I. What is an agency export customs clearance service?

Agency export customs clearance service refers to the process where a qualifiedCustoms AEO certification qualificationA professional agency that represents export enterprises in completing the entire customs clearance process, including customs declaration, document review, tax payment, and cargo inspection services. According to 2025 data from the General Administration of Customs, 91% of China's export enterprises opt for professional agents to handle customs clearance affairs, marking a 15-percentage-point increase compared to 2021.

2. What is the fundamental difference between customs clearance by an agent and self-customs clearance?

• Differences in Legal Entities:
  • Customs clearance agency: The agency company acts as the declarant and assumes legal responsibility.
  • Self-customs clearance: The company assumes all customs responsibilities independently.
• Operational Risk Comparison:
  • In the 2024 customs penalty cases, 73% involved documentation errors during self-customs clearance by enterprises.
  • The error rate in declarations by professional agents is controlled below 0.2%.

3. What specific services are included in customs clearance agency?

The complete service chain includes:

• HS Code Classification (Including Interpretation of the 2025 New Tariff Schedule)
• Customs declaration document preparation and intelligent pre-review
• Cross-border electronic declaration system interface
• On-site customs inspection accompaniment service
• It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Book Application (Including the Latest RCEP Rules Application)

IV. How to Calculate the Fees for Customs Clearance Agency Services?

Typical charging models include:

• Charged at 0.8% - 1.2% of the cargo value500-2000 yuan/ticket (depending on the complexity of the goods)
• Additional service fees:
  • Expedited declaration: 300 yuan per time
  • Inspection Assistance: 800 RMB per instance
  • Certificate Processing: 200 RMB per copy
• Special reminder:Beware of "ultra-low price" packages that include hidden fees.

5. What are the key indicators to consider when selecting an agent?

• Customs credit rating (preferably AEO Advanced Certification enterprises)
• Customs clearance experience in specific industries (e.g.Medical Equipment(Requires filing qualifications with the drug regulatory authority)
• Port service network coverage capability
• Maturity of Information System Integration
• Emergency response time (Premium agents commit to on-site response within 2 hours)

6. What are the potential risks of customs clearance agency?

Three major risk points that need special attention:

• Qualification Affiliation Risks:The 12 major smuggling cases investigated in 2024 all involved unlicensed agents.
• Risk of data breach:The agent is required to sign a non-disclosure agreement and adopt encrypted data transmission.
• Risk of Responsibility Shifting:Clearly stipulate the liability for compensation of late declaration fees caused by the agent's fault.

7. Is Agency Service Still Needed in the Era of Electronic Customs Declaration?

Although the utilization rate of the Customs Single Window will reach 100% by 2025, enterprises still face:

• Compliance verification of 72 declaration elements
• Intelligent matching of 15 categories of regulatory certificates
• Dynamically Updated Trade Control Measures (3 New Categories of Controlled Goods Added in 2025)
• Cross-border data standard conversion (e.g., EU ICS2 system integration)

8. What should be noted for the customs clearance of special goods?

• Dangerous goods:The agent must possess hazardous chemicals business qualifications.
• Food category:Customs registration + overseas market access certification dual review
• Lithium battery:UN38.3 Test Report + MSDS Professional Filing
• Artwork:Ministry of Culture Approval + Material Identification Certificate

9. How to verify the actual service capability of the proxy?

It is recommended to adopt the "three verifications":

• Check enterprise credit rating on the customs official website.
• Please provide recent customs clearance records for similar goods.
• On-site inspection of the operating system and customs declaration archives room

10. How to pursue accountability in case of customs clearance delays?

A clear accountability mechanism must be established:

• Stipulated in the service agreementCustoms clearance time - efficiency guarantee clause
• Distinguish between the responsibilities of customs inspection (force majeure) and operational errors.
• Require the agent to purchaseProfessional liability insurance(High-quality agents can provide coverage up to 5 million yuan)