--- title: "What are the core links included in the compliant operation regulations for the full process of formal foreign import agency?" description: "Small trading enterprises entrusting foreign import agency for the first time are eager to learn about the full-process compliance regulations due to concerns over losses such as customs detention and port detention caused by process violations. From pre-document verification，core node connection，exception response plan to compliance implementation，we dismantle the mandatory requirements and practical operation details of each link of import agency across the whole chain，helping enterprises avoi..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Import Agency Q&A" datePublished: "2026-10-12" dateModified: "2026-10-12" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 9 --- # What are the core links included in the compliant operation regulations for the full process of formal foreign import agency? ## Question I am the procurement head of a small mechanical equipment trading company in Shanghai. Last week, we finalized an order for importing a batch of precision testing equipment from Germany. This is the first time our company entrusts a third party to provide foreign import agency services. I heard from peers before that some companies failed to fully grasp the agency process regulations, resulting in not only more than half a month of customs detention and port detention of goods, but also over RMB 100,000 of port detention fees and fines, and finally lost their clients. I am terrified just thinking about it. I am so anxious that I can't sleep now, and I just want to figure out what the specific regulations for the formal foreign import agency process are, including the mandatory provisions for links such as preliminary document preparation, mid-term customs declaration and inspection, and post-stage foreign exchange payment and verification, as well as details that are easy to fall into pitfalls, for fear of accidental problems. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First comes the details of pre-document verification. **Cross-verification of all import agency related documents shall be completed 7-10 days in advance**，including bills of lading，commercial invoices and packing lists provided by overseas suppliers，as well as formal import agency agreements signed by both parties of the agency，customs declaration authorization letters，etc. We will focus on checking the consistency between the title of the bill of lading and the qualified entity of the agency company，and the matching degree between the invoice value and the customs valuation benchmark. Underreporting of goods value and conflicting document information are strictly prohibited，so as to avoid the risk of customs detention caused by document discrepancy from the source. The connection of core nodes shall strictly follow the *Import Agency Compliance Operation Guidelines* updated by the General Administration of Customs in 2025. In the customs declaration link，all goods information shall be truthfully declared through the International Trade Single Window. For certificate-related commodities such as precision testing equipment，**the *Automatic Import License of the People's Republic of China* shall be processed in advance**，in the tax payment link，tax payment shall be completed within 3 working days after the customs issues the tax bill to avoid late fees，in the logistics and distribution link，the bill of lading endorsement and transfer process shall be compliant，and the ownership of the goods shall be locked to prevent loss of goods. For the exception response plan，the *Exception Handling Memorandum* shall be signed with the agency company in advance to clarify the responsibility division and handling time limit under scenarios such as valuation objection，unqualified commodity inspection and port detention: in case of valuation objection，the agency shall assist in providing supplementary materials such as original factory procurement contracts and foreign exchange payment vouchers to submit to the customs for appeal within 5 working days，in case of port detention，the priority container pickup channel shall be activated to coordinate with the terminal to shorten the starting time of container detention fees. In the final compliance implementation stage，the import foreign exchange payment verification shall be completed within 30 days after the goods are released. The agency company shall simultaneously provide the special customs import VAT payment receipt to ensure that the enterprise can normally deduct input tax. At the same time，all documents shall be kept for no less than 5 years to meet the requirements of subsequent customs inspection. **status:** accepted **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 2 The import agency customs declaration link shall strictly follow the requirements of the 2026 edition of the *Specification for Completion of Import and Export Goods Declaration Form* issued by the customs. The content declared in the customs declaration form shall be 100% consistent with documents such as bills of lading and invoices, especially the classification of commodity codes, which shall refer to the latest *Import and Export Tariff Regulations*. Self-classification or borrowing of similar codes is strictly prohibited. In case of valuation disputes, the customs will initiate the price query procedure, and supporting materials such as original factory procurement contracts, foreign exchange payment slips and overseas supplier quotations shall be provided within 15 working days. If they cannot be provided on time, it will directly enter the price negotiation link, which may lead to extended port detention time. In addition, the agency company must hold the registration certificate of customs declaration unit, and the customs declaration personnel must hold a valid customs broker qualification certificate, otherwise the customs will not accept the declaration. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 3 The import agency logistics link shall follow the operation specifications updated by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) in 2025. First, the type of bill of lading shall be confirmed. If it is a telex release bill of lading, the overseas supplier shall be required to issue a telex release guarantee letter in advance to ensure that the agency company can pick up containers directly; if it is an original bill of lading, the bill of lading can only be exchanged after the endorsement and transfer are completed. For high-value goods such as precision testing equipment, direct shipping routes shall be selected to avoid the risk of cargo damage caused by transshipment. At the same time, the free storage period of the terminal shall be confirmed in advance, which is generally 7-10 days. If it exceeds the free storage period, an extension shall be applied for in advance, otherwise high container detention fees will be incurred. In addition, vehicles with shock-proof and cushioning functions shall be used in the logistics and distribution link to ensure the transportation safety of the equipment, and the location of the goods shall be tracked in real time to avoid situations such as lost goods and wrong delivery. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 4 The import agency tax link shall follow the *Cross-border Import Tax Administration Measures* issued by the State Administration of Taxation in 2025. First, the tax mode of import agency shall be confirmed. If it is "double-title" customs declaration, the special customs import VAT payment receipt will be marked with the names of the agency company and the entrusting party at the same time, and the entrusting party can directly deduct input tax; if it is "single-title" customs declaration, the agency company shall issue a special VAT invoice to the entrusting party, and the entrusting party shall deduct tax with the invoice. In addition, for imported precision testing equipment, if it meets the *Catalogue of Encouraged Imported Technologies and Products*, you can apply for import tariff reduction and exemption. Relevant qualification certification materials shall be prepared in advance and submitted to the customs for application before customs declaration. At the same time, the foreign exchange payment link shall follow the foreign exchange administration regulations to ensure that the foreign exchange payment amount is consistent with the invoice amount, so as to avoid abnormal foreign exchange verification. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 5 The import agency foreign exchange receipt and payment link shall follow the *Current Account Foreign Exchange Business Guidelines* updated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2026. The entrusting party shall provide the agency company with real import contracts, invoices and other materials in advance. The agency company shall handle foreign exchange payment through the Cross-border Interbank Payment and Clearing System (CIPS). Payment through offshore accounts or third-party personal accounts is strictly prohibited, otherwise it will trigger foreign exchange supervision early warning. In addition, the balance of payments declaration shall be completed within 30 days after foreign exchange payment, and the declaration content shall be consistent with the information on the import customs declaration, including the value of goods, currency, name of overseas supplier, etc. If the amount of foreign exchange payment is inconsistent with the amount on the customs declaration, a difference explanation and supporting materials shall be submitted to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange within 10 days to avoid being listed as a key foreign exchange supervision object. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 6 The import agency legal link shall follow the relevant provisions on entrustment contracts in the *Civil Code of the People's Republic of China* and the compliance requirements of the *Foreign Trade Law*. First, the import agency agreement shall clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, including core clauses such as ownership of goods, expense bearing and responsibility division. Statements of "ambiguous responsibility" are strictly prohibited. For example, it shall be clarified that the agency company is only responsible for compliant operations and does not bear the responsibility for goods quality problems. In addition, for the letter of credit provided by the overseas supplier, it shall be checked in advance whether there are soft clauses, such as the clause that "the goods inspection certificate shall be issued by the institution designated by the overseas customer". The supplier shall be required to modify such clauses, otherwise it may lead to failure to receive foreign exchange. At the same time, it is necessary to apply for customs protection record of intellectual property rights to prevent imported goods from being suspected of infringement and avoid customs detention. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 7 The import agency on-site inspection link shall follow the provisions of the 2025 edition of the *Measures for the Administration of Inspection of Import and Export Goods* issued by the customs. First, the documents required for inspection shall be prepared in advance, including customs declaration forms, bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, equipment manuals, etc., to ensure that the documents are complete. For precision testing equipment, the customs may launch unpacking inspection or machine inspection. At this time, it is necessary to cooperate with the customs staff, and avoid moving or disassembling the equipment without permission. If the equipment needs to be tested with power on, an application shall be submitted to the customs in advance, and the safety operation instructions of the equipment shall be provided. In addition, the authenticity of the seal shall be verified, and the seal number shall be consistent with the number on the bill of lading. If the seal is found to be damaged, the agency company and the customs shall be notified immediately to reapply the seal, otherwise it will be regarded as abnormal goods circulation, which may lead to customs detention. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 8 The import agency packaging link shall follow the requirements of the 2025-2026 edition of the *International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code* (IMDG). For precision testing equipment, packaging materials with shock-proof, moisture-proof and anti-static functions shall be used, such as foam cushions, moisture-proof films, anti-static bags, etc. The outer packaging box shall be marked with clear goods information, including product name, quantity, weight, destination, etc., and warning signs such as fragile and upward shall be pasted at the same time. In addition, the *Inspection Result Sheet of Cargo Transport Packaging Performance* shall be prepared and submitted to the customs in advance to ensure that the packaging meets the import supervision requirements. If the equipment is fragile, an impact recorder shall be placed in the package to monitor the vibration during transportation in real time, so as to avoid cargo damage caused by unqualified packaging, and it can also be used as the basis for claim in case of cargo damage. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-10-12 ### Answer 9 The import agency supply chain link shall follow the global supply chain compliance framework. First, the cost of the whole process of import agency shall be accurately calculated, including agency fees, customs declaration fees, logistics fees, taxes and fees, etc., and the quotations of different agency companies shall be compared to select the most cost-effective solution. At the same time, an inventory linkage strategy shall be established to determine the import quantity and time according to the sales forecast, so as to avoid inventory backlog or shortage. For high-value goods such as precision testing equipment, agency companies with bonded warehousing qualifications shall be selected. If the goods do not enter the domestic market temporarily, they can be stored in a bonded warehouse to delay the payment of taxes and fees and reduce capital pressure. In addition, trade terms shall be optimized. If FOB trade terms are adopted, the loading time of overseas suppliers shall be confirmed in advance to ensure seamless connection of the logistics link and avoid port detention of goods. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-10-12 ## 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": "What are the core links included in the compliant operation regulations for the full process of formal foreign import agency?", "text": "I am the procurement head of a small mechanical equipment trading company in Shanghai. Last week, we finalized an order for importing a batch of precision testing equipment from Germany. This is the first time our company entrusts a third party to provide foreign import agency services. I heard from peers before that some companies failed to fully grasp the agency process regulations, resulting in not only more than half a month of customs detention and port detention of goods, but also over RMB 100,000 of port detention fees and fines, and finally lost their clients. I am terrified just thinking about it. I am so anxious that I can't sleep now, and I just want to figure out what the specific regulations for the formal foreign import agency process are, including the mandatory provisions for links such as preliminary document preparation, mid-term customs declaration and inspection, and post-stage foreign exchange payment and verification, as well as details that are easy to fall into pitfalls, for fear of accidental problems.", "answerCount": 9, "upvoteCount": 2, "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:34:40Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-12T10:40:33Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First comes the details of pre-document verification. Cross-verification of all import agency related documents shall be completed 7-10 days in advance ，including bills of lading，commercial invoices and packing lists provided by overseas suppliers，as well as formal import agency agreements signed by both parties of the agency，customs declaration authorization letters，etc. We will focus on checking the consistency between the title of the bill of lading and the qualified entity of the agency company，and the matching degree between the invoice value and the customs valuation benchmark. Underreporting of goods value and conflicting document information are strictly prohibited，so as to avoid the risk of customs detention caused by document discrepancy from the source. The connection of core nodes shall strictly follow the *Import Agency Compliance Operation Guidelines* updated by the General Administration of Customs in 2025. In the customs declaration link，all goods information shall be truthfully declared through the International Trade Single Window. For certificate-related commodities such as precision testing equipment， the *Automatic Import License of the People's Republic of China* shall be processed in advance ，in the tax payment link，tax payment shall be completed within 3 working days after the customs issues the tax bill to avoid late fees，in the logistics and distribution link，the bill of lading endorsement and transfer process shall be compliant，and the ownership of the goods shall be locked to prevent loss of