I. How to determine if a customs declaration agent has formal qualifications?

According to the latest regulations from the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the selection of a customs declaration agent should focus on verifying:

• Core qualification documents: Customs filing certificate, AEO certification certificate (prioritize advanced certified enterprises)
• Dynamic verification channels:
  • Query filing status via the "China Customs Enterprise?Import/export?Credit Information Public Platform"
  • Check the customs credit rating of the agency company (recommended to choose A-level and above enterprises)
• Industry Certification: Whether they hold international certification from authoritative organizations such as the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

II. Customs declaration service quotes vary widely, how to choose?

Price differences mainly stem from three key factors:

• Service scope differences: Basic customs declaration (approx. 800-1500 RMB/shipment) versus full-process service (including document pre-review, product classification, etc.)
• Hidden cost trap:
  • Whether the fee for amendments (average 200-500 RMB/time) is included
  • Whether inspection cooperation services are charged extra
• Qualification premium: Quotes from AEO advanced certified enterprises usually increase by 15%-20%, but they enjoy priority customs clearance treatment

III. How is customs clearance timeliness guaranteed?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• System integration capability: Whether direct data connection with the Customs Single Window is supported
• Emergency Response Plan:
  • Timeliness of handling inspection anomalies (promise to respond within 24 hours)
  • Holiday customs clearance arrangements (requires clear written agreement)
• Regional service network: Whether local teams are established at the target port (can shorten communication time by more than 30%)

IV. How to prevent customs declaration error risks?

According to customs statistics from the last three years, 60% of customs declaration errors originate from the following links:

• Commodity classification: Require the agent to provide classification pre-confirmation service (with customs written receipt)
• Document management: Confirm whether a three-tier review system is established (document maker → supervisor → compliance specialist)
• Error compensation: The contract must specify terms for compensation for delayed declaration fees and late fees caused by agency errors

V. What should be noted for special cargo customs declaration?

When handling special cargo such as dangerous goods,Medical Devices, etc., special attention should be paid to:

• License file: Whether the agent is familiar with the latest version of the "Import and Export Commodity Catalog Subject to Inspection and Quarantine by Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Agencies"
• Case database: Request successful customs clearance case studies for similar products (recommended at least 3)
• Emergency Channel: Whether a direct communication channel with the customs classification sub-center is established

VI. How to evaluate the agent's continuous service capability?

It is recommended to evaluate using four indicators:

• Talent structure: Percentage of certified customs declarants (quality enterprises usually exceed 70%)
• System construction: Whether intelligent customs declaration systems are equipped (can automatically capture changes in HS codes)
• Training mechanism: Frequency of monthly customs new policy interpretation training (quality agents maintain an average of 2 times per month)
• Client composition: Percentage of clients in the same industry (reflects accumulation of experience in niche areas)

(Note: The data in this article is cited from the 2025 Q1 public statistical report of the General Administration of Customs and the author's 20 years of professional experience summary. Specific service terms are subject to the actual signed agreement)