Is self-operated export really more cost-effective than using an agent?

Many companies believe that self-operated exports can save on agency fees. However, according to the General Administration of Customs' 2024 statistics, 82% of new export businesses incur additional costs due to unfamiliarity with procedures. Hidden costs include:

• Penalty for Documentation Errors: The average loss per ticket is approximately 3,000 yuan.
• Port demurrage: The overdue container storage fee at Shanghai Port will reach 200 yuan per day by 2025.
• Exchange rate loss: In 2024, fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate led to a 43% decline in corporate profits.

Export RepresentationWhat core issues can it address?

Professional agency companies create value through the following services:

• End-to-end risk control:
  • The accuracy rate of HS codes has been increased to 99.8%.
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:The processing time for applications has been reduced to 24 hours.
• Trade Compliance Assurance: Addressing the latest policies such as U.S. Section 301 tariffs and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• Logistics Optimization:China-Europe Railway Express+Maritime TransportationThe combined solution reduces transportation costs by 35%.

How to Avoid Choosing a Substandard Agency Company?

Five Characteristics of Quality Agents:

• Complete qualifications: AEO certification, paperless customs clearance qualification
• Service transparency: The cost breakdown includes 6 major categories and 32 service items.
• Emergency Response Capability: 97% of goods were delivered on time during the 2025 Red Sea crisis.
• Data security: Compliant with GDPR and Cybersecurity Law requirements

Do special trade scenarios require finding an agent?

The following situations strongly recommend entrusting an agent:

• First export order: Saves an average of 120 hours in learning costs
• Sensitive goods: Lithium batteries,Medical Equipmentand other specially regulated categories
• Emerging markets: There are significant differences in customs clearance rules among RCEP member states (Note: RCEP came into effect in 2022).

What services are exactly included in the agency fees?

Standard service packages typically include:

• Basic services: Customs declaration, tax refund, foreign exchange verification and cancellation
• Value - added Services:
  • Trade Financing: Utilizing Sinosure Credit Lines to Obtain Payment Term Support
  • Smart Customs: Automatically Generate Customs Declaration Data
• Emergency services: Inspection assistance, claim handling

Is there still a need for agents in the era of digital transformation?

By 2025, the adoption rate of intelligent customs declaration systems has reached 78%, yet the value of professional agents has instead increased:

• : Whether it supports direct connection and declaration with the Electronic Tax Bureau: Direct data connection with the Single Window and electronic port
• Data governance: Clean over 85% of the declared abnormal data.
• AI applications: The accuracy rate of intelligent pre-classification reaches 92%.

How to evaluate the true value of proxy services?

It is recommended to adopt the ROI evaluation model:

• Time Cost：Salesperson handlingforeign tradeThe hidden human cost of transactions
• Cost of funds: The opportunity cost of receiving the tax refund three months in advance
• Risk cost: The Impact of Customs Administrative Penalties on Corporate Credit