--- title: "Can imported food be cleared by professional agencies? What compliance conditions need to be met?" description: "Entrepreneurs who are new to the imported snack food business face dual pressure of document defects and high port demurrage fees as their purchased Korean cheese sticks and seaweed crisps are detained at the port due to lack of customs clearance experience. Professional foreign trade agencies can activate emergency exception plans to correct documents，control compliance details through a double-layer review mechanism，optimize time efficiency by connecting core customs clearance nodes，ease cash..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Customs Declaration Q&A" datePublished: "2026-09-10" dateModified: "2026-09-10" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # Can imported food be cleared by professional agencies? What compliance conditions need to be met? ## Question I am an entrepreneur who has just entered the imported snack food business. Last month, I purchased a batch of cheese sticks and seaweed crisps from South Korea, and the goods have arrived at Yangshan Port for 3 days. I had no experience with customs clearance procedures before, after running to the customs window twice by myself, I was either informed that the original certificate of origin was missing, or that the Chinese label filing did not meet the requirements of the new national standard. Now the goods are detained at the port and I have to pay port demurrage and storage fees every day, I am so anxious that I can barely eat. I heard that Zhongshen has more than 20 years of experience in foreign trade agency, so I would like to ask if I can entrust you to handle the customs clearance of imported food? For my current situation where goods have arrived at the port and document problems have occurred, can the agent still help me remedy the issue? Will there be more additional costs? If I import similar food in the future, can you help me control all links throughout the process to avoid such mistakes again? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer First of all，customs clearance of imported food can be fully completed through professional agents. For your current situation where goods have arrived at the port with document defects，we will first activate the **emergency exception plan**: we will assign a dedicated specialist to connect with the on-site window of Yangshan Port Customs immediately，submit a written situation explanation to apply for port demurrage reduction and exemption approval，meanwhile coordinate with Korean suppliers to reissue the consular authentication of the certificate of origin，and complete the rectification and filing of Chinese labels on an urgent basis. All document corrections can be completed within 3 working days at the fastest. In the pre-preparation link，we will establish a **double-layer document review mechanism**: the first layer automatically verifies the authenticity and validity of electronic data of certificate of origin，health certificate，third-party test report through the latest imported food document verification system launched by the General Administration of Customs，the second layer is manually checked by specialists with more than 15 years of experience to confirm whether the label ingredient list and nutrition fact sheet strictly meet the mandatory requirements of the 2026 edition of General Rules for Labels of Prepackaged Foods，so as to avoid cargo detention and port demurrage caused by detail omissions from the source. In terms of core customs clearance node connection，we will rely on long-term cooperative relationship with the customs inspection department to give priority to arranging your goods to enter the fast inspection channel. If there is any objection to on-site inspection，we will immediately connect with the designated third-party laboratory to launch the urgent testing process to ensure test results are issued within 24 hours. For long-term cooperation in the future，we will establish an exclusive food import file for you，lock the customs pre-audit channel in advance，realize "one filing，multiple reuse"，and completely avoid recurrence of similar problems. In terms of fees，the service fee for document correction is only charged based on actual third-party costs incurred. If the demurrage reduction and exemption application is approved，you only need to pay the basic customs clearance service fee，there will be no additional hidden charges，which helps you minimize losses to the greatest extent. **status:** accepted **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 2 For imported food agency customs clearance, the authenticity and rationality of transaction price should be focused on in the customs valuation link. It is necessary to ensure that the declared price includes the value of the goods themselves, transportation costs, insurance premiums and related sundry fees before unloading at the domestic entry point, so as to avoid customs valuation queries caused by underreported prices, which lead to cargo detention, tax repayment and late fees. In case of valuation disputes, supporting materials such as trade contracts, payment vouchers, purchase invoices, third-party market price research data can be provided to apply for customs re-examination. At the same time, attention should be paid to the "integrated customs clearance" policy implemented by the customs in 2026, imported food can complete customs clearance procedures at the destination customs, without declaration at the entry customs, which can effectively shorten the customs clearance cycle. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 3 When choosing agency customs clearance for imported food, the logistics link should be seamlessly connected with customs clearance services. If goods are transported by sea, the ship arrival time should be confirmed in advance, and the agency company should be coordinated to complete pre-declaration 24 hours before arrival, so as to avoid container detention fees caused by delayed declaration. For perishable fresh food, direct routes can be selected to reduce transit time, meanwhile the agency company can be required to coordinate the port to arrange priority unloading of refrigerated containers to ensure cargo quality. In terms of cargo right control, it is necessary to ensure that the bill of lading endorsement transfer process is compliant, so as to avoid failure to pick up goods caused by endorsement errors. In case of container rollover or full capacity, the agency company can urgently coordinate to reallocate other ships and apply for extension of free storage period to minimize losses. **status:** suggested **Author:** Michael Zhang **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 4 In the process of imported food agency customs clearance, tax costs can be optimized through the VAT deferment policy. The VAT deferment policy implemented by China for imported food in 2026 allows eligible enterprises not to pay import VAT on site during customs clearance, but deduct it in the subsequent VAT declaration period, which can effectively ease the cash flow pressure of enterprises. At the same time, attention should be paid to that cross-border related transaction pricing must comply with the arm's length principle, so as to avoid transfer pricing investigation by tax authorities caused by unreasonable pricing. In addition, if imported food belongs to tax-free categories, it is necessary to submit a tax-free application to the tax authority in advance and provide relevant supporting materials to ensure compliant enjoyment of tax-free policies, so as to avoid overpayment of taxes caused by failure to apply in advance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 5 Cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment operations involved in imported food agency customs clearance must strictly meet compliance requirements. If RMB cross-border payment is adopted, settlement can be completed through the CIPS system to ensure clear and traceable transaction tracks, so as to avoid investigation by foreign exchange regulatory authorities caused by non-compliant receipt and payment channels. It is necessary to confirm in advance that the foreign exchange payment amount of imported food is consistent with the declared amount on the customs declaration form, so as to avoid compliance risks caused by exchange differences. If foreign exchange receipt and payment involves offshore accounts, it is necessary to ensure that account income and expenditure comply with foreign exchange administration regulations, and regularly retain transaction vouchers and contract documents for inspection by foreign exchange regulatory authorities. In addition, attention should be paid to the "integrated foreign exchange receipt and payment" policy implemented by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2026, foreign exchange receipt and payment can be completed through the compliant account of the agency company to simplify the operation process. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 6 Before imported food agency customs clearance, a complete agency contract should be signed to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. The contract should include clauses such as customs clearance time limit, fee details, abnormal situation handling plan, and liability for breach of contract, so as to avoid disputes caused by vague contract clauses. At the same time, attention should be paid to intellectual property protection of imported food. If it involves intellectual property rights such as trademarks and patents, it is necessary to confirm in advance that the supplier has legal authorization, and apply for intellectual property filing with the customs, so as to avoid cargo detention caused by infringement. In addition, if letter of credit settlement is adopted, the letter of credit terms should be carefully reviewed to avoid soft clauses leading to failure to receive foreign exchange or obstructed customs clearance, you can request assistance in reviewing the terms if necessary. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 7 It is necessary to prepare for the on-site inspection link of imported food agency customs clearance in advance. If you receive a customs inspection notice, you should coordinate and arrange specialists to be present for cooperation as soon as possible to ensure that operations such as unpacking and sampling meet customs requirements. For machine inspection, the cargo stacking order should be sorted out in advance to avoid abnormal machine inspection warnings caused by messy cargo stacking. If inspection and appraisal are required, it is necessary to confirm that the laboratory qualification meets customs requirements, and coordinate the urgent testing process to shorten the testing cycle. At the same time, attention should be paid to seal authenticity identification. If the seal is found to be damaged or abnormal, it should be reported to the customs immediately to avoid cargo detention caused by seal problems. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 8 The packaging of imported food must meet relevant compliance requirements of China. Before agency customs clearance, the safety of packaging materials should be confirmed. If wooden packaging is used, it is necessary to ensure that the IPPC mark has been obtained, so as to avoid cargo detention caused by no fumigation or unqualified marks. For perishable food, moisture-proof and heat-insulating packaging that meets requirements should be used to ensure that the cargo quality is not affected during transportation. At the same time, the MSDS report of packaging materials should be provided to ensure that packaging materials do not contain toxic and harmful substances and meet the safety standards of food contact materials. If it belongs to special categories of food, corresponding compliant packaging should be used, and relevant appraisal reports should be provided to ensure that the packaging meets requirements. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 9 If your enterprise also carries out export business, the documents of imported food agency customs clearance must be consistent with the management of export tax rebate documents, to ensure the integration of four flows (contract, invoice, logistics, capital), so as to avoid tax letter investigation caused by inconsistent documents. Purchase invoices, customs declaration forms and other documents of imported food should be fully retained as auxiliary materials for export tax rebate declaration. If the tax authority conducts verification, relevant supporting materials can be provided in time to avoid affecting the export tax rebate progress. At the same time, attention should be paid to the time node of cross-month declaration to ensure that the entry of import customs clearance documents is synchronized with the time of export tax rebate declaration, so as to avoid declaration errors caused by time difference. In addition, import customs clearance documents should be filed regularly to ensure the authenticity and traceability of documents. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-09-10 ### Answer 10 When choosing agency customs clearance for imported food, the overall cost can be optimized in combination with supply chain planning. Through resource integration of the agency company, centralized procurement and batch customs clearance of imported food can be realized, reducing the unit customs clearance cost. At the same time, the import frequency and quantity can be planned according to sales demand, and inventory can be arranged reasonably to avoid capital occupation and cargo loss caused by inventory backlog. In addition, costs can be optimized through trade term conversion, for example, converting FOB to CIF terms, the agency company is responsible for transportation and insurance, which reduces logistics costs while ensuring that cargo transportation risks are effectively controlled. Under the supply chain digitalization trend in 2026, the linkage between inventory and customs clearance data can be realized relying on the digital platform of the agency company, improving the overall supply chain efficiency. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-09-10 ## 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": "Can imported food be cleared by professional agencies? What compliance conditions need to be met?", "text": "I am an entrepreneur who has just entered the imported snack food business. Last month, I purchased a batch of cheese sticks and seaweed crisps from South Korea, and the goods have arrived at Yangshan Port for 3 days. I had no experience with customs clearance procedures before, after running to the customs window twice by myself, I was either informed that the original certificate of origin was missing, or that the Chinese label filing did not meet the requirements of the new national standard. Now the goods are detained at the port and I have to pay port demurrage and storage fees every day, I am so anxious that I can barely eat. I heard that Zhongshen has more than 20 years of experience in foreign trade agency, so I would like to ask if I can entrust you to handle the customs clearance of imported food? For my current situation where goods have arrived at the port and document problems have occurred, can the agent still help me remedy the issue? Will there be more additional costs? If I import similar food in the future, can you help me control all links throughout the process to avoid such mistakes again?", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 6, "datePublished": "2026-09-10T15:22:55Z", "dateModified": "2026-09-10T15:55:59Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "First of all，customs clearance of imported food can be fully completed through professional agents. For your current situation where goods have arrived at the port with document defects，we will first activate the emergency exception plan : we will assign a dedicated specialist to connect with the on-site window of Yangshan Port Customs immediately，submit a written situation explanation to apply for port demurrage reduction and exemption approval，meanwhile coordinate with Korean suppliers to reissue the consular authentication of the certificate of origin，and complete the rectification and filing of Chinese labels on an urgent basis. All document corrections can be completed within 3 working days at the fastest. In the pre-preparation link，we will establish a double-layer document review mechanism : the first layer automatically verifies the authenticity and validity of electronic data of certificate of origin，health certificate，third-party test report through the latest imported food document verification system launched by the General Administration of Customs，the second layer is manually checked by specialists with more than 15 years of experience to confirm whether the label ingredient list and nutrition fact sheet strictly meet the mandatory requirements of the 2026 edition of General Rules for Labels of Prepackaged Foods，so as to avoid cargo detention and port demurrage caused by detail omissions from the source. In terms of core customs clearance node connection，we will rely on long-term cooperative relationship with the customs inspection department to give priority to arranging your goods to