--- title: "What is the accurate official definition of agent-imported goods? What core service categories does it cover?" description: "Domestic small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises planning to import high-end production raw materials for the first time usually lack import operation qualification and are not familiar with customs declaration procedures and compliance requirements. They fear violating regulatory rules which will lead to cargo detention at port and huge container detention fees，and also worry about out-of-control import costs and surging hidden expenses. They are eager to clarify the definition，service..." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Import Agency Q&A" datePublished: "2026-04-30" dateModified: "2026-04-30" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 9 --- # What is the accurate official definition of agent-imported goods? What core service categories does it cover? ## Question I am the purchasing supervisor of a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise focusing on high-end precision mechanical accessories based in Shanghai. Last week, when we imported custom-made bearings from Germany on our own, our shipment was detained due to lack of certificate of origin and automatic import license. We finally solved the problem after paying more than 30,000 RMB in container detention fees and handling charges. Now my boss urges us to import another batch of the same bearings, but our company does not have import and export business right, and we really dare not try self-import again. We heard from peers that we can use agent import service, but I have no idea what agent-imported goods is and what business model it follows. Does it only provide customs declaration assistance? Will there be extra hidden charges? Can it help us avoid the customs detention risk we encountered before? I am so anxious that I can't sleep now, afraid that another mistake will delay our production and delivery. ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer Agent-imported goods refers to a full end-to-end import service where enterprises or individuals without import and export business right or insufficient import operation capability entrust qualified foreign trade agency companies to complete all procedures from overseas procurement，document processing，customs declaration and inspection，logistics transportation to domestic delivery. It is not limited to the customs declaration link. A common misunderstanding in the industry is equating agent import with "customs declaration errand service". Many non-standard agencies only handle perfunctory customs declaration without pre-document review. This cognitive deviation will trigger a series of negative consequences: if the agency fails to verify core documents such as certificate of origin and automatic import license in advance，the goods will be detained directly after arriving at the port. This will not only generate thousands of RMB in container detention fees and port storage fees per day，but may also result in a fine of 5% to 30% of the cargo value for violating customs supervision regulations，and even damage the enterprise's customs credit rating，leading to more than 30% longer customs clearance time for subsequent imports. Risk isolation can be implemented from two aspects: first，select an agency with **AEO Advanced Certification**. Such enterprises enjoy customs clearance facilitation，including priority inspection and lower probability of customs price objection. Second，when signing a formal agency agreement，clearly stipulate the agency's pre-document review obligation，and require the agency to complete compliance review of all documents 7 days before the goods depart，to ensure no missing items. Exclusive loss mitigation tip: China Customs will launch the new **Advance Declaration** policy in 2026. You can entrust the agency to complete customs pre-declaration before the goods depart the origin port. If any document problem is found，it can be modified before the goods arrive at the destination port，avoiding the risk of customs detention. Meanwhile，you can require the agency to provide **Joint Cargo Title Management** service，to ensure that the ownership of the goods is always under the control of the entrusting party and prevent the agency from misappropriating the goods. **status:** accepted **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 2 In the customs declaration link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the customs valuation logic. In 2026, China Customs will implement the "intelligent valuation + manual review" mode. Agency companies need to submit documents such as the real transaction price certificate of imported goods, payment receipt, and certificate of origin to the customs 3 working days in advance, to avoid cargo detention at port caused by price objection. If there is a valuation dispute, the agency must supplement supporting materials such as the cost breakdown of the goods and quotation of similar products in the international market within 3 working days after the customs issues the *Price Questioning Notice*. It is strictly forbidden to evade taxes and fees by under-reporting the price, otherwise the enterprise will be included in the customs dishonesty list, and all subsequent imported goods will be inspected 100%. In addition, agent-imported goods must meet the requirement that the declaration data on the "single window" is consistent with the actual goods. Information such as the commodity code, specification and model, and quantity on the declaration form must fully match the bill of lading and packing list, to avoid deleting and re-declaring due to data inconsistency which delays customs clearance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 3 In the logistics link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on cargo title control and route optimization. In 2026, the international shipping market still faces the risk of tight space and container rolling. Agency companies need to book and lock the shipping space 2 weeks in advance, and choose shipping companies with "space guarantee agreements" to avoid delayed arrival caused by container rolling. In terms of cargo title control, the agency shall be required to adopt the "telex release bill of lading endorsement" mode, which clearly defines that the entrusting party owns the cargo title, and it is strictly forbidden for the agency to directly endorse the bill of lading to a third party. In addition, for vulnerable goods such as precision machinery and electronic components, it is recommended to choose the "direct voyage + port-to-door" logistics plan to reduce the number of transfers and lower the risk of cargo damage. If the goods need to be transferred, the agency shall be required to arrange special personnel to supervise