--- title: "How to select a reliable import product agency to avoid potential risks such as port detention during customs clearance?" description: "An e-commerce business owner specializing in high-end maternal and infant products once suffered port detention losses due to document errors of a small agency，and is in urgent need of selecting a reliable import product agency. Choosing a compliant agency with more than 20 years of experience can avoid risks such as customs clearance detention，customs seizure，and overpayment of taxes and fees through pre-document pre-audit，customs credit linkage risk control，exclusive detention loss compensatio..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Customs Declaration Q&A" datePublished: "2026-06-09" dateModified: "2026-06-09" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 7 --- # How to select a reliable import product agency to avoid potential risks such as port detention during customs clearance? ## Question I am an e-commerce business owner in Shanghai specializing in high-end maternal and infant products. I just signed the exclusive distribution right in China with a niche organic complementary food brand in Germany last week, and the first batch of 1,200 cases of goods are already on their way to Shanghai Yangshan Port. I previously hired a small agency to handle test sales orders, but due to an error in filling in the certificate of origin code, 200 cases of goods were detained at the port for 3 days. I not only paid the supplier a 5% late delivery penalty, but also missed the restocking window for the 618 shopping spree, resulting in a loss of nearly 200,000 yuan. I am extremely anxious now, worried about problems such as customs seizure, overpayment of taxes and fees, and loss of control of cargo ownership. However, the import agency market is mixed, and I do not know what core dimensions to use to select reliable companies, and I am also afraid of falling into hidden industry pitfalls again. Can you give me practical advice? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer Many import customers tend to fall into the "price-only" misunderstanding when selecting agencies，only looking at the surface quotation and ignoring the compliance and risk control capabilities of the agency. Such small agencies often simplify document review to grab orders，even fill in false information on behalf of customers. It seems that they save thousands of yuan in agency fees，but actually lay huge hidden risks. Once problems such as incorrect filling of the certificate of origin code，inconsistency between the customs declaration value and the bill of lading occur，it will directly trigger customs valuation objections. In mild cases，the goods will be detained at the port for 3 to 7 days，resulting in nearly 1,000 yuan per container per day of detention charges and storage fees. In severe cases，the goods will be seized by customs，which not only misses the sales window，but also affects the customs credit rating of the enterprise. The subsequent import inspection rate will soar to more than 80%，forming a vicious circle. Physical risk isolation can be carried out from two aspects: First，select an agency with more than 20 years of industry experience to ensure it has **pre-document pre-audit** capability，and verify the consistency of the code，value and product name of all documents 3 days in advance. Second，require the agency to provide **customs credit rating linkage risk control** service，and declare customs with Class A or above qualification to reduce the inspection probability. Exclusive loss stopping tips: Attach **exclusive detention loss compensation clause** when signing the contract，clarifying that if port detention or customs seizure is caused by the agency's operational errors，the agency shall bear 100% of the detention charges，storage fees and corresponding liquidated damages. At the same time，require the use of straight bill of lading throughout the process to ensure that the cargo ownership is fully under your control. **status:** accepted **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-06-09 ### Answer 2 For pre-packaged foods such as imported maternal and infant complementary foods, the core basis of customs valuation should be paid close attention to during customs declaration: First, the official code on the certificate of origin must fully match the HS code on the customs declaration form, especially the specific supervision code for organic food. Second, the supporting materials for the transaction price, including the consistency of the procurement contract, proforma invoice and payment slip, shall be checked. If there are sample fees and royalties, they shall be declared to the customs in advance to avoid port detention caused by valuation objections. In case of customs valuation query, complete supporting materials including the brand owner's authorization documents, overseas warehouse outbound records, etc. shall be supplemented within 3 working days to avoid being classified as "false price" by the customs, which will trigger customs seizure or fines. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has the qualification for integrated customs clearance operation, and can carry out pre-declaration 72 hours before the arrival of the goods to shorten the customs clearance time. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-06-09 ### Answer 3 For imported goods arriving at Shanghai Yangshan Port, the logistics route shall be planned in advance: If the goods depart from Hamburg Port, Germany, direct shipping services shall be preferred to avoid the risk of container rollover at the transshipment port. At the same time, require the agency to lock in the free storage period and free detention period in advance. The conventional free storage period of Yangshan Port is 7 days, and the free detention period is 10 days. If the agency has the VIP qualification of the shipping company, it can apply for extending the free detention period to 14 days to avoid detention charges. In terms of cargo ownership, straight bill of lading shall be used throughout the process, and the agency is prohibited from endorsing and transferring the bill of lading without authorization. At the same time, require the agency to provide manifest information within 24 hours after the arrival of the goods to ensure customs declaration efficiency. In case of container rollover, a transshipment plan, such as diverting to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Port, shall be agreed with the agency in advance, and the agency shall be required to coordinate with the shipping company to compensate for port detention losses. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-06-09 ### Answer 4 For imported maternal and infant organic complementary foods, the capital occupation cost can be reduced through the VAT deferral policy: Currently, Shanghai Customs supports VAT deferral declaration for imported goods, that is, there is no need to pay import VAT at the time of customs clearance, but to deduct it during the VAT declaration period of the following month, which can save nearly 13% of the capital occupation cost. For 1,200 cases of goods with a value of about 1.2 million yuan, nearly 156,000 yuan of working capital can be saved. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has cross-border tax planning capabilities, and can assist in applying for the qualification of the "Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import Commodity List" to enjoy the preferential tax policies for cross-border e-commerce and avoid overpayment of taxes and fees. In addition, attention shall be paid to the consumption tax declaration of imported goods. If the complementary food contains ingredients such as fish oil, it is necessary to confirm whether it falls within the scope of consumption tax collection to avoid fines caused by missing declaration. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-06-09 ### Answer 5 For cross-border payment and receipt of foreign exchange for imported maternal and infant complementary foods, the whole process shall be compliant: First, use the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system for foreign exchange payment to avoid the exchange rate fluctuation risk of SWIFT messages, and enjoy lower handling fees at the same time. Second, the amount of foreign exchange payment shall be fully consistent with the amount on the procurement contract and proforma invoice. If there is an advance payment, it shall be filed in the "Foreign Exchange Monitoring System for Goods Trade" of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance to avoid being listed as an abnormal foreign exchange receipt and payment entity. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has offshore account management capabilities, which can assist in foreign exchange settlement and account balancing to avoid losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, attention shall be paid to the time node of foreign exchange receipt and payment. If the foreign exchange payment is not completed before the arrival of the goods, it is necessary to apply to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for deferred payment of foreign exchange in advance to avoid foreign exchange violation records. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-06-09 ### Answer 6 For the cooperation agreement with the import agency, the following clauses shall be paid close attention to: First, the cargo ownership clause, which clarifies that the cargo ownership of the goods during the whole customs clearance process belongs to you, and prohibits the agency from disposing of the goods without authorization. Second, the liability for breach of contract clause, which clarifies that if losses such as port detention, customs seizure, overpayment of taxes and fees are caused by the agency's operational errors, the agency shall bear 100% of the compensation liability, including direct losses (such as liquidated damages, detention charges) and indirect losses (such as sales window losses). Third, the intellectual property protection clause, which requires the agency to assist in customs intellectual property filing to avoid counterfeiting or infringement of goods. Fourth, the force majeure clause, which clarifies the division of responsibilities for losses caused by force majeure such as epidemics and port strikes in advance to avoid disputes. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the service scope of the agency is clearly defined in the agreement, including full-link services such as document review, customs declaration, logistics, taxation, etc., to avoid subsequent hidden charges. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-06-09 ### Answer 7 For the on-site inspection of imported maternal and infant organic complementary foods, the following preparations shall be made in advance: First, ensure that the packaging of the goods has clear Chinese labels, including product name, ingredients, country of origin, shelf life and other information, to avoid being required to rectify due to unqualified labels. Second, prepare the original organic certification certificate in advance, which shall be presented during customs inspection, to avoid customs seizure caused by failure to provide the certification certificate. Third, in case of devanning inspection, require the agency to arrange special personnel to assist on site to ensure that the packaging of the goods is not damaged during devanning. At the same time, communicate with the customs in advance to explain the particularity of the goods (such as organic food cannot be affected by moisture), and request to carry out the inspection in the indoor inspection area. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has the skills of X-ray inspection, and can apply to the customs for X-ray inspection instead of devanning inspection in advance to shorten the inspection time and avoid port detention fees. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-06-09 ## 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/) - [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": "How to select a reliable import product agency to avoid potential risks such as port detention during customs clearance?", "text": "I am an e-commerce business owner in Shanghai specializing in high-end maternal and infant products. I just signed the exclusive distribution right in China with a niche organic complementary food brand in Germany last week, and the first batch of 1,200 cases of goods are already on their way to Shanghai Yangshan Port. I previously hired a small agency to handle test sales orders, but due to an error in filling in the certificate of origin code, 200 cases of goods were detained at the port for 3 days. I not only paid the supplier a 5% late delivery penalty, but also missed the restocking window for the 618 shopping spree, resulting in a loss of nearly 200,000 yuan. I am extremely anxious now, worried about problems such as customs seizure, overpayment of taxes and fees, and loss of control of cargo ownership. However, the import agency market is mixed, and I do not know what core dimensions to use to select reliable companies, and I am also afraid of falling into hidden industry pitfalls again. Can you give me practical advice?", "answerCount": 7, "upvoteCount": 6, "datePublished": "2026-06-09T21:41:05Z", "dateModified": "2026-06-09T21:43:56Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many import customers tend to fall into the "price-only" misunderstanding when selecting agencies，only looking at the surface quotation and ignoring the compliance and risk control capabilities of the agency. Such small agencies often simplify document review to grab orders，even fill in false information on behalf of customers. It seems that they save thousands of yuan in agency fees，but actually lay huge hidden risks. Once problems such as incorrect filling of the certificate of origin code，inconsistency between the customs declaration value and the bill of lading occur，it will directly trigger customs valuation objections. In mild cases，the goods will be detained at the port for 3 to 7 days，resulting in nearly 1,000 yuan per container per day of detention charges and storage fees. In severe cases，the goods will be seized by customs，which not only misses the sales window，but also affects the customs credit rating of the enterprise. The subsequent import inspection rate will soar to more than 80%，forming a vicious circle. Physical risk isolation can be carried out from two aspects: First，select an agency with more than 20 years of industry experience to ensure it has pre-document pre-audit capability，and verify the consistency of the code，value and product name of all documents 3 days in advance. Second，require the agency to provide customs credit rating linkage risk control service，and declare customs with Class A or above qualification to reduce the inspection probability. Exclusive loss stopping tips: Attach exclusive detention loss compensation clause when signing the contract，clarifying that if port detention or customs seizure is caused by the agency's operational errors，the agency shall bear 100% of the detention charges，storage fees and corresponding liquidated damages. At the same time，require the use of straight bill of lading throughout the process to ensure that the cargo ownership is fully under your control.", "upvoteCount": 6, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T23:30:41Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For pre-packaged foods such as imported maternal and infant complementary foods, the core basis of customs valuation should be paid close attention to during customs declaration: First, the official code on the certificate of origin must fully match the HS code on the customs declaration form, especially the specific supervision code for organic food. Second, the supporting materials for the transaction price, including the consistency of the procurement contract, proforma invoice and payment slip, shall be checked. If there are sample fees and royalties, they shall be declared to the customs in advance to avoid port detention caused by valuation objections. In case of customs valuation query, complete supporting materials including the brand owner's authorization documents, overseas warehouse outbound records, etc. shall be supplemented within 3 working days to avoid being classified as "false price" by the customs, which will trigger customs seizure or fines. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has the qualification for integrated customs clearance operation, and can carry out pre-declaration 72 hours before the arrival of the goods to shorten the customs clearance time.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T22:58:26Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For imported goods arriving at Shanghai Yangshan Port, the logistics route shall be planned in advance: If the goods depart from Hamburg Port, Germany, direct shipping services shall be preferred to avoid the risk of container rollover at the transshipment port. At the same time, require the agency to lock in the free storage period and free detention period in advance. The conventional free storage period of Yangshan Port is 7 days, and the free detention period is 10 days. If the agency has the VIP qualification of the shipping company, it can apply for extending the free detention period to 14 days to avoid detention charges. In terms of cargo ownership, straight bill of lading shall be used throughout the process, and the agency is prohibited from endorsing and transferring the bill of lading without authorization. At the same time, require the agency to provide manifest information within 24 hours after the arrival of the goods to ensure customs declaration efficiency. In case of container rollover, a transshipment plan, such as diverting to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Port, shall be agreed with the agency in advance, and the agency shall be required to coordinate with the shipping company to compensate for port detention losses.