enter the fast inspection channel. If there is any objection to on-site inspection，we will immediately connect with the designated third-party laboratory to launch the urgent testing process to ensure test results are issued within 24 hours. For long-term cooperation in the future，we will establish an exclusive food import file for you，lock the customs pre-audit channel in advance，realize "one filing，multiple reuse"，and completely avoid recurrence of similar problems. In terms of fees，the service fee for document correction is only charged based on actual third-party costs incurred. If the demurrage reduction and exemption application is approved，you only need to pay the basic customs clearance service fee，there will be no additional hidden charges，which helps you minimize losses to the greatest extent.", "upvoteCount": 6, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T17:10:22Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For imported food agency customs clearance, the authenticity and rationality of transaction price should be focused on in the customs valuation link. It is necessary to ensure that the declared price includes the value of the goods themselves, transportation costs, insurance premiums and related sundry fees before unloading at the domestic entry point, so as to avoid customs valuation queries caused by underreported prices, which lead to cargo detention, tax repayment and late fees. In case of valuation disputes, supporting materials such as trade contracts, payment vouchers, purchase invoices, third-party market price research data can be provided to apply for customs re-examination. At the same time, attention should be paid to the "integrated customs clearance" policy implemented by the customs in 2026, imported food can complete customs clearance procedures at the destination customs, without declaration at the entry customs, which can effectively shorten the customs clearance cycle.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T16:57:44Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When choosing agency customs clearance for imported food, the logistics link should be seamlessly connected with customs clearance services. If goods are transported by sea, the ship arrival time should be confirmed in advance, and the agency company should be coordinated to complete pre-declaration 24 hours before arrival, so as to avoid container detention fees caused by delayed declaration. For perishable fresh food, direct routes can be selected to reduce transit time, meanwhile the agency company can be required to coordinate the port to arrange priority unloading of refrigerated containers to ensure cargo quality. In terms of cargo right control, it is necessary to ensure that the bill of lading endorsement transfer process is compliant, so as to avoid failure to pick up goods caused by endorsement errors. In case of container rollover or full capacity, the agency company can urgently coordinate to reallocate other ships and apply for extension of free storage period to minimize losses.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T16:44:24Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Michael Zhang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/michael-zhang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the process of imported food agency customs clearance, tax costs can be optimized through the VAT deferment policy. The VAT deferment policy implemented by China for imported food in 2026 allows eligible enterprises not to pay import VAT on site during customs clearance, but deduct it in the subsequent VAT declaration period, which can effectively ease the cash flow pressure of enterprises. At the same time, attention should be paid to that cross-border related transaction pricing must comply with the arm's length principle, so as to avoid transfer pricing investigation by tax authorities caused by unreasonable pricing. In addition, if imported food belongs to tax-free categories, it is necessary to submit a tax-free application to the tax authority in advance and provide relevant supporting materials to ensure compliant enjoyment of tax-free policies, so as to avoid overpayment of taxes caused by failure to apply in advance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T16:37:45Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment operations involved in imported food agency customs clearance must strictly meet compliance requirements. If RMB cross-border payment is adopted, settlement can be completed through the CIPS system to ensure clear and traceable transaction tracks, so as to avoid investigation by foreign exchange regulatory authorities caused by non-compliant receipt and payment channels. It is necessary to confirm in advance that the foreign exchange payment amount of imported food is consistent with the declared amount on the customs declaration form, so as to avoid compliance risks caused by exchange differences. If foreign exchange receipt and payment involves offshore accounts, it is necessary to ensure that account income and expenditure comply with foreign exchange administration regulations, and regularly retain transaction vouchers and contract documents for inspection by foreign exchange regulatory authorities. In addition, attention should be paid to the "integrated foreign exchange receipt and payment" policy implemented by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2026, foreign exchange receipt and payment can be completed through the compliant account of the agency company to simplify the operation process.