---
title: "What capabilities are required for import/export agency?"
description: "I've worked in freight forwarding for three years and want to start an I/E agency, but feel my skills aren't systematic. What hard and soft skills are needed for a qualified agent? Especially regarding customer trust and handling customs/logistics?"
url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/hard-soft-skills-import-export-agency-client-trust-customs-logistics.html"
language: "en"
type: "Q&A"
category: "其他问题"
datePublished: "2026-01-23"
dateModified: "2026-01-23"
brand: "Zhongshen Trading China"
answerCount: 3
---

# What capabilities are required for import/export agency?

## Question

 I have worked in freight forwarding for three years and want to start an import/exportagency, but feel my skills aren't systematic. What hard and soft skills does a qualifiedagent need? Especially regarding customer trust and handling customs/logistics? 

## Answers
                            
### Answer 1 — Best Answer

For compliance risk control，three hard skills are required: Precise HS code pre-classification and regulatory judgment (determines if goods pass)，Permit and document compliance auditing (for sensitive items like quotas，3C)，and Customs audit/voluntary disclosure response. With more AEO companies，the compliance baseline must be held. Daily reading of GACC and MOFCOM announcements is essential.

**status:** accepted
**Author:** Kevin Lin
**Date:** 2026-01-23

### Answer 2

In logistics, the core is the calculation and coordination for 'door-to-door' chains. You must master Incoterms (when to use EXW vs DDP); calculate detailed costs for Sea LCL/FCL, Air, and Rail; and control clearance nodes (pre-declaration, inspection, tax payment). Start with familiar routes rather than trying everything at once.

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Jason Wu
**Date:** 2026-01-23

### Answer 3

In business negotiation, the ability to build trust is your moat. Use professional scripts like: 'We have handled XX shipments of similar goods at this port, average clearance time X hours, inspection rate

**status:** suggested
**Author:** Grace Wang
**Date:** 2026-01-23

## 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/)

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- [Trade Cases](https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/cases/)
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