--- title: "What are the core service links included in import and export agency services?" description: "Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often suffer from cost overruns or compliance risks when launching cross-border trade for the first time，due to unfamiliarity with customs declaration，logistics and tax procedures. Professional import and export agency services can help enterprises cut customs clearance costs by more than 30% through full-link process optimization，policy dividend matching and risk isolation measures，while ensuring fund and goods ownership security，to realize complia..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "General Trade Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-06" dateModified: "2026-10-06" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What are the core service links included in import and export agency services? ## Question I am the owner of a newly established small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce enterprise. I plan to import a batch of smart home products from Germany recently, but I have never been involved in import and export business before. I heard that import and export agencies can help us handle customs declaration, logistics and other links, but I am worried about being cheated -- for example, will they charge arbitrary fees? Will there be risks related to goods ownership? Besides, there seem to be new changes in customs policies in 2026, and I wonder if agencies can help us leverage policy dividends to reduce costs. I am very uncertain now, and want to know what services import and export agencies actually include, and whether they can really solve the pain points of us new entrants. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer When traditional SMEs carry out import and export business on their own，they often face three major cost drawbacks: First，the lack of customs AEO certification qualification leads to low customs clearance efficiency，with daily port detention fees increasing by more than 1,500 yuan，Second，they are not eligible for the VAT deferment policy，so they need to advance 13% value-added tax which occupies cash flow，Third，the single logistics route and multiple transit links lead to a loss rate as high as 5%. Professional import and export agency services can solve these problems through three optimization paths: First，by leveraging the agency's AEO advanced certification qualification，customs clearance time is shortened by 40%，and port detention fees are reduced by 60%，Second，apply for EU VAT deferment (the 2026 new policy expands the applicable scope to cross-border e-commerce B2C mode)，no advance payment of value-added tax is required，and cash flow occupancy is reduced by 20%，Finally，through logistics resource integration，the direct flight + bonded warehouse transit scheme is adopted，and the loss rate is controlled within 1%. For access threshold，SMEs only need to provide business licenses，product lists and procurement contracts for cooperation，no additional qualifications are required. The benefit ratio calculation shows that: taking a 1 million euro import order as an example，the total cost of the traditional mode is about 120,000 yuan，while the agency mode can reduce it to 80,000 yuan，with a cost saving of 33%. However，it should be noted that **when selecting an agency，you need to confirm that it has the agency qualification filed with the General Administration of Customs**，and can provide two-way transparent services for logistics and capital flow. In addition，for the cross-border trade RMB settlement subsidy policy launched in 2026，the agency can assist enterprises to apply for a 0.5% settlement subsidy per order，further improving returns. However，it is necessary to ensure that transactions are true and effective，to avoid subsidies being recovered due to false trade. **status:** accepted **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 2 Customs declaration in import and export agency needs to focus on the risk of valuation disputes. According to the 2026 new customs valuation regulations, the deviation between the declared price of imported goods and the international market price shall not exceed 5%. If enterprises declare too low a price on their own, it is easy to trigger valuation suspension, resulting in 3 to 7 days of port detention of goods. The agency can prepare original factory invoices, trade contracts and price supporting materials of similar products in advance to form a logical closed loop, reducing the probability of valuation disputes. If suspension is already triggered, the agency can assist enterprises to submit supplementary materials within 3 working days and apply for fast review, to avoid high port detention fees. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 3 Logistics links in import and export agency should give priority to controlling goods ownership and cost. The shipping market fluctuates greatly in 2026, and the container rolling rate has increased by 8% year on year. The agency can reduce transit links by selecting direct routes (such as the direct route from Shanghai to Hamburg), and adopt telex release bill of lading + goods ownership locking agreement at the same time, to ensure that goods can only be picked up by the entrusting party after arriving at the destination port. For container detention fees, the agency can negotiate with shipping companies in advance to extend the free storage period to 14 days (only 7 days for ordinary customers). If container detention fees still incur, the cost can be reduced by more than 30% through bulk order bargaining. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 4 The core of tax planning in import and export agency is VAT deferment and related party transaction pricing. The EU VAT deferment policy will be extended to non-EU enterprises in 2026, and the agency can assist enterprises to apply for deferred payment of import VAT at the time of import, shortening the capital occupation cycle from 3 months to 0. At the same time, for cross-border related transactions, the agency can design a reasonable transfer pricing scheme in accordance with BEPS Action 13, to avoid being identified as profit shifting by tax authorities, thus reducing the risk of withholding tax. It should be noted that VAT deferment requires the condition that goods are finally sold within the EU, otherwise tax and late fees need to be paid back. