Is the Vietnamese agency company secretly making money?

When Mr. Zhang first tried to sell Chinese - made electronic products to Vietnam, he thought that as long as the products were good enough, he could open up the market. But reality taught him a lesson - the complex customs clearance process, unfamiliar tax policies, and communication barriers caused by cultural differences almost killed this business. It was not until he found a professional Vietnamese import and export agency company that he truly understood the weight of the phrase "Leave professional matters to professional people".

Why do you need a Vietnamese import and export agency?

As one of the fastest - growing economies in Southeast Asia, Vietnam's total import and export volume exceeded $700 billion in 2022. But behind the prosperity lie many challenges:

• The requirements for customs clearance documents are strict, and the slightest mistake can cause delays
• Tax policies are adjusted frequently, making it difficult for enterprises to keep up in real - time
• The logistics network is decentralized, and inland transportation costs remain high

Ms. Li's clothing foreign trade company once had an entire batch of goods detained for two weeks and suffered losses of more than 100,000 yuan because she did not understand Vietnam's rules of origin.

The core value of the agency company

Professional Vietnamese import and export agencies can provide three key services:

• Compliance escort: Update policy changes such as HS codes and free trade agreements in real - time
• Cost optimization: Reduce comprehensive costs through tariff planning and logistics solutions
• Risk control: Anticipate and avoid commercial disputes caused by cultural differences

Take Zhongshitong as an example. Its original "dual - location service team" model (Chinese consultants + local Vietnamese execution) can effectively solve the time - zone and language barriers in cross - border collaboration.

Five golden rules for choosing an agency

Agency companies in the market vary in quality. It is recommended to focus on the following:

• Whether it holds the Vietnamese customs AEO certification
• Whether the local warehouse has a bonded function
• Whether the crisis - handling case library is complete
• Whether the charging mode is transparent
• Whether it can provide end - to - end digital tracking

An electromechanical exporter was deceived by a low - price agency and encountered "hidden charges", and ultimately paid 37% more than the quoted price.

The future is here: Digital agency services

With the deepening implementation of the RCEP, a new generation of agency companies is transforming:

• Blockchain technology enables real - time verification of documents
• AI early - warning systems monitor policy changes
• Digital twin technology simulates logistics routes

As one practitioner said, "The competition in the future is not about who is cheaper, but about who can make customers 'pass customs without feeling'."

Have you chosen the right cross - border partner?

Standing at the threshold of the Vietnamese market, you may still be hesitating: Should you build your own team or entrust an agency? You might as well answer three questions first:

• How long of a trial - and - error cycle can you afford?
• Does your team have the ability to interpret Vietnamese legal documents?
• Do you have an emergency plan to deal with sudden inspections?

Welcome to share your cross - border experiences in the comment section, or send a private message to get the Vietnam Import and Export Compliance Self - Inspection List. In the next issue, we will reveal how to avoid trade barriers through transshipment in Vietnam. Stay tuned!