Our company plans to hire an agency for import customs declaration but is unclear about the specific declaration methods. Could anyone explain what types of agency import customs declaration methods are commonly used? Under what circumstances is each method suitable? We hope to receive a detailed answer from professionals. Thank you!
The company has agency import business and is confused about the handling of tax bureau accounts, such as the entry of import tariffs and value-added tax and the tax declaration process, as well as the differences from the handling of general trade imports. The best answer states that tariffs are included in the cost of goods, value-added tax is handled according to the taxpayer type of the entrusting party, and tax declaration is based on the customs duty-paid vouchers, with the agency relationship reflected, and operations are carried out step by step and vouchers are saved.
Our company plans to carry out the agency import business. We don't know the specific process and types of taxes for payment. We are asking about what taxes need to be paid, who should pay them and the calculation methods. The best answer points out that the agency import business mainly involves import tariffs, import value-added tax, and some commodities have consumption tax. It also explains the calculation methods of each type of tax and mentions that the tax payment subject depends on the name of the importer, and mostly it is the consignor who pays the taxes while the agent assists in handling the relevant matters.
The company intends to import goods through an agency and wants to understand the payment methods for agency import, as well as their characteristics and applicable scenarios. Common payment methods for agency import include telegraphic transfer (T/T), which is divided into pre-T/T and post-T/T. It is easy to operate with low costs, but the risk distribution is different; letter of credit (L/C) guarantees both parties with bank credit, but the procedures are cumbersome and the costs are high; collection includes documents against payment (D/P) and documents against acceptance (D/A), with different degrees of risk.
The company intends to find an agent to import goods and wants to understand in advance the expenses involved in agency import. Worried about being cheated, it asks which expenses are necessary and whether different goods and transportation methods affect the expenses. The best answer states that agency import expenses include agency fees, import duties and value-added taxes, ocean freight or air freight, customs declaration fees, etc. Different goods and transportation methods do indeed affect the expenses.
The company plans to act as an importer for foreign products but lacks experience, unsure where to start, inquiring about specific procedures, required documents, and process complexity. The best answer indicates that the process generally involves clarifying the agency import agreement, product research, preparing declaration documents, customs declaration, and handling inspection and quarantine procedures. Document preparation is diverse, and the process is complex, so it's recommended to seek professional agencies like Zhongshitong.
The company plans to hire an agency to handle import and export tax refunds and wants to understand the charging methods. It inquires whether fees are charged per transaction, as a percentage of the tax refund amount, or through other methods, and whether the fees are related to the company's scale or the complexity of the business. The best answer states that common charging methods include a percentage of the tax refund amount (3%-15%) or a fixed fee per transaction (around 1000 - 5000 RMB). The complexity of the business significantly affects the fees, while the company's scale has little impact. Choosing an agency requires a comprehensive consideration of professionalism and fee reasonableness.
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Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Common agency import customs declaration methods mainly include general trade declaration, express declaration, and processing trade declaration.
General trade declaration applies to most normal import goods, requiring detailed documents such as contracts, invoices, and packing lists, with tariffs and VAT paid at standard rates. Its advantages include standardized procedures and high transparency in goods origin and pricing.
Express declaration is suitable for small samples, promotional materials, etc., with relatively simple procedures and fast clearance, though there are restrictions on the types and quantities of goods.
Processing trade declaration is for processing trade enterprises, where imported raw materials are used to manufacture products for re-export, enjoying bonded policies and reducing capital occupancy. When selecting a declaration method, factors such as the nature, value, quantity of the goods, and the company's actual needs should be considered.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Another method is import processing declaration, similar to processing trade, where the company purchases raw materials itself and exports the processed products. Import processing offers greater autonomy, allowing companies to decide on raw material procurement and product sales, while also enjoying bonded benefits. It is suitable for enterprises with certain production scales and sales channels.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Specific duty-free goods declaration is also a method, such as for imported equipment that qualifies under specific policies. This method allows for duty-free benefits, but the use and disposal of the goods are subject to many restrictions. They must be used as specified, and transfers during the supervision period require compliance with relevant procedures.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Temporary import and export declaration is another common method, applicable to items like exhibition goods. Such goods must be re-exported or re-imported within a specified time frame, exempt from import tariffs and customs duties, but a guarantee must be provided to ensure timely re-export.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
No-cost replacement goods declaration is used when imported goods have quality issues, and the foreign supplier provides free replacements or compensations. If the original goods are returned, the replacement goods can be imported duty-free; otherwise, duties are levied as required.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Sample and advertising goods declaration is for import/export samples used for order reference and promotional materials. It is divided into declarations with or without import/export rights, with relatively simple procedures.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Outward processing declaration involves domestic raw materials or components sent abroad for processing, with the finished products returning to the country. Unlike import or processing trade, this method leverages advanced foreign processing technologies.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Leased goods declaration applies to goods like equipment imported through leasing. For installment payments, duties are levied on each rental payment; for lump-sum payments, duties are based on the actual price of the goods. Relevant documents such as lease contracts are required.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
ATA Carnet declaration is for goods temporarily imported/exported within a certain period, such as items for international exhibitions or cultural performances. With an ATA Carnet, customs procedures are simplified, exempting import/export licenses and tax guarantees.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Border small-scale trade declaration applies to approved small-scale trade activities in border areas. It offers certain tax benefits and simplified declaration procedures, promoting border trade.