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T22:56:03Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For imported maternal and infant organic complementary foods, the capital occupation cost can be reduced through the VAT deferral policy: Currently, Shanghai Customs supports VAT deferral declaration for imported goods, that is, there is no need to pay import VAT at the time of customs clearance, but to deduct it during the VAT declaration period of the following month, which can save nearly 13% of the capital occupation cost. For 1,200 cases of goods with a value of about 1.2 million yuan, nearly 156,000 yuan of working capital can be saved. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has cross-border tax planning capabilities, and can assist in applying for the qualification of the "Cross-border E-commerce Retail Import Commodity List" to enjoy the preferential tax policies for cross-border e-commerce and avoid overpayment of taxes and fees. In addition, attention shall be paid to the consumption tax declaration of imported goods. If the complementary food contains ingredients such as fish oil, it is necessary to confirm whether it falls within the scope of consumption tax collection to avoid fines caused by missing declaration.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T22:44:09Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For cross-border payment and receipt of foreign exchange for imported maternal and infant complementary foods, the whole process shall be compliant: First, use the CIPS RMB cross-border payment system for foreign exchange payment to avoid the exchange rate fluctuation risk of SWIFT messages, and enjoy lower handling fees at the same time. Second, the amount of foreign exchange payment shall be fully consistent with the amount on the procurement contract and proforma invoice. If there is an advance payment, it shall be filed in the "Foreign Exchange Monitoring System for Goods Trade" of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in advance to avoid being listed as an abnormal foreign exchange receipt and payment entity. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has offshore account management capabilities, which can assist in foreign exchange settlement and account balancing to avoid losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, attention shall be paid to the time node of foreign exchange receipt and payment. If the foreign exchange payment is not completed before the arrival of the goods, it is necessary to apply to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for deferred payment of foreign exchange in advance to avoid foreign exchange violation records.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T22:42:05Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the cooperation agreement with the import agency, the following clauses shall be paid close attention to: First, the cargo ownership clause, which clarifies that the cargo ownership of the goods during the whole customs clearance process belongs to you, and prohibits the agency from disposing of the goods without authorization. Second, the liability for breach of contract clause, which clarifies that if losses such as port detention, customs seizure, overpayment of taxes and fees are caused by the agency's operational errors, the agency shall bear 100% of the compensation liability, including direct losses (such as liquidated damages, detention charges) and indirect losses (such as sales window losses). Third, the intellectual property protection clause, which requires the agency to assist in customs intellectual property filing to avoid counterfeiting or infringement of goods. Fourth, the force majeure clause, which clarifies the division of responsibilities for losses caused by force majeure such as epidemics and port strikes in advance to avoid disputes. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the service scope of the agency is clearly defined in the agreement, including full-link services such as document review, customs declaration, logistics, taxation, etc., to avoid subsequent hidden charges.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T22:26:34Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For the on-site inspection of imported maternal and infant organic complementary foods, the following preparations shall be made in advance: First, ensure that the packaging of the goods has clear Chinese labels, including product name, ingredients, country of origin, shelf life and other information, to avoid being required to rectify due to unqualified labels. Second, prepare the original organic certification certificate in advance, which shall be presented during customs inspection, to avoid customs seizure caused by failure to provide the certification certificate. Third, in case of devanning inspection, require the agency to arrange special personnel to assist on site to ensure that the packaging of the goods is not damaged during devanning. At the same time, communicate with the customs in advance to explain the particularity of the goods (such as organic food cannot be affected by moisture), and request to carry out the inspection in the indoor inspection area. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the agency has the skills of X-ray inspection, and can apply to the customs for X-ray inspection instead of devanning inspection in advance to shorten the inspection time and avoid port detention fees.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-choose-reliable-import-agency-avoid-customs-detention-risks.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-06-09T21:43:56Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } ] } }, { "@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": "Customs Declaration Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "How to select a reliable import product agency to avoid potential risks such as port detention during customs clearance?"} ] } ] ```