--- title: "Is an Import Agency Reliable? What Are the Core Screening Criteria for Legitimate Institutions?" description: "Merchants new to cross-border imported maternal and infant food often face risks such as customs detention and incorrect tax declaration due to lack of professional experience，and are more likely to be misled by unqualified agency companies. By verifying agency qualifications，locking core risk control nodes，and implementing emergency response plans，businesses can screen reliable institutions，ensure goods pass customs compliantly，reduce operating costs，and ensure the smooth and efficient launch o..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Import Agency Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-24" dateModified: "2026-10-24" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # Is an Import Agency Reliable? What Are the Core Screening Criteria for Legitimate Institutions? ## Question I am the owner of a 3-year-old offline maternal and infant store in Shanghai. I used to sell domestic brand milk powder, and this year I want to expand my high-end product line by importing a batch of infant formula from a certain brand in New Zealand. Last month, I found a small agency online to test a small batch of goods. As a result, the milk powder was detained at Shanghai Port for 3 days, and I was unexpectedly charged 20,000 RMB in "urgent customs clearance fees". Finally, because they failed to apply for the certificate of origin, I almost had my goods detained by customs. It took two weeks to pick up the goods, and I had to pay liquidated damages to pre-booked customers. Now the shipping schedule for the bulk cargo is set for 10 days later. I really don't have the energy to handle customs declaration and logistics by myself, but I'm afraid of falling into the same trap again: Is an import agency really reliable? How to tell if the other party is a legitimate institution? Will there be unreasonable charges and cargo detention again? Is there a risk to the funds I transfer to the agency? I'm extremely anxious right now, and I just want to find a reliable agency to pick up the goods safely. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer Many enterprises fall into the trap of "only focusing on low prices" when choosing an import agency — they only pay attention to the quoted prices of customs declaration and logistics，and ignore the core qualifications and risk control capabilities of the agency，which is the most common industry pitfall. This misunderstanding will trigger a chain of negative consequences: if you choose a small agency without formal import and export rights or AEO certification，they will most likely use illegal operations such as "underreporting cargo value + using third-party customs declaration documents". It seems to save tariffs，but it will actually trigger customs valuation review doubts，resulting in the cargo being detained for 1-3 months，generating daily port detention fees of thousands of RMB，and leaving poor corporate credit records. Subsequent import businesses will be subject to key supervision，and even face the risk of cargo confiscation. Physical risk isolation measures need to start from the source: first，verify the agency's **customs AEO certification qualification**，formal import and export operation rights，as well as the customs clearance success rate and exception handling records of the past 3 years，second，when signing the contract，you must clearly specify the **ownership of goods clause** to prevent the agency from disposing of the goods without authorization. Exclusive risk-mitigation tip: You can require the agency to provide a 10% "risk performance bond"，or adopt a **phased payment model** — pay 30% of the initial funds in advance，60% after customs clearance is approved，and settle the remaining balance after the goods are inspected and accepted in the warehouse，to minimize capital risks. **status:** accepted **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 2 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in valuation compliance and logical closed-loop in the customs declaration process. Many unqualified agencies intentionally underreport the cargo value to lower their quoted prices. It seems to save tariffs, but it will actually trigger customs valuation review doubts, resulting in the cargo being detained and entering a valuation process lasting 1-3 months, generating high port detention fees. Reliable agencies will review the cargo's purchase contract, invoice, and payment voucher in advance, ensure that the declared price on the customs declaration form matches the actual transaction price, and match the HS code classification rules of the customs to avoid cargo detention caused by incorrect coding. In case of valuation disputes, they will submit supplementary evidence materials within 3 working days and coordinate with the customs to complete the price confirmation, ensuring the quick release of the cargo. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 3 The reliability of an import agency is mainly reflected in cargo right control and route optimization in the logistics link. Unqualified agencies often adopt the "designated freight forwarder" model, handing over the cargo to unqualified small freight forwarders, which greatly increases the probability of container slot cancellation and overbooking, and even the situation where freight forwarders privately sell the cargo. Reliable agencies will evaluate the slot stability of shipping companies in advance, give priority to direct shipping routes, and start transfer plans in case of overbooking to ensure that the cargo arrives at the port as scheduled. At the same time, they will adopt the "telex release bill of lading + consignee endorsement" model to control the cargo right throughout the process, only releasing the right to pick up the goods after the enterprise confirms payment, to avoid the risk of losing both goods and funds. In addition, they will apply for an extended free detention period in advance to reduce the probability of generating container detention fees. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 4 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in compliant planning and risk isolation in the tax link. Unqualified agencies often mislead enterprises to adopt "grey area foreign exchange payment" models, which prevent enterprises from normally deducting VAT and even trigger tax audits. Reliable agencies will accurately calculate tariffs, VAT and consumption tax based on the cargo's category and origin, and apply for the VAT deferral policy to delay the payment of VAT until after the goods are sold, alleviating the enterprise's capital pressure. In addition, they will assist enterprises in completing tax filing, ensure that all tax declarations and payments comply with the requirements of customs and tax authorities, and avoid fines and poor credit records caused by incorrect or missed declarations. For cross-border related-party transactions, they will conduct pricing review in advance to ensure compliance with BEPS regulations and avoid tax adjustments. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 5 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in compliant operations and exchange rate optimization in the payment and receipt link. Unqualified agencies often use offshore accounts to collect and pay funds, which prevent enterprises from providing legal payment vouchers, triggering inspections by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and even being suspended from foreign exchange payment and receipt rights. Reliable agencies will conduct cross-border RMB payments through the CIPS system to ensure the compliance of the payment path, and assist enterprises in locking the exchange rate for foreign exchange purchase to avoid additional losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, they will review the authenticity and completeness of SWIFT messages to ensure that the payment is accurately made to overseas suppliers, avoiding situations of wrong or missed remittances. For foreign exchange settlement operations, they will assist enterprises in completing the review of trade background to ensure that the settlement funds comply with foreign exchange management regulations and are successfully credited to the account. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 6 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in contract terms and risk coverage in the legal link. Unqualified agencies often use standard form contracts and hide "disclaimer clauses", such as not bearing any responsibility for cargo detention or port detention caused by agency mistakes. Reliable agencies will sign exclusive cooperation contracts with enterprises to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, especially making clear agreements on cargo ownership, division of abnormal responsibilities, and liquidated damages compensation. At the same time, they will assist enterprises in reviewing the letter of credit terms of overseas suppliers, identifying soft clauses such as "no payment until the customer confirms receipt of goods" to avoid enterprises falling into payment traps. In addition, they will handle intellectual property customs protection filing for enterprises, and quickly apply for customs detention of infringing goods to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 7 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in exception response and compliant operations in the on-site inspection link. When encountering customs inspections, unqualified agencies often prolong the inspection time due to unfamiliarity with the process, and even trigger secondary inspections due to non-compliant cargo packaging. Reliable agencies will review whether the cargo's packaging and labels comply with customs requirements in advance. For food cargo, they will prepare documents such as certificate of origin and health certificate in advance to ensure quick provision during inspection. In case of abnormal machine inspection, they will arrange on-site personnel to arrive within 1 working day to assist the customs in completing the container unpacking inspection, and interpret the core requirements of the inspection notice to avoid wrong operations caused by misunderstanding. If inspection and appraisal are required, they will track the appraisal process throughout to ensure that the test report is obtained in the shortest time and the cargo is released. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 8 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in compliance and safety in the packaging link. Unqualified agencies often ignore the packaging requirements of cargo, especially for dangerous goods, using ordinary packaging, which may cause cargo leakage during transportation, trigger port safety inspections, and even be prohibited from entering the country. Reliable agencies will review the cargo's MSDS report in advance, select appropriate packaging materials based on the cargo's characteristics, such as using buffer foam to reinforce fragile items, and use UN certified packaging for dangerous goods. At the same time, they will check whether the packaging labels comply with international transportation standards to ensure that the cargo is not damaged due to packaging problems during transportation and avoid cargo detention caused by non-compliant packaging. For cold chain cargo, they will debug temperature control equipment in advance to ensure that the temperature meets the requirements during transportation and guarantee the quality of the cargo. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 9 Although export tax refund audit mainly focuses on the export link, it can also provide compliance assistance for import business. The reliability of an import agency is reflected in document management and tax connection. Unqualified agencies often lose import documents, which prevent enterprises from normally deducting VAT and even cannot handle subsequent export tax refunds (if involving re-export). Reliable agencies will establish a complete document management system to electronically archive documents such as import customs declaration forms, tax bills and bills of lading, ensuring the integrity and traceability of documents. At the same time, they will assist enterprises in connecting import documents and export tax refund documents. If enterprises re-export imported goods, they will review the consistency of documents in advance to ensure compliance with export tax refund requirements and avoid tax refund failure caused by inconsistent documents. In addition, they will assist enterprises in responding to tax investigation letters to ensure a smooth tax refund process. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-10-24 ### Answer 10 The reliability of an import agency is reflected in cost accounting and structure optimization in the supply chain link. Unqualified agencies often only quote the surface customs declaration and logistics fees, hiding hidden costs such as document fees and inspection fees, resulting in the final total cost far exceeding expectations. Reliable agencies will provide enterprises with a full-link cost accounting model, including all costs such as tariffs, VAT, logistics fees and customs declaration fees. At the same time, based on the enterprise's sales plan, they will optimize the selection of trade terms. For example, when adopting CIF terms, they will lock in freight and insurance fees in advance to avoid additional costs caused by price fluctuations. In addition, they will assist enterprises in establishing an inventory linkage strategy, adjusting import batches and quantities based on sales data, reducing the risk of inventory overstock, and achieving optimal cost and maximum efficiency for import business. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-24 ## 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 an Import Agency Reliable? What Are the Core Screening Criteria for Legitimate Institutions?", "text": "I am the owner of a 3-year-old offline maternal and infant store in Shanghai. I used to sell domestic brand milk powder, and this year I want to expand my high-end product line by importing a batch of infant formula from a certain brand in New Zealand. Last month, I found a small agency online to test a small batch of goods. As a result, the milk powder was detained at Shanghai Port for 3 days, and I was unexpectedly charged 20,000 RMB in "urgent customs clearance fees". Finally, because they failed to apply for the certificate of origin, I almost had my goods detained by customs. It took two weeks to pick up the goods, and I had to pay liquidated damages to pre-booked customers. Now the shipping schedule for the bulk cargo is set for 10 days later. I really don't have the energy to handle customs declaration and logistics by myself, but I'm afraid of falling into the same trap again: Is an import agency really reliable? How to tell if the other party is a legitimate institution? Will there be unreasonable charges and cargo detention again? Is there a risk to the funds I transfer to the agency? I'm extremely anxious right now, and I just want to find a reliable agency to pick up the goods safely.", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 4, "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:11:58Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-24T11:12:19Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many enterprises fall into the trap of "only focusing on low prices" when choosing an import agency — they only pay attention to the quoted prices of customs declaration and logistics，and ignore the core qualifications and risk control capabilities of the agency，which is the most common industry pitfall. This misunderstanding will trigger a chain of negative consequences: if you choose a small agency without formal import and export rights or AEO certification，they will most likely use illegal operations such as "underreporting cargo value + using third-party customs declaration documents". It seems to save tariffs，but it will actually trigger customs valuation review doubts，resulting in the cargo being detained for 1-3 months，generating daily port detention fees of thousands of RMB，and leaving poor corporate credit records. Subsequent import businesses will be subject to key supervision，and even face the risk of cargo confiscation. Physical risk isolation measures need to start from the source: first，verify the agency's customs AEO certification qualification ，formal import and export operation