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 5 Payment and receipt compliance in import and export agency needs to focus on the combined use of CIPS and SWIFT. In 2026, the number of countries covered by China's Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) will increase to 120, and the agency can assist enterprises to choose CIPS for RMB settlement, reducing the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. For foreign exchange settlement and account reconciliation, the agency can control foreign exchange settlement losses within 0.5% through offshore accounts + real-time exchange rate locking tools. It should be noted that the amount of foreign exchange received and paid must be consistent with the amount on the customs declaration form. A deviation of more than 10% will trigger verification by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. The agency can adjust the declaration amount in advance to ensure data matching. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 6 Legal risks in import and export agency are mainly concentrated in letters of credit and goods ownership transfer. In 2026, the incidence of soft clauses in letters of credit has increased by 12%, and the agency can assist enterprises to review soft clauses such as "bill of lading needs to be confirmed by the issuing bank" in letters of credit, to avoid the risk of being unable to negotiate payment. For goods ownership transfer, the agency can adopt the method of "order bill of lading + endorsement transfer", to ensure that goods ownership is transferred to the buyer only after payment. In case of force majeure events (such as port strikes), the agency can assist enterprises to apply for delayed delivery or contract termination in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, to reduce losses. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 7 On-site inspection in import and export agency requires advance response plans. The customs inspection rate in 2026 has increased by 5% year on year, and the agency can reduce the inspection probability by pre-auditing the accuracy of HS codes in the customs declaration form. If goods are selected for inspection, the agency can arrange on-site specialists to assist in unpacking, to ensure that the placement of goods meets inspection requirements, and provide MSDS reports (for dangerous goods) and product manuals to speed up inspection. For abnormal test reports, the agency can assist enterprises to apply for re-inspection, with a re-inspection pass rate of more than 80%. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 8 Packaging compliance in import and export agency needs to focus on UN dangerous goods packaging and moisture-proof reinforcement. In 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) updated the dangerous goods packaging standards, and the agency can assist enterprises to compile MSDS reports that meet the latest standards, and select UN certified packaging materials (such as UN cartons). For fragile products (such as glass products), the agency can adopt the buffer air cushion + wooden frame reinforcement scheme, controlling the damage rate within 0.5%. It should be noted that dangerous goods packaging must be marked with UN number and validity period, otherwise the port will refuse to load the goods. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 9 Export tax refund in import and export agency needs to ensure the consistency of four streams. In 2026, tax authorities have strengthened the verification of export tax refunds, and orders with inconsistent four streams (contract, invoice, logistics, capital flow) will not be eligible for tax refund. The agency can assist enterprises to establish a document filing system, storing all documents digitally, to facilitate quick provision during tax inquiry and adjustment. For cross-month declaration issues, the agency can plan the declaration time in advance, to ensure that pre-declaration verification is completed before the tax refund declaration deadline, avoiding the reduction of tax refund amount due to delayed declaration. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-06 ### Answer 10 The core of supply chain planning in import and export agency is inventory linkage and trade term selection. In 2026, the uncertainty of the global supply chain increases, and the agency can assist enterprises to adopt the "JIT + bonded warehouse" mode, shortening the inventory turnover cycle from 60 days to 30 days. For trade term selection, the agency can recommend CIF (for high-value goods) or FOB (for low-value goods) according to goods value and transportation risks, and calculate the total cost under different terms through the cost actuarial model to select the optimal scheme. It should be noted that under CIF terms, the compensation scope of the insurance company needs to be confirmed, to avoid the situation that goods losses caused by natural disasters cannot be compensated. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-10-06 ## Related Categories - [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/) - [Export Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-agency/) - [Export Tax Rebate Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-export-tax-rebate/) - [Customs Declaration Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/) - [Freight Forwarding Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-freight-forwarding/) - [Forex Settlement Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-forex-settlement/) - [Entrepôt Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-entrepot-trade/) ## Related Resources - [Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/services/) - [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/) - [Trade Wiki](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/wiki/) - [Trade Class](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/guide/) - [Global Trade Services](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/country/) ## Structured Data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "QAPage", "inLanguage":"en", "isPartOf": { "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#website" }, "publisher":{ "@id":"https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/#organization" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the core service links included in import and export agency services?", "text": "I am the owner of a newly established small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce enterprise. I plan to import a batch of smart home products from Germany recently, but I have never been involved in import and export business before. I heard that import and export agencies can help us handle customs declaration, logistics and other links, but I am worried about being cheated -- for example, will they charge arbitrary fees? Will there be risks related to goods ownership? Besides, there seem to be new changes in customs policies in 2026, and I wonder if agencies can help us leverage policy dividends to reduce costs. I am very uncertain now, and want to know what services import and export agencies actually include, and whether they can really solve the pain points of us new entrants.", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 6, "datePublished": "2026-10-06T04:28:58Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-06T04:42:36Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When traditional SMEs carry out import and export business on their own，they often face three major cost drawbacks: First，the lack of customs AEO certification qualification leads to low customs clearance efficiency，with daily port detention fees increasing by more than 1,500 yuan，Second，they are not eligible for the VAT deferment policy，so they need to advance 13% value-added tax which occupies cash flow，Third，the single logistics route and multiple transit links lead to a loss rate as high as 5%. Professional import and export agency services can solve these problems through three optimization paths: First，by leveraging the agency's AEO advanced certification qualification，customs clearance time is shortened by 40%，and port detention fees are reduced by 60%，Second，apply for EU VAT deferment (the 2026 new policy expands the applicable scope to cross-border e-commerce B2C mode)，no advance payment of value-added tax is required，and cash flow occupancy is reduced by 20%，Finally，through logistics resource integration，the direct flight + bonded warehouse transit scheme is adopted，and the loss rate is controlled within 1%. For access threshold，SMEs only need to provide business licenses，product lists and procurement contracts for cooperation，no additional qualifications are required. The benefit ratio calculation shows that: taking a 1 million euro import order as an example，the total cost of the traditional mode is about 120,000 yuan，while the agency mode can reduce it to 80,000 yuan，with a cost saving of 33%. However，it should be noted that when selecting an agency，you need to confirm that it has the agency qualification filed with the General Administration of Customs ，and can provide two-way transparent services for logistics and capital flow. In addition，for the cross-border trade RMB settlement subsidy policy launched in 2026，the agency can assist enterprises to apply for a 0.5% settlement subsidy per order，further improving returns. However，it is necessary to ensure that transactions are true and effective，to avoid subsidies being recovered due to false trade.", "upvoteCount": 6, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:34:06Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Customs declaration in import and export agency needs to focus on the risk of valuation disputes. According to the 2026 new customs valuation regulations, the deviation between the declared price of imported goods and the international market price shall not exceed 5%. If enterprises declare too low a price on their own, it is easy to trigger valuation suspension, resulting in 3 to 7 days of port detention of goods. The agency can prepare original factory invoices, trade contracts and price supporting materials of similar products in advance to form a logical closed loop, reducing the probability of valuation disputes. If suspension is already triggered, the agency can assist enterprises to submit supplementary materials within 3 working days and apply for fast review, to avoid high port detention fees.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:19:09Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Logistics links in import and export agency should give priority to controlling goods ownership and cost. The shipping market fluctuates greatly in 2026, and the container rolling rate has increased by 8% year on year. The agency can reduce transit links by selecting direct routes (such as the direct route from Shanghai to Hamburg), and adopt telex release bill of lading + goods ownership locking agreement at the same time, to ensure that goods can only be picked up by the entrusting party after arriving at the destination port. For container detention fees, the agency can negotiate with shipping companies in advance to extend the free storage period to 14 days (only 7 days for ordinary customers). If container detention fees still incur, the cost can be reduced by more than 30% through bulk order bargaining.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:13:14Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The core of tax planning in import and export agency is VAT deferment and related party transaction pricing. The EU VAT deferment policy will be extended to non-EU enterprises in 2026, and the agency can assist enterprises to apply for deferred payment of import VAT at the time of import, shortening the capital occupation cycle from 3 months to 0. At the same time, for cross-border related transactions, the agency can design a reasonable transfer pricing scheme in accordance with BEPS Action 13, to avoid being identified as profit shifting by tax authorities, thus reducing the risk of withholding tax. It should be noted that VAT deferment requires the condition that goods are finally sold within the EU, otherwise tax and late fees need to be paid back.