goods. For the exception response plan，the *Exception Handling Memorandum* shall be signed with the agency company in advance to clarify the responsibility division and handling time limit under scenarios such as valuation objection，unqualified commodity inspection and port detention: in case of valuation objection，the agency shall assist in providing supplementary materials such as original factory procurement contracts and foreign exchange payment vouchers to submit to the customs for appeal within 5 working days，in case of port detention，the priority container pickup channel shall be activated to coordinate with the terminal to shorten the starting time of container detention fees. In the final compliance implementation stage，the import foreign exchange payment verification shall be completed within 30 days after the goods are released. The agency company shall simultaneously provide the special customs import VAT payment receipt to ensure that the enterprise can normally deduct input tax. At the same time，all documents shall be kept for no less than 5 years to meet the requirements of subsequent customs inspection.", "upvoteCount": 2, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:53:18Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency customs declaration link shall strictly follow the requirements of the 2026 edition of the *Specification for Completion of Import and Export Goods Declaration Form* issued by the customs. The content declared in the customs declaration form shall be 100% consistent with documents such as bills of lading and invoices, especially the classification of commodity codes, which shall refer to the latest *Import and Export Tariff Regulations*. Self-classification or borrowing of similar codes is strictly prohibited. In case of valuation disputes, the customs will initiate the price query procedure, and supporting materials such as original factory procurement contracts, foreign exchange payment slips and overseas supplier quotations shall be provided within 15 working days. If they cannot be provided on time, it will directly enter the price negotiation link, which may lead to extended port detention time. In addition, the agency company must hold the registration certificate of customs declaration unit, and the customs declaration personnel must hold a valid customs broker qualification certificate, otherwise the customs will not accept the declaration.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:52:55Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency logistics link shall follow the operation specifications updated by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) in 2025. First, the type of bill of lading shall be confirmed. If it is a telex release bill of lading, the overseas supplier shall be required to issue a telex release guarantee letter in advance to ensure that the agency company can pick up containers directly; if it is an original bill of lading, the bill of lading can only be exchanged after the endorsement and transfer are completed. For high-value goods such as precision testing equipment, direct shipping routes shall be selected to avoid the risk of cargo damage caused by transshipment. At the same time, the free storage period of the terminal shall be confirmed in advance, which is generally 7-10 days. If it exceeds the free storage period, an extension shall be applied for in advance, otherwise high container detention fees will be incurred. In addition, vehicles with shock-proof and cushioning functions shall be used in the logistics and distribution link to ensure the transportation safety of the equipment, and the location of the goods shall be tracked in real time to avoid situations such as lost goods and wrong delivery.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:50:16Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency tax link shall follow the *Cross-border Import Tax Administration Measures* issued by the State Administration of Taxation in 2025. First, the tax mode of import agency shall be confirmed. If it is "double-title" customs declaration, the special customs import VAT payment receipt will be marked with the names of the agency company and the entrusting party at the same time, and the entrusting party can directly deduct input tax; if it is "single-title" customs declaration, the agency company shall issue a special VAT invoice to the entrusting party, and the entrusting party shall deduct tax with the invoice. In addition, for imported precision testing equipment, if it meets the *Catalogue of Encouraged Imported Technologies and Products*, you can apply for import tariff reduction and exemption. Relevant qualification certification materials shall be prepared in advance and submitted to the customs for application before customs declaration. At the same time, the foreign exchange payment link shall follow the foreign exchange administration regulations to ensure that the foreign exchange payment amount is consistent with the invoice amount, so as to avoid abnormal foreign exchange verification.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:48:21Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency foreign exchange receipt and payment link shall follow the *Current Account Foreign Exchange Business Guidelines* updated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2026. The entrusting party shall provide the agency company with real import contracts, invoices and other materials in advance. The agency company shall handle foreign exchange payment through the Cross-border Interbank Payment and Clearing System (CIPS). Payment through offshore accounts or third-party personal accounts is strictly prohibited, otherwise it will trigger foreign exchange supervision early warning. In addition, the balance of payments declaration shall be completed within 30 days after foreign exchange payment, and the declaration content shall be consistent with the information on the import customs declaration, including the value of goods, currency, name of overseas supplier, etc. If the amount of foreign exchange payment is inconsistent with the amount on the customs declaration, a difference explanation and supporting materials shall be submitted to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange within 10 days to avoid being listed as a key foreign exchange supervision object.