Does self-operated import and export equal burning money? The truth about agency that 90% of bosses don't know

"Mr. Zhang is very worried recently - the company urgently needs a batch of German precision instruments, but the complex customs declaration process makes him want to give up." Such a scene is not uncommon in domestic small and medium-sized enterprises. According to statistics, 85% of first-time import and export enterprises are delayed or fined due to unfamiliar rules. This is the core value of domestic agency import and export services: to become the "invisible highway" connecting the domestic and foreign markets.

Compared with direct import and export, agency services can solve these key problems:

• The "maze" of customs declaration documents: The average delay due to the lack of documents from the certificate of origin to the fumigation certificate is 7 working days
• The trap of tax rate calculation: A real case where an enterprise overpaid 27% of customs duties due to misjudging the HS code
• The black box operation of logistics: Professional agencies such as Zhongshitong can achieve full-link visual tracking

This industry has quietly completed three iterations:

• 1.0 era: Pure customs declaration services (2000-2010)
• 2.0 era: Customs clearance + logistics package (2011-2018)
• 3.0 era: Digital supply chain solutions (since 2019)

Ms. Li's cross-border e-commerce team compressed the customs clearance time from 72 hours to 9 hours through the 3.0 model, and the inventory turnover rate increased by 40%.

To avoid pitfalls, pay attention to:

• Qualification inspection: At least possess the Customs AEO certification + Foreign Exchange Administration filing
• Cost structure: Beware of the trap of "low-price soliciting customers and raising prices later"
• Technical ability: Digital infrastructure such as the connection to the Electronic Port and intelligent classification system

With the landing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, professional agencies are unlocking:

• Optimization of origin rules: Practical solutions for Vietnamese assembled products to enjoy zero tariffs
• Reconstruction of transit trade: The possibility that Malaysia becomes a new regional hub

When you are hesitating in the conference room whether to build a team by yourself or find an agency, you might as well answer this question first: Are we really willing to use real money to test the customs rules? Welcome to share your import and export stories in the comment area. Zhongshitong experts will select 3 typical cases for in-depth analysis.