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:12:35Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Payment and receipt compliance in import and export agency needs to focus on the combined use of CIPS and SWIFT. In 2026, the number of countries covered by China's Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) will increase to 120, and the agency can assist enterprises to choose CIPS for RMB settlement, reducing the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. For foreign exchange settlement and account reconciliation, the agency can control foreign exchange settlement losses within 0.5% through offshore accounts + real-time exchange rate locking tools. It should be noted that the amount of foreign exchange received and paid must be consistent with the amount on the customs declaration form. A deviation of more than 10% will trigger verification by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. The agency can adjust the declaration amount in advance to ensure data matching.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:10:43Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Legal risks in import and export agency are mainly concentrated in letters of credit and goods ownership transfer. In 2026, the incidence of soft clauses in letters of credit has increased by 12%, and the agency can assist enterprises to review soft clauses such as "bill of lading needs to be confirmed by the issuing bank" in letters of credit, to avoid the risk of being unable to negotiate payment. For goods ownership transfer, the agency can adopt the method of "order bill of lading + endorsement transfer", to ensure that goods ownership is transferred to the buyer only after payment. In case of force majeure events (such as port strikes), the agency can assist enterprises to apply for delayed delivery or contract termination in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, to reduce losses.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:06:09Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "On-site inspection in import and export agency requires advance response plans. The customs inspection rate in 2026 has increased by 5% year on year, and the agency can reduce the inspection probability by pre-auditing the accuracy of HS codes in the customs declaration form. If goods are selected for inspection, the agency can arrange on-site specialists to assist in unpacking, to ensure that the placement of goods meets inspection requirements, and provide MSDS reports (for dangerous goods) and product manuals to speed up inspection. For abnormal test reports, the agency can assist enterprises to apply for re-inspection, with a re-inspection pass rate of more than 80%.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T05:01:44Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Packaging compliance in import and export agency needs to focus on UN dangerous goods packaging and moisture-proof reinforcement. In 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) updated the dangerous goods packaging standards, and the agency can assist enterprises to compile MSDS reports that meet the latest standards, and select UN certified packaging materials (such as UN cartons). For fragile products (such as glass products), the agency can adopt the buffer air cushion + wooden frame reinforcement scheme, controlling the damage rate within 0.5%. It should be noted that dangerous goods packaging must be marked with UN number and validity period, otherwise the port will refuse to load the goods.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T04:58:59Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Export tax refund in import and export agency needs to ensure the consistency of four streams. In 2026, tax authorities have strengthened the verification of export tax refunds, and orders with inconsistent four streams (contract, invoice, logistics, capital flow) will not be eligible for tax refund. The agency can assist enterprises to establish a document filing system, storing all documents digitally, to facilitate quick provision during tax inquiry and adjustment. For cross-month declaration issues, the agency can plan the declaration time in advance, to ensure that pre-declaration verification is completed before the tax refund declaration deadline, avoiding the reduction of tax refund amount due to delayed declaration.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T04:43:11Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The core of supply chain planning in import and export agency is inventory linkage and trade term selection. In 2026, the uncertainty of the global supply chain increases, and the agency can assist enterprises to adopt the "JIT + bonded warehouse" mode, shortening the inventory turnover cycle from 60 days to 30 days. For trade term selection, the agency can recommend CIF (for high-value goods) or FOB (for low-value goods) according to goods value and transportation risks, and calculate the total cost under different terms through the cost actuarial model to select the optimal scheme. It should be noted that under CIF terms, the compensation scope of the insurance company needs to be confirmed, to avoid the situation that goods losses caused by natural disasters cannot be compensated.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/core-services-of-import-export-agency.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-10-06T04:42:36Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/"},{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "General Trade Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-trade/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "What are the core service links included in import and export agency services?"} ] } ] ```