--- title: "Is It Mandatory to Entrust a Professional Agency for the Full Process of General Trade Import?" description: "SMEs engaged in import business often face a dilemma due to lack of operational experience: independent operation may lead to customs detention，port detention and credit damage due to inconsistent documents and insufficient compliance，while entrusting an agency may incur excessive costs. In fact，hiring an agency is not mandatory for import. Enterprises with full-time customs declarers can avoid risks through customs pre-audit，while those without full-time staff can choose the semi-entrustment mo..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Import Agency Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-15" dateModified: "2026-10-15" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # Is It Mandatory to Entrust a Professional Agency for the Full Process of General Trade Import? ## Question I am the procurement lead of a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai that has just entered the precision instrument import business. Last week, we signed an order for 10 optical testing instruments with a German supplier, with a total value of 820,000 euros, and agreed to ship the goods directly from Port of Hamburg to Shanghai next month. I have never been exposed to the full import process before, and now I am extremely anxious facing the requirements for a pile of customs declaration forms, certificates of origin, and mechanical and electrical certificates, and I can't even sleep well at night. I consulted peers yesterday, some said it is mandatory to hire an agency, while others said we can handle it independently. But I heard that a peer was detained by customs for 15 days due to inconsistent documents when operating independently last month, not only paid nearly 20,000 yuan in port detention fees, but also compensated the customer for delayed delivery penalties. I am afraid of making mistakes, but I am also worried about being overcharged if I hire an agency. Is it really mandatory to hire an import agency? Are there any circumstances where we can operate independently? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First，we need to clarify a common industry misunderstanding: many SMEs believe that they can complete import operations independently as long as they hold basic customs declaration documents，which is a serious misjudgment of import compliance. Taking mechanical and electrical products as an example，in 2026，customs will significantly intensify the inspection of price valuation and 3C certification for precision instruments. If details of official endorsement on the certificate of origin are omitted during independent operation，or the product parameters on the mechanical and electrical certificate are inconsistent with the customs declaration form，customs detention will be directly triggered，leading to a chain of negative reactions: port detention fee is calculated at 0.05% of the cargo value per day. If port detention exceeds 7 days，it will also affect the **customs credit rating maintenance** of the enterprise，and the subsequent import clearance efficiency will be reduced to 30% of the original level. In terms of physical risk isolation measures: if the enterprise holds the right to operate import and export，and is equipped with full-time customs declarers registered with the customs，it can try to operate independently，but it needs to apply for **document pre-audit service** from the local customs 10 days in advance to check the consistency of all documents. Exclusive loss mitigation tip: if the enterprise does not have full-time customs declarers，it can choose the semi-entrustment mode of "agency document guidance + self-customs clearance"，which can not only avoid the high cost of full agency service，but also avoid the risk of document errors with professional support. At the same time，it is necessary to formulate a **port detention loss mitigation plan** in advance. If there is any sign of customs detention，immediately contact the customs affairs coordinator to intervene and coordinate. **status:** accepted **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 2 After the customs launches the "Smart Document Review" system in 2026, the requirement for logical consistency of customs declaration forms is extremely high. For example, the HS Code of the goods must fully match the product codes on the certificate of origin and mechanical and electrical certificate. If the HS Code is incorrectly selected during independent operation, it will not only lead to price valuation disputes, but also trigger document deletion and re-declaration, delaying clearance efficiency. For the price valuation link, enterprises operating independently need to prepare import transaction price vouchers of products of the same category within 3 months in advance. If they cannot provide them, the customs will levy tariffs at 1.2 times the dutiable value, while professional agencies can provide compliant price supporting documents through industry databases to avoid unnecessary tax and fee expenditures. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 3 For self-operated import, cargo right control is the core risk point, especially in the bill of lading endorsement link. If straight endorsement is not carried out in accordance with the requirements of the carrier, it will lead to failure to exchange documents and pick up goods, resulting in container detention fees. In 2026, the container detention fee standard of Port of Shanghai is 1,000 yuan per day for general containers and 2,000 yuan per day for special containers, and an additional penalty will be charged if it exceeds 14 days. In addition, when choosing the logistics route independently, if the customs supervision policy of the transit port is not considered, such as the temporary inspection requirements for mechanical and electrical products at European transit ports, the goods may be detained at the transit port, affecting the overall delivery cycle. Professional agencies can track the dynamics of goods in real time through the internal logistics system, predict the supervision risks of transit ports in advance, and adjust the logistics route. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 4 In 2026, the import tax policy added the rule of "regional application of VAT deferment", which only opens independent application permission to enterprises registered in free trade zones such as the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta. If the enterprise is not located in these regions, it cannot enjoy the VAT deferment policy when operating independently, and needs to pay the full amount of import VAT at the time of customs clearance, which occupies a large amount of working capital. Professional agencies can apply for VAT deferment for non-zone enterprises with the help of cooperative entities in the free trade zone, delaying the VAT payment time to the declaration period of the next month, easing the capital pressure of enterprises. In addition, if the transfer pricing of related party transactions is not calculated correctly during independent operation, it may trigger anti-tax avoidance investigation by the tax authority, resulting in the risk of paying back taxes and late fees. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 5 In 2026, the supervision of cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange will be further tightened. If the transaction code and payment reason are not filled in accordance with the requirements of SWIFT messages during independent operation, the payment will be returned by the bank, and even trigger compliance verification by the foreign exchange administration. Especially for import business with cargo value exceeding 500,000 euros, complete trade background information is required, including electronic data of procurement contracts, bills of lading and customs declaration forms. If the information is missing during independent operation, the payment cycle will be extended to more than 15 days, affecting the cooperative relationship with suppliers. Professional agencies can optimize the payment path through the CIPS Cross-border Interbank Payment System, ensure that the message information meets the regulatory requirements, and shorten the payment cycle to within 3 working days. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 6 For self-operated import, if the scope of application of the force majeure clause is not clearly defined in the procurement contract, such as delayed delivery caused by customs detention, the supplier will hold the enterprise liable for breach of contract. In 2026, the international trade law has stricter criteria for determining force majeure, only natural disasters, wars and other events are listed as statutory force majeure, and delays caused by customs supervision are not included. In addition, if the customs protection record of intellectual property rights is not handled during independent operation, if the goods involve infringement, they will be confiscated by the customs, and the enterprise shall bear the liability for infringement compensation. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to add the "customs supervision delay exemption clause" in the procurement contract, and handle the intellectual property record in advance to avoid legal risks. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 7 In 2026, the on-site inspection rate of precision instruments by customs will be increased to 35%. If the product instruction manual and test report are not prepared in advance during independent operation, the inspection time will be extended to more than 48 hours, resulting in port detention fees. In addition, if the goods are not placed in accordance with the requirements of the customs during on-site inspection, for example, the core components of the instrument are not shown to the inspection personnel, it will trigger a second inspection and increase the inspection cost. Professional agencies can communicate with on-site inspection personnel in advance, provide complete inspection supporting materials, ensure that the inspection is passed at one time, and control the inspection time within 8 hours. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 8 Precision instruments are fragile and easily damaged goods. If reinforced packaging is not carried out in accordance with UN packaging standards during independent operation, the goods will be damaged during transportation, and the enterprise cannot claim compensation from the insurance company. In 2026, insurance companies have stricter packaging requirements for imported precision instruments, and only recognize packaging that meets the UN3480 standard. If the self-packed packaging does not meet the requirements, the insurance company will refuse to pay compensation. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to formulate packaging schemes that meet UN standards, including moisture-proof, shock-proof and tilt-proof reinforcement measures, to ensure the safety of goods transportation, and assist in handling insurance claim procedures at the same time. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 9 In 2026, the customs will implement the "Import and Export Credit Linkage" mechanism. If there are compliance problems during self-operated import, it will affect the export tax refund rating of the enterprise, leading to the extension of the export tax refund review cycle to more than 30 days, and even the suspension of the tax refund qualification. In addition, if the import documents are not linked with the export tax refund documents during independent operation, the tax authority will not be able to verify the consistency of import and export business, triggering tax inquiry correspondence, affecting the normal operation of the enterprise. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to establish a document management system, realize the linkage management of import and export documents, and avoid the risk of credit linkage. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-10-15 ### Answer 10 For self-operated import, if the inventory linkage strategy is not established, the goods cannot be put into storage in time after arriving at the port, resulting in port detention fees. In 2026, the storage fee of Port of Shanghai is 20 yuan per cubic meter per day. If the goods are detained at the port for more than 7 days, the storage fee will be doubled. In addition, if the selection of CIF/FOB trade terms is not optimized during independent operation, for example, if FOB terms are selected but the shipping space is not booked in advance, the goods cannot be loaded on board in time, affecting the delivery cycle. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to establish an inventory linkage model, adjust the import cycle according to the production plan of the enterprise, and optimize the selection of trade terms to reduce logistics and inventory costs. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-10-15 ## Related Categories - [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/) - [General Trade Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-general-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": "Is It Mandatory to Entrust a Professional Agency for the Full Process of General Trade Import?", "text": "I am the procurement lead of a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai that has just entered the precision instrument import business. Last week, we signed an order for 10 optical testing instruments with a German supplier, with a total value of 820,000 euros, and agreed to ship the goods directly from Port of Hamburg to Shanghai next month. I have never been exposed to the full import process before, and now I am extremely anxious facing the requirements for a pile of customs declaration forms, certificates of origin, and mechanical and electrical certificates, and I can't even sleep well at night. I consulted peers yesterday, some said it is mandatory to hire an agency, while others said we can handle it independently. But I heard that a peer was detained by customs for 15 days due to inconsistent documents when operating independently last month, not only paid nearly 20,000 yuan in port detention fees, but also compensated the customer for delayed delivery penalties. I am afraid of making mistakes, but I am also worried about being overcharged if I hire an agency. Is it really mandatory to hire an import agency? Are there any circumstances where we can operate independently?", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 5, "datePublished": "2026-10-15T10:29:01Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-15T10:40:27Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First，we need to clarify a common industry misunderstanding: many SMEs believe that they can complete import operations independently as long as they hold basic customs declaration documents，which is a serious misjudgment of import compliance. Taking mechanical and electrical products as an example，in 2026，customs will significantly intensify the inspection of price valuation and 3C certification for precision instruments. If details of official endorsement on the certificate of origin are omitted during independent operation，or the product parameters on the mechanical and electrical certificate are inconsistent with the customs declaration form，customs detention will be directly triggered，leading to a chain of negative reactions: port detention fee is calculated at 0.05% of the cargo value per day. If port detention exceeds 7 days，it will also affect the customs credit rating maintenance of the enterprise，and the subsequent import clearance efficiency will be reduced to 30% of the original level. In terms of physical risk isolation measures: if the enterprise holds the right to operate import and export，and is equipped with full-time customs declarers registered with the customs，it can try to operate independently，but it needs to apply for document pre-audit service from the local customs 10 days in advance to check the consistency of all documents. Exclusive loss mitigation tip: if the enterprise does not have full-time customs declarers，it can choose the semi-entrustment mode of "agency document guidance + self-customs clearance"，which can not only avoid the high cost of full agency service，but also avoid the risk of document errors with professional support. At the same time，it is necessary to formulate a port detention loss mitigation plan in advance. If there is any sign of customs detention，immediately contact the customs affairs coordinator to intervene and coordinate.", "upvoteCount": 5, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T11:47:44Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After the customs launches the "Smart Document Review" system in 2026, the requirement for logical consistency of customs declaration forms is extremely high. For example, the HS Code of the goods must fully match the product codes on the certificate of origin and mechanical and electrical certificate. If the HS Code is incorrectly selected during independent operation, it will not only lead to price valuation disputes, but also trigger document deletion and re-declaration, delaying clearance efficiency. For the price valuation link, enterprises operating independently need to prepare import transaction price vouchers of products of the same category within 3 months in advance. If they cannot provide them, the customs will levy tariffs at 1.2 times the dutiable value, while professional agencies can provide compliant price supporting documents through industry databases to avoid unnecessary tax and fee expenditures.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T11:44:56Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For self-operated import, cargo right control is the core risk point, especially in the bill of lading endorsement link. If straight endorsement is not carried out in accordance with the requirements of the carrier, it will lead to failure to exchange documents and pick up goods, resulting in container detention fees. In 2026, the container detention fee standard of Port of Shanghai is 1,000 yuan per day for general containers and 2,000 yuan per day for special containers, and an additional penalty will be charged if it exceeds 14 days. In addition, when choosing the logistics route independently, if the customs supervision policy of the transit port is not considered, such as the temporary inspection requirements for mechanical and electrical products at European transit ports, the goods may be detained at the transit port, affecting the overall delivery cycle. Professional agencies can track the dynamics of goods in real time through the internal logistics system, predict the supervision risks of transit ports in advance, and adjust the logistics route.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T11:36:29Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In 2026, the import tax policy added the rule of "regional application of VAT deferment", which only opens independent application permission to enterprises registered in free trade zones such as the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta. If the enterprise is not located in these regions, it cannot enjoy the VAT deferment policy when operating independently, and needs to pay the full amount of import VAT at the time of customs clearance, which occupies a large amount of working capital. Professional agencies can apply for VAT deferment for non-zone enterprises with the help of cooperative entities in the free trade zone, delaying the VAT payment time to the declaration period of the next month, easing the capital pressure of enterprises. In addition, if the transfer pricing of related party transactions is not calculated correctly during independent operation, it may trigger anti-tax avoidance investigation by the tax authority, resulting in the risk of paying back taxes and late fees.