#
I recently asked an import and export agent to help handle the import and export business of a batch of goods. However, the goods were damaged during the transportation process, and the other party firmly claimed that they were not responsible. So I would like to ask, is the import and export agent really not responsible at all in the business? In general, in which situations do they need to be responsible? I'm not quite clear about the relevant regulations and I'm worried that my rights and interests cannot be guaranteed. I hope someone can explain it to me in detail.
Professional consultant answers
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
The import and export agent is not without responsibility. Usually, the import and export agent needs to be responsible in the following situations. First of all, if the agent makes mistakes in the customs declaration and inspection of the goods, such as providing incorrect information that leads to the seizure or delay of the goods, the agent needs to bear the responsibility.
Secondly, if the agent fails to fulfill the obligations as agreed in the contract, such as failing to arrange transportation and storage in a timely manner, and thus causes losses, the agent shall be responsible. Moreover, if the agent is negligent in selecting cooperation partners such as transportation companies and freight forwarders, resulting in problems with the qualifications of the cooperation partners and further causing damage to the goods, the agent is also to blame.
As for the damage of your goods during transportation, it depends on whether the agent is at fault, such as whether the appropriate transportation method is selected as required, and whether there is ineffective supervision during the transportation process. If so, the agent should bear the corresponding compensation responsibility.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If the import and export agent colludes with the supplier and deliberately provides false goods information, causing losses to the importer, they are definitely responsible.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
If the agent fails to complete the customs clearance procedures within the specified time, resulting in the goods being detained in the port and incurring additional costs, the agent shall be responsible in this situation.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
When the agent gives improper instructions on the packaging of the goods, causing the goods to be damaged during transportation, they also need to bear the responsibility.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
If the agent loses important import and export documents, affecting the normal circulation of the goods, they also need to be responsible.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If the agent fails to insure the goods as agreed and cannot claim compensation after the goods are in danger, the responsibility lies with the agent.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
If the agent changes the transportation route without permission, causing damage to the goods, they also need to bear the responsibility.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
When the agent conceals important information during the transportation of the goods, making the cargo owner unable to handle the problem in a timely manner, they are also responsible.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
If the agent fails to supervise the loading and unloading of the goods properly, causing damage to the goods, they also need to be responsible.