Connect & Solve
Trade Q&A
What are the key compliance nodes to note in the full process of import and export agency in 2026?
or complex compliance issues.
clearance and fund security.
I am the owner of a newly launched small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprise. I recently received an order from Europe that needs to be completed via import and export agency services, but I have never been exposed to relevant business before. I heard that the process is very complicated, and a slight mistake will lead to cargo detention at the port or customs seizure, as well as high additional costs.
I am very anxious now, not knowing where to start preparation, worrying that choosing the wrong agency company will lead to cost overruns, and even more afraid of compliance problems that will affect subsequent business. I would like to ask, for a situation like mine, how to operate import and export agency services in a compliant way while controlling costs and risks?
Evelyn LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cross-border Compliance SupervisorStart a Chat
For small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises that access import and export agency services for the first time，full-link compliance is the core of risk control. First，you need to complete the preparation and review of pre-documents，which is the basis for avoiding subsequent problems. Enterprises need to provide complete basic documents including trade contracts，invoices，packing lists，etc。and meanwhile confirm whether the agency company has corresponding qualifications，such as import and export operation right，customs declaration and inspection qualifications. Special attention: the commodity code (HS code) in the documents must be accurate，which directly affects the tariff rate and regulatory requirements. An incorrect code may lead to customs valuation disputes or cargo seizure.
Optimization of core node connection can effectively reduce costs and risks. In the logistics link，you need to confirm the transportation plan (direct voyage or transshipment) with the agency company in advance，and clarify the time node of cargo right transfer，to avoid disputes caused by unclear cargo ownership. In the customs declaration link，it is recommended to adopt the integrated customs clearance mode to improve customs clearance efficiency，and meanwhile agree on an exception response mechanism with the agency company，such as the handling process when encountering customs inspection.
Formulation of exception response plans is the key to handling emergencies. For example，when cargo is detained at the port，you need to clarify the processing time limit and responsibility division of the agency company，if there is document discrepancy，you should communicate the correction plan with the agency company in advance to avoid delaying customs clearance. For the final compliance implementation，you need to ensure all operations meet the requirements of customs，taxation and other departments. For example，foreign exchange receipt and settlement must go through formal channels，and you need to prepare complete documents and declare in time for export tax refund. Suggestion: sign a detailed service agreement with the agency company to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties，so as to provide legal guarantee for possible subsequent problems.
Michael ZhangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Declaration & Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
When encountering customs valuation disputes, enterprises shall collect relevant evidence at the first time, including trade contracts, invoices, payment vouchers, etc., to prove the rationality of the declared price.
If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, you can apply for pre-ruling of customs price to clarify the dutiable value of the goods in advance. In addition, you need to ensure the declared price is consistent with the market quotation, to avoid being identified as under-declaration by the customs due to low price, which will lead to tax repayment and fines.
Cindy ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Key Account ManagerStart a Chat
Logistics route optimization shall be combined with cargo characteristics and cost considerations. For goods with high timeliness requirements, direct voyage solutions are preferred to reduce risks in transshipment links; for bulk cargo, you can choose transshipment solutions to reduce transportation costs.
Meanwhile, pay attention to the agreement on Demurrage and free storage period, and communicate with the agency company in advance about the possibility of extending the free storage period, to avoid high demurrage charges caused by customs clearance delays.
Andy GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Supply Chain Management ExpertStart a Chat
VAT deferral is one of the effective means to optimize costs. In 2026, some regions implement VAT deferral policy for cross-border e-commerce import and export agency.
Enterprises can temporarily exempt from paying import VAT when the goods are imported, and declare and pay the tax after sales, which can effectively relieve capital pressure. However, note that applying for VAT deferral needs to meet certain conditions, for example, the enterprise needs to have corresponding tax registration qualification, and the goods shall be used for compliant sales purposes.
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
Cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment shall strictly comply with compliance requirements. When using CIPS for RMB cross-border payment, you need to ensure the SWIFT message information is accurate, including payee information, payment purpose, etc. For offshore account management, you need to conduct regular account audits to avoid account freezing caused by account abnormalities.
When settling foreign exchange and balancing accounts, you need to ensure the capital return path is clear and consistent with the trade contract, to avoid being identified as illegal acts such as money laundering.
Jason WuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics & Supply Chain ManagerStart a Chat
When signing the agency agreement, you shall pay special attention to the bottom-line content of the force majeure clause, and clarify the division of losses caused by force majeure factors such as natural disasters and policy changes. Soft clauses of letter of credit are common risk points.
You need to carefully review the clauses in the letter of credit, to avoid uncontrollable clauses such as "customer inspection certificate". In addition, the cargo right transfer clause shall be clear and definite, to avoid disputes caused by unclear cargo ownership.
Daniel XuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Director of Import & Export OperationsStart a Chat
When encountering customs inspection, you need to cooperate with the inspection personnel, and provide necessary documents and explanations. Authenticity identification of the Seal is an important link. If the seal is found damaged, you need to take photos to retain evidence in time and notify the agency company.
During unpacking inspection, you need to ensure the goods are placed neatly for the convenience of inspection personnel, and meanwhile pay attention to protecting the goods from damage. If the inspection result is inconsistent with the declaration content, you need to communicate the correction plan with the agency company in time.
Victor SunYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Risk Control ManagerStart a Chat
Export tax refund shall ensure the consistency of four flows, namely contract flow, cargo flow, capital flow and invoice flow. Tax correspondence investigation is a common audit link.
Enterprises need to prepare complete correspondence investigation materials, including trade contracts, invoices, transportation documents, etc., and respond to the inquiries of the tax department in a timely manner. Document filing shall be completed within the specified time, and the filing contents include export goods declaration form, invoice, packing list, etc., to avoid tax refund failure caused by untimely filing.