Frequent disputes in agency import, how should enterprises break the deadlock?

On the broad stage of international trade, the agency import business is like a double-edged sword. It not only brings convenience for enterprises to explore overseas resources, but may also lead to a whirlpool of disputes for various reasons. Today, let's explore the field of agency import disputes together and uncover the complex veil behind it.

First is the fee settlement dispute. In the process of agency import, there are many types of fees involved, such as agency fees, customs declaration fees, transportation fees, etc. For example, Mr. Zhang entrusted Zhongshitong to handle the agency import of a batch of goods. Although they orally agreed on the agency fee standard, they did not clearly define the sharing method for the additional transfer fees arising from unexpected situations during the transportation process. After the goods arrived at the port, Zhongshitong required Mr. Zhang to bear the transfer fees, but Mr. Zhang thought he should not be responsible, and a fierce argument ensued between the two parties.

Secondly is the goods quality dispute. Ms. Li entrusted Zhongshitong to handle the agency import of a batch of electronic products, and the contract stipulated the quality standards of the products. However, when the goods were inspected upon arrival, it was found that some products had serious quality defects and could not meet the sales requirements of the domestic market. Ms. Li demanded that Zhongshitong solve the problem or compensate for the losses, while Zhongshitong believed that it was only an agent and the goods quality issue should be the responsibility of the foreign supplier, and the two parties each held their own views and were in a stalemate.

Imperfect contract terms are one of the important reasons. When many agency import contracts are signed, the two parties do not make a detailed division of risks and responsibilities for possible situations. For example, in the above-mentioned fee settlement dispute, if the contract can clearly define the undertaker of various possible fees, such disputes can be effectively avoided.

Information asymmetry cannot be ignored either. The agent and the principal have different levels of information about the situation of the foreign market, the credit of the supplier, etc. For example, in the goods quality dispute, Zhongshitong may have limited understanding of the production situation of the foreign supplier, and Ms. Li is also difficult to directly obtain relevant first-hand information, which has hidden dangers for disputes.

In the prevention aspect, signing a detailed contract is the key. The contract should clearly define the rights and obligations of both parties, and all aspects such as fee bearing, goods quality standards, delivery time, and dispute resolution methods should be clearly specified. At the same time, strengthening information communication and sharing is also very important. The agent should timely feedback various types of information in the import process to the principal, and the principal should also actively provide relevant information it has mastered to jointly reduce the risks brought by information asymmetry.

If a dispute has already occurred, negotiation is the first choice. The two parties should adhere to the principles of equality and mutual benefit and rationally discuss solutions. If negotiation fails, it can be handled according to the dispute resolution method agreed in the contract, such as arbitration or litigation.

Agency import disputes are not inevitable. As long as both parties to the transaction treat them carefully and operate in a standardized manner, they can move forward steadily in the tide of international trade and avoid getting into the quagmire of disputes. Let's jointly enhance the risk awareness in business activities and explore the international market with a more stable pace.