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:48:20Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency legal link shall follow the relevant provisions on entrustment contracts in the *Civil Code of the People's Republic of China* and the compliance requirements of the *Foreign Trade Law*. First, the import agency agreement shall clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, including core clauses such as ownership of goods, expense bearing and responsibility division. Statements of "ambiguous responsibility" are strictly prohibited. For example, it shall be clarified that the agency company is only responsible for compliant operations and does not bear the responsibility for goods quality problems. In addition, for the letter of credit provided by the overseas supplier, it shall be checked in advance whether there are soft clauses, such as the clause that "the goods inspection certificate shall be issued by the institution designated by the overseas customer". The supplier shall be required to modify such clauses, otherwise it may lead to failure to receive foreign exchange. At the same time, it is necessary to apply for customs protection record of intellectual property rights to prevent imported goods from being suspected of infringement and avoid customs detention.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:43:52Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency on-site inspection link shall follow the provisions of the 2025 edition of the *Measures for the Administration of Inspection of Import and Export Goods* issued by the customs. First, the documents required for inspection shall be prepared in advance, including customs declaration forms, bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, equipment manuals, etc., to ensure that the documents are complete. For precision testing equipment, the customs may launch unpacking inspection or machine inspection. At this time, it is necessary to cooperate with the customs staff, and avoid moving or disassembling the equipment without permission. If the equipment needs to be tested with power on, an application shall be submitted to the customs in advance, and the safety operation instructions of the equipment shall be provided. In addition, the authenticity of the seal shall be verified, and the seal number shall be consistent with the number on the bill of lading. If the seal is found to be damaged, the agency company and the customs shall be notified immediately to reapply the seal, otherwise it will be regarded as abnormal goods circulation, which may lead to customs detention.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:42:59Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency packaging link shall follow the requirements of the 2025-2026 edition of the *International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code* (IMDG). For precision testing equipment, packaging materials with shock-proof, moisture-proof and anti-static functions shall be used, such as foam cushions, moisture-proof films, anti-static bags, etc. The outer packaging box shall be marked with clear goods information, including product name, quantity, weight, destination, etc., and warning signs such as fragile and upward shall be pasted at the same time. In addition, the *Inspection Result Sheet of Cargo Transport Packaging Performance* shall be prepared and submitted to the customs in advance to ensure that the packaging meets the import supervision requirements. If the equipment is fragile, an impact recorder shall be placed in the package to monitor the vibration during transportation in real time, so as to avoid cargo damage caused by unqualified packaging, and it can also be used as the basis for claim in case of cargo damage.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:40:44Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The import agency supply chain link shall follow the global supply chain compliance framework. First, the cost of the whole process of import agency shall be accurately calculated, including agency fees, customs declaration fees, logistics fees, taxes and fees, etc., and the quotations of different agency companies shall be compared to select the most cost-effective solution. At the same time, an inventory linkage strategy shall be established to determine the import quantity and time according to the sales forecast, so as to avoid inventory backlog or shortage. For high-value goods such as precision testing equipment, agency companies with bonded warehousing qualifications shall be selected. If the goods do not enter the domestic market temporarily, they can be stored in a bonded warehouse to delay the payment of taxes and fees and reduce capital pressure. In addition, trade terms shall be optimized. If FOB trade terms are adopted, the loading time of overseas suppliers shall be confirmed in advance to ensure seamless connection of the logistics link and avoid port detention of goods.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-agent-full-process-compliance-rules-core-links.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-10-12T10:40:33Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } ] } }, { "@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": "What are the core links included in the compliant operation regulations for the full process of formal foreign import agency?"} ] } ] ```