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T11:28:15Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In 2026, the supervision of cross-border receipt and payment of foreign exchange will be further tightened. If the transaction code and payment reason are not filled in accordance with the requirements of SWIFT messages during independent operation, the payment will be returned by the bank, and even trigger compliance verification by the foreign exchange administration. Especially for import business with cargo value exceeding 500,000 euros, complete trade background information is required, including electronic data of procurement contracts, bills of lading and customs declaration forms. If the information is missing during independent operation, the payment cycle will be extended to more than 15 days, affecting the cooperative relationship with suppliers. Professional agencies can optimize the payment path through the CIPS Cross-border Interbank Payment System, ensure that the message information meets the regulatory requirements, and shorten the payment cycle to within 3 working days.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T11:14:50Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For self-operated import, if the scope of application of the force majeure clause is not clearly defined in the procurement contract, such as delayed delivery caused by customs detention, the supplier will hold the enterprise liable for breach of contract. In 2026, the international trade law has stricter criteria for determining force majeure, only natural disasters, wars and other events are listed as statutory force majeure, and delays caused by customs supervision are not included. In addition, if the customs protection record of intellectual property rights is not handled during independent operation, if the goods involve infringement, they will be confiscated by the customs, and the enterprise shall bear the liability for infringement compensation. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to add the "customs supervision delay exemption clause" in the procurement contract, and handle the intellectual property record in advance to avoid legal risks.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T11:11:58Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In 2026, the on-site inspection rate of precision instruments by customs will be increased to 35%. If the product instruction manual and test report are not prepared in advance during independent operation, the inspection time will be extended to more than 48 hours, resulting in port detention fees. In addition, if the goods are not placed in accordance with the requirements of the customs during on-site inspection, for example, the core components of the instrument are not shown to the inspection personnel, it will trigger a second inspection and increase the inspection cost. Professional agencies can communicate with on-site inspection personnel in advance, provide complete inspection supporting materials, ensure that the inspection is passed at one time, and control the inspection time within 8 hours.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T10:49:40Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Precision instruments are fragile and easily damaged goods. If reinforced packaging is not carried out in accordance with UN packaging standards during independent operation, the goods will be damaged during transportation, and the enterprise cannot claim compensation from the insurance company. In 2026, insurance companies have stricter packaging requirements for imported precision instruments, and only recognize packaging that meets the UN3480 standard. If the self-packed packaging does not meet the requirements, the insurance company will refuse to pay compensation. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to formulate packaging schemes that meet UN standards, including moisture-proof, shock-proof and tilt-proof reinforcement measures, to ensure the safety of goods transportation, and assist in handling insurance claim procedures at the same time.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T10:48:31Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In 2026, the customs will implement the "Import and Export Credit Linkage" mechanism. If there are compliance problems during self-operated import, it will affect the export tax refund rating of the enterprise, leading to the extension of the export tax refund review cycle to more than 30 days, and even the suspension of the tax refund qualification. In addition, if the import documents are not linked with the export tax refund documents during independent operation, the tax authority will not be able to verify the consistency of import and export business, triggering tax inquiry correspondence, affecting the normal operation of the enterprise. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to establish a document management system, realize the linkage management of import and export documents, and avoid the risk of credit linkage.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T10:41:53Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For self-operated import, if the inventory linkage strategy is not established, the goods cannot be put into storage in time after arriving at the port, resulting in port detention fees. In 2026, the storage fee of Port of Shanghai is 20 yuan per cubic meter per day. If the goods are detained at the port for more than 7 days, the storage fee will be doubled. In addition, if the selection of CIF/FOB trade terms is not optimized during independent operation, for example, if FOB terms are selected but the shipping space is not booked in advance, the goods cannot be loaded on board in time, affecting the delivery cycle. Professional agencies can assist enterprises to establish an inventory linkage model, adjust the import cycle according to the production plan of the enterprise, and optimize the selection of trade terms to reduce logistics and inventory costs.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/eneral-trade-import-process-professional-agency-requirement.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-10-15T10:40:27Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } ] } }, { "@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": "Import Agency Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-agency/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Is It Mandatory to Entrust a Professional Agency for the Full Process of General Trade Import?"} ] } ] ```