How deep are the pitfalls of export agency?

Mr. Zhang recently encountered a troublesome thing: Goods worth 2 million yuan had arrived at the port of destination, but were detained by the customs due to the operational errors of the agency company, facing huge demurrage charges. This is not an isolated case - export agency disputes are becoming the most troublesome "invisible killer" for foreign trade people. Today, we will uncover the typical routines of such disputes and provide practical solutions.

According to the statistics of the Zhongshitong Case Library, 90% of the disputes are concentrated in the following links:

• Document discrepancies: The agency failed to issue the FORM E certificate, resulting in the customer being unable to enjoy tariff preferences
• Fee disputes: Imposing hidden fees such as "customs clearance facilitation fees" and "document expediting fees" temporarily
• Loss of cargo control: The agency released the goods to the buyer without authorization, and there is no way to recover the balance

In order to avoid being in a passive position, it is recommended to take the following measures:

• Verify agency qualifications: Require the presentation of the Record Form of International Freight Forwarders (which can be verified on the official website of the Ministry of Commerce)
• Clarify liability clauses: Indicate protective clauses such as "do not release the goods without receiving the full payment" in the contract
• Pay fees in installments: Pay according to the service progress, and retain at least 20% of the balance
• Track logistics regularly: Directly query the cargo status through the official website of the shipping company

If you have already fallen into a dispute, please immediately:

1. Freeze the balance of the agency account (if there is an advance payment)
2. Apply for commercial mediation through the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
3. Collect a complete chain of evidence such as ocean bills of lading and correspondence emails

The legal counsel of Zhongshitong specially reminds: "Goods control right is the core chip. Be sure to go through the stop - payment procedures with the shipping company in the early stage of the dispute."

With the application of blockchain technology, some enterprises have begun to try smart contracts to automatically execute the goods release clauses. However, technical means cannot completely replace legal protection. It is recommended that enterprises establish a dual risk control system: both use digital tools to track logistics and retain traditional legal documents as a backup.

What agency traps have you encountered during the export process? Welcome to share your experiences in the comment section. Like and forward this article, and you can receive the electronic version of the checklist for avoiding pitfalls in foreign trade agency compiled by Zhongshitong. In the next issue, we will explain in detail "how to avoid payment risks through letter - of - credit clauses". Stay tuned.