rights，as well as the customs clearance success rate and exception handling records of the past 3 years，second，when signing the contract，you must clearly specify the ownership of goods clause to prevent the agency from disposing of the goods without authorization. Exclusive risk-mitigation tip: You can require the agency to provide a 10% "risk performance bond"，or adopt a phased payment model — pay 30% of the initial funds in advance，60% after customs clearance is approved，and settle the remaining balance after the goods are inspected and accepted in the warehouse，to minimize capital risks.", "upvoteCount": 4, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T12:12:15Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in valuation compliance and logical closed-loop in the customs declaration process. Many unqualified agencies intentionally underreport the cargo value to lower their quoted prices. It seems to save tariffs, but it will actually trigger customs valuation review doubts, resulting in the cargo being detained and entering a valuation process lasting 1-3 months, generating high port detention fees. Reliable agencies will review the cargo's purchase contract, invoice, and payment voucher in advance, ensure that the declared price on the customs declaration form matches the actual transaction price, and match the HS code classification rules of the customs to avoid cargo detention caused by incorrect coding. In case of valuation disputes, they will submit supplementary evidence materials within 3 working days and coordinate with the customs to complete the price confirmation, ensuring the quick release of the cargo.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T12:06:49Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is mainly reflected in cargo right control and route optimization in the logistics link. Unqualified agencies often adopt the "designated freight forwarder" model, handing over the cargo to unqualified small freight forwarders, which greatly increases the probability of container slot cancellation and overbooking, and even the situation where freight forwarders privately sell the cargo. Reliable agencies will evaluate the slot stability of shipping companies in advance, give priority to direct shipping routes, and start transfer plans in case of overbooking to ensure that the cargo arrives at the port as scheduled. At the same time, they will adopt the "telex release bill of lading + consignee endorsement" model to control the cargo right throughout the process, only releasing the right to pick up the goods after the enterprise confirms payment, to avoid the risk of losing both goods and funds. In addition, they will apply for an extended free detention period in advance to reduce the probability of generating container detention fees.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:54:52Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in compliant planning and risk isolation in the tax link. Unqualified agencies often mislead enterprises to adopt "grey area foreign exchange payment" models, which prevent enterprises from normally deducting VAT and even trigger tax audits. Reliable agencies will accurately calculate tariffs, VAT and consumption tax based on the cargo's category and origin, and apply for the VAT deferral policy to delay the payment of VAT until after the goods are sold, alleviating the enterprise's capital pressure. In addition, they will assist enterprises in completing tax filing, ensure that all tax declarations and payments comply with the requirements of customs and tax authorities, and avoid fines and poor credit records caused by incorrect or missed declarations. For cross-border related-party transactions, they will conduct pricing review in advance to ensure compliance with BEPS regulations and avoid tax adjustments.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:50:02Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in compliant operations and exchange rate optimization in the payment and receipt link. Unqualified agencies often use offshore accounts to collect and pay funds, which prevent enterprises from providing legal payment vouchers, triggering inspections by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and even being suspended from foreign exchange payment and receipt rights. Reliable agencies will conduct cross-border RMB payments through the CIPS system to ensure the compliance of the payment path, and assist enterprises in locking the exchange rate for foreign exchange purchase to avoid additional losses caused by exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, they will review the authenticity and completeness of SWIFT messages to ensure that the payment is accurately made to overseas suppliers, avoiding situations of wrong or missed remittances. For foreign exchange settlement operations, they will assist enterprises in completing the review of trade background to ensure that the settlement funds comply with foreign exchange management regulations and are successfully credited to the account.