loading and unloading at the transfer port to ensure the packaging of the goods is intact. Meanwhile, the port free storage period shall be confirmed in advance. In 2026, the free storage period for general cargo at Shanghai Port is 7 days. If the period is exceeded, a container detention fee of 1500 RMB per container per day will be charged, and the agency shall apply for an extension of the free storage period in advance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 4 In the tax planning of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the application of VAT deferral policy. In 2026, qualified imported goods in Shanghai Customs District can apply for deferred payment of import value-added tax, which means that enterprises do not need to pay import VAT when customs clearance is completed, but declare and pay it in the VAT declaration period of the next month. This can ease the capital pressure of enterprises and reduce capital occupation cost. In addition, attention should be paid to the compliance of related party transaction pricing. If the entrusting party has an affiliated relationship with the overseas supplier, it is necessary to ensure that the transaction price conforms to the "arm's length principle", to avoid the tax authority adjusting the taxable income due to unreasonable pricing and generating extra late fees and fines. Meanwhile, the agency company needs to assist the enterprise in the certification of customs duty payment bills for imported goods, to ensure that the information on the payment bill is consistent with the declaration form, and avoid being unable to deduct input VAT due to authentication failure. **status:** suggested **Author:** Andy Guo **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 5 In the payment and settlement link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to strictly abide by the "cross-border payment and settlement facilitation" policy of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) 2026. The agency company shall use the CIPS cross-border RMB payment system for payment, to avoid payment delay caused by SWIFT system fluctuations. Meanwhile, the payment plan for imported goods shall be filed with SAFE in advance, to ensure that the payment amount is consistent with the dutiable price on the customs declaration form. If there is a difference between the payment amount and the dutiable price, reasonable supporting materials such as payment certificates for international freight and insurance shall be provided, to avoid being listed as an abnormal cross-border payment and settlement enterprise by SAFE. In addition, agent-imported goods must ensure the consistency of "cargo flow, capital flow and document flow". It is strictly forbidden to use third-party payment, otherwise the enterprise will be fined 5% of the payment amount and have its cross-border payment and settlement right suspended by SAFE. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 6 In the legal risk prevention and control of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the clause agreement of the agency agreement. In 2026, common disputes in the foreign trade agency industry focus on cargo title ownership, cost division, liability for breach of contract and other aspects. The agency agreement must clearly stipulate the service scope, charging standard, document review obligation, cargo title control method and other contents of the agency company. Vague clauses such as "the agency is responsible for import-related matters" are strictly prohibited. If the letter of credit settlement method is adopted, the agency shall be required to review the terms of the letter of credit in advance to avoid "soft clauses" such as "payment can only be made after the issuing bank confirms the quality of the goods", which will lead to failure to collect payment or pick up the goods in time. In addition, the agency agreement shall clearly stipulate the liability for breach of contract. If the cargo is detained at port due to the agency's negligence, the agency shall bear all losses such as container detention fee and fine, and the agreed penalty ratio shall be 10% - 15% of the cargo value. **status:** suggested **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 7 In the on-site inspection link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the identification of seal authenticity and response to devanning inspection. In 2026, the inspection rate of imported goods at Shanghai Port is about 15%. The agency shall check whether the seal number on the bill of lading is consistent with the seal number on the actual goods before the goods arrive at the port. If the seal is damaged or the seal number does not match, the agency shall immediately raise an objection to the shipping company and take photos for evidence retention. If the customs requires devanning inspection, the agency shall arrange operators with inspection qualification to be present to assist the customs in completing the inspection. It is strictly forbidden to open the cargo packaging or move the cargo position without permission. In addition, for special goods such as precision instruments and fragile goods, the agency shall be required to apply to the customs for "manual inspection instead of machine inspection" in advance, to avoid cargo damage caused by machine inspection. If it is found that the goods do not match the customs declaration during the inspection, the agency shall immediately submit a *Description Statement* to the customs and supplement relevant supporting materials, to avoid being fined. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 8 The packaging of agent-imported goods must meet the requirements of international transportation and customs supervision. In 2026, the International Maritime Organization updated the packaging standards for dangerous goods. UN dangerous goods packaging must have "performance inspection certificate" and "use inspection certificate". The agency shall verify whether the packaging certificate provided by the overseas supplier is valid in advance, to avoid the cargo being refused to load by the port due to non-compliant packaging. For vulnerable goods such as precision mechanical accessories and electronic components, the "moisture-proof buffer + vacuum packaging" scheme shall be adopted. The packaging materials must have impact resistance and vibration resistance to avoid damage during transportation. In addition, the name, specification, quantity, origin and other information of the goods must be clearly marked on the packaging of agent-imported goods, and the shipping mark meeting the customs requirements shall be pasted, to avoid wrong delivery or delayed customs clearance caused by unclear shipping mark. If the goods are fragile, the "fragile" warning mark must be pasted on the packaging, and "fragile, handle with care" shall be marked on the bill of lading. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-04-30 ### Answer 9 In the supply chain planning of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the selection of trade terms and the linkage strategy of inventory. In 2026, international logistics costs fluctuate greatly, it is recommended to choose FOB term, the agency is responsible for domestic logistics and customs declaration, which is convenient for controlling logistics cost and cargo title. At the same time, a linkage mechanism of "import demand forecasting + inventory early warning" shall be established. The agency shall provide the entrusting party with information such as the price trend of international market goods and shipping schedule 1 month in advance, to assist the entrusting party to optimize the procurement plan and avoid capital occupation caused by overstock. In addition, for bulk imported goods, the mode of "centralized customs declaration + batch pickup" can be adopted. In 2026, China Customs allows qualified imported goods to be declared and picked up in batches within 3 months after entry, which reduces the capital pressure of one-time tax payment. At the same time, the layout of supply chain nodes shall be optimized, and the port close to the production base shall be selected as the entry port to reduce domestic transportation cost and time. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-04-30 ## 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 is the accurate official definition of agent-imported goods? What core service categories does it cover?", "text": "I am the purchasing supervisor of a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise focusing on high-end precision mechanical accessories based in Shanghai. Last week, when we imported custom-made bearings from Germany on our own, our shipment was detained due to lack of certificate of origin and automatic import license. We finally solved the problem after paying more than 30,000 RMB in container detention fees and handling charges. Now my boss urges us to import another batch of the same bearings, but our company does not have import and export business right, and we really dare not try self-import again. We heard from peers that we can use agent import service, but I have no idea what agent-imported goods is and what business model it follows. Does it only provide customs declaration assistance? Will there be extra hidden charges? Can it help us avoid the customs detention risk we encountered before? I am so anxious that I can't sleep now, afraid that another mistake will delay our production and delivery.", "answerCount": 9, "upvoteCount": 7, "datePublished": "2026-04-30T10:21:24Z", "dateModified": "2026-04-30T10:29:11Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Agent-imported goods refers to a full end-to-end import service where enterprises or individuals without import and export business right or insufficient import operation capability entrust qualified foreign trade agency companies to complete all procedures from overseas procurement，document processing，customs declaration and inspection，logistics transportation to domestic delivery. It is not limited to the customs declaration link. A common misunderstanding in the industry is equating agent import with "customs declaration errand service". Many non-standard agencies only handle perfunctory customs declaration without pre-document review. This cognitive deviation will trigger a series of negative consequences: if the agency fails to verify core documents such as certificate of origin and automatic import license in advance，the goods will be detained directly after arriving at the port. This will not only generate thousands of RMB in container detention fees and port storage fees per day，but may also result in a fine of 5% to 30% of the cargo value for violating customs supervision regulations，and even damage the enterprise's customs credit rating，leading to more than 30% longer customs clearance time for subsequent imports. Risk isolation can be implemented from two aspects: first，select an agency with AEO Advanced Certification . Such enterprises enjoy customs clearance facilitation，including priority inspection and lower probability of customs price objection. Second，when signing a formal agency agreement，clearly stipulate the agency's pre-document review obligation，and require the agency to complete compliance review of all documents 7 days before the goods depart，to ensure no missing items. Exclusive loss mitigation tip: China Customs will launch the new Advance Declaration policy in 2026. You can entrust the agency to complete customs pre-declaration before the goods depart the origin port. If any document problem is found，it can be modified before the goods arrive at the destination port，avoiding the risk of customs detention. Meanwhile，you can require the agency to provide Joint Cargo Title Management service，to ensure that the ownership of the goods is always under the control of the entrusting party and prevent the agency from misappropriating the goods.", "upvoteCount": 7, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T12:08:36Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the customs declaration link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the customs valuation logic. In 2026, China Customs will implement the "intelligent valuation + manual review" mode. Agency companies need to submit documents such as the real transaction price certificate of imported goods, payment receipt, and certificate of origin to the customs 3 working days in advance, to avoid cargo detention at port caused by price objection. If there is a valuation dispute, the agency must supplement supporting materials such as the cost breakdown of the goods and quotation of similar products in the international market within 3 working days after the customs issues the *Price Questioning Notice*. It is strictly forbidden to evade taxes and fees by under-reporting the price, otherwise the enterprise will be included in the customs dishonesty list, and all subsequent imported goods will be inspected 100%. In addition, agent-imported goods must meet the requirement that the declaration data on the "single window" is consistent with the actual goods. Information such as the commodity code, specification and model, and quantity on the declaration form must fully match the bill of lading and packing list, to avoid deleting and re-declaring due to data inconsistency which delays customs clearance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T11:38:43Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the logistics link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on cargo title control and route optimization. In 2026, the international shipping market