---
title: "What are the foreign trade export agencies?"
description: "Our company is just starting to export and wants to cooperate with a foreign trade agency. We've searched online but don't know how to filter the results. Our main concerns are threefold: First, we're worried about working with unregulated companies that might cause problems with customs declaration. Second, we're concerned about opaque fees and potential scams. Third, we're unsure how to draft a contract that protects our rights and interests. Could you please advise us on how to avoid pitfalls..."
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/export-agency-selection-avoid-pitfalls.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "出口代理"
datePublished: "2026-01-23"
dateModified: "2026-01-23"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 3
---

# What are the foreign trade export agencies?

## Question

 Our company just started doing exports and we're looking for someone to assist us with this.When collaborating with export agency companies, I've searched online but have no idea how to filter through all the options. My main concerns are threefold: First, I'm worried about encountering unregulated companies that might cause issues with customs declarations; Second, I'm concerned about opaque fees and potential scams; Third, I'm unsure how to draft contracts that effectively protect our rights and interests. Could you please advise how to avoid pitfalls when selecting a suitable agency, experts? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

Firstly，you must verify the "Record of Foreign Trade Operators" and the "Customs Declaration Unit Registration Certificate" of the agency. These two certificates are the minimum requirements. Secondly，request the agency to provide export declaration records of similar products in the past three years，with a focus on verifying the accuracy of HS code declarations. Special reminder: If export tax rebates are involved，it is essential to confirm the agency's classification management level at the tax bureau. Agents with a rating below B carry extremely high risks. Finally，the agency agreement must explicitly stipulate that all customs penalties arising from HS code errors or missing licenses shall be borne by the agent. It is recommended to set the penalty clause as "calculated at 20% of the goods value or the actual losses，whichever is higher".

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Cindy Chen
**Date:** 2026-01-23

### Answer 2

Here's the translation of the text into English, with detailed explanations:

1. Focus on three key points:

- First, clarify which ports and shipping routes they're familiar with. If they only handle Shanghai ports but you need to export from Shenzhen, the communication cost will be high.

- Second, request a complete fee list, including agency fees (usually 1-3%), customs declaration fees, port surcharges, etc. Pay special attention to whether the "destination port fees" are included.

- Third, confirm the timeline for document processing. Reputable companies should complete customs declaration pre-registration within 24 hours after receiving the required materials.

- It's recommended to prioritize agents offering "door-to-door" services, though they may be more expensive, as you won't need to deal with multiple suppliers separately.

- Finally, clearly stipulate in the contract that the agent must bear liability for any shipment delays caused by document delays.

This translation maintains the original structure and key points while ensuring natural English flow.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Victor Sun
**Date:** 2026-01-23

### Answer 3

When selecting an agency, soft skills matter more than hard credentials. First, don’t just look at their official website—require them to provide contact information for at least three clients of similar scale for a background check. Second, during initial communication, deliberately propose a complex request (e.g., obtaining a special permit) to observe their response speed and the professionalism of their solutions, which directly reflects their actual service capabilities. Third, insist on a "phased payment" structure: pay 30% upon signing the contract, 40% after customs clearance, and 30% upon tax refund receipt. Finally, ensure the contract includes an "unconditional termination right" clause, allowing you to terminate the cooperation without penalty if you find their services unsatisfactory. Remember, truly high-quality agencies will proactively propose such clauses to build trust.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Daniel Xu
**Date:** 2026-01-23

## Related Categories
- [Import Agency Q&A](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-import-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/)

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