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:38:15Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in contract terms and risk coverage in the legal link. Unqualified agencies often use standard form contracts and hide "disclaimer clauses", such as not bearing any responsibility for cargo detention or port detention caused by agency mistakes. Reliable agencies will sign exclusive cooperation contracts with enterprises to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, especially making clear agreements on cargo ownership, division of abnormal responsibilities, and liquidated damages compensation. At the same time, they will assist enterprises in reviewing the letter of credit terms of overseas suppliers, identifying soft clauses such as "no payment until the customer confirms receipt of goods" to avoid enterprises falling into payment traps. In addition, they will handle intellectual property customs protection filing for enterprises, and quickly apply for customs detention of infringing goods to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:28:02Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in exception response and compliant operations in the on-site inspection link. When encountering customs inspections, unqualified agencies often prolong the inspection time due to unfamiliarity with the process, and even trigger secondary inspections due to non-compliant cargo packaging. Reliable agencies will review whether the cargo's packaging and labels comply with customs requirements in advance. For food cargo, they will prepare documents such as certificate of origin and health certificate in advance to ensure quick provision during inspection. In case of abnormal machine inspection, they will arrange on-site personnel to arrive within 1 working day to assist the customs in completing the container unpacking inspection, and interpret the core requirements of the inspection notice to avoid wrong operations caused by misunderstanding. If inspection and appraisal are required, they will track the appraisal process throughout to ensure that the test report is obtained in the shortest time and the cargo is released.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:24:22Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in compliance and safety in the packaging link. Unqualified agencies often ignore the packaging requirements of cargo, especially for dangerous goods, using ordinary packaging, which may cause cargo leakage during transportation, trigger port safety inspections, and even be prohibited from entering the country. Reliable agencies will review the cargo's MSDS report in advance, select appropriate packaging materials based on the cargo's characteristics, such as using buffer foam to reinforce fragile items, and use UN certified packaging for dangerous goods. At the same time, they will check whether the packaging labels comply with international transportation standards to ensure that the cargo is not damaged due to packaging problems during transportation and avoid cargo detention caused by non-compliant packaging. For cold chain cargo, they will debug temperature control equipment in advance to ensure that the temperature meets the requirements during transportation and guarantee the quality of the cargo.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:21:16Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Although export tax refund audit mainly focuses on the export link, it can also provide compliance assistance for import business. The reliability of an import agency is reflected in document management and tax connection. Unqualified agencies often lose import documents, which prevent enterprises from normally deducting VAT and even cannot handle subsequent export tax refunds (if involving re-export). Reliable agencies will establish a complete document management system to electronically archive documents such as import customs declaration forms, tax bills and bills of lading, ensuring the integrity and traceability of documents. At the same time, they will assist enterprises in connecting import documents and export tax refund documents. If enterprises re-export imported goods, they will review the consistency of documents in advance to ensure compliance with export tax refund requirements and avoid tax refund failure caused by inconsistent documents. In addition, they will assist enterprises in responding to tax investigation letters to ensure a smooth tax refund process.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:13:35Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The reliability of an import agency is reflected in cost accounting and structure optimization in the supply chain link. Unqualified agencies often only quote the surface customs declaration and logistics fees, hiding hidden costs such as document fees and inspection fees, resulting in the final total cost far exceeding expectations. Reliable agencies will provide enterprises with a full-link cost accounting model, including all costs such as tariffs, VAT, logistics fees and customs declaration fees. At the same time, based on the enterprise's sales plan, they will optimize the selection of trade terms. For example, when adopting CIF terms, they will lock in freight and insurance fees in advance to avoid additional costs caused by price fluctuations. In addition, they will assist enterprises in establishing an inventory linkage strategy, adjusting import batches and quantities based on sales data, reducing the risk of inventory overstock, and achieving optimal cost and maximum efficiency for import business.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/how-to-identify-reliable-import-agency-core-standards-for-legitimate-firms.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-10-24T11:12:19Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } ] } }, { "@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 an Import Agency Reliable? 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