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T16:35:10Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Before imported food agency customs clearance, a complete agency contract should be signed to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties. The contract should include clauses such as customs clearance time limit, fee details, abnormal situation handling plan, and liability for breach of contract, so as to avoid disputes caused by vague contract clauses. At the same time, attention should be paid to intellectual property protection of imported food. If it involves intellectual property rights such as trademarks and patents, it is necessary to confirm in advance that the supplier has legal authorization, and apply for intellectual property filing with the customs, so as to avoid cargo detention caused by infringement. In addition, if letter of credit settlement is adopted, the letter of credit terms should be carefully reviewed to avoid soft clauses leading to failure to receive foreign exchange or obstructed customs clearance, you can request assistance in reviewing the terms if necessary.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T16:32:54Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is necessary to prepare for the on-site inspection link of imported food agency customs clearance in advance. If you receive a customs inspection notice, you should coordinate and arrange specialists to be present for cooperation as soon as possible to ensure that operations such as unpacking and sampling meet customs requirements. For machine inspection, the cargo stacking order should be sorted out in advance to avoid abnormal machine inspection warnings caused by messy cargo stacking. If inspection and appraisal are required, it is necessary to confirm that the laboratory qualification meets customs requirements, and coordinate the urgent testing process to shorten the testing cycle. At the same time, attention should be paid to seal authenticity identification. If the seal is found to be damaged or abnormal, it should be reported to the customs immediately to avoid cargo detention caused by seal problems.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T16:32:28Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The packaging of imported food must meet relevant compliance requirements of China. Before agency customs clearance, the safety of packaging materials should be confirmed. If wooden packaging is used, it is necessary to ensure that the IPPC mark has been obtained, so as to avoid cargo detention caused by no fumigation or unqualified marks. For perishable food, moisture-proof and heat-insulating packaging that meets requirements should be used to ensure that the cargo quality is not affected during transportation. At the same time, the MSDS report of packaging materials should be provided to ensure that packaging materials do not contain toxic and harmful substances and meet the safety standards of food contact materials. If it belongs to special categories of food, corresponding compliant packaging should be used, and relevant appraisal reports should be provided to ensure that the packaging meets requirements.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T15:57:49Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If your enterprise also carries out export business, the documents of imported food agency customs clearance must be consistent with the management of export tax rebate documents, to ensure the integration of four flows (contract, invoice, logistics, capital), so as to avoid tax letter investigation caused by inconsistent documents. Purchase invoices, customs declaration forms and other documents of imported food should be fully retained as auxiliary materials for export tax rebate declaration. If the tax authority conducts verification, relevant supporting materials can be provided in time to avoid affecting the export tax rebate progress. At the same time, attention should be paid to the time node of cross-month declaration to ensure that the entry of import customs clearance documents is synchronized with the time of export tax rebate declaration, so as to avoid declaration errors caused by time difference. In addition, import customs clearance documents should be filed regularly to ensure the authenticity and traceability of documents.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T15:57:44Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When choosing agency customs clearance for imported food, the overall cost can be optimized in combination with supply chain planning. Through resource integration of the agency company, centralized procurement and batch customs clearance of imported food can be realized, reducing the unit customs clearance cost. At the same time, the import frequency and quantity can be planned according to sales demand, and inventory can be arranged reasonably to avoid capital occupation and cargo loss caused by inventory backlog. In addition, costs can be optimized through trade term conversion, for example, converting FOB to CIF terms, the agency company is responsible for transportation and insurance, which reduces logistics costs while ensuring that cargo transportation risks are effectively controlled. Under the supply chain digitalization trend in 2026, the linkage between inventory and customs clearance data can be realized relying on the digital platform of the agency company, improving the overall supply chain efficiency.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/import-food-agent-customs-clearance-eligibility-core-compliance-conditions.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-09-10T15:55:59Z", "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": "Customs Declaration Q&A", "item": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/cat-customs-declaration/"} ,{"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Can imported food be cleared by professional agencies? What compliance conditions need to be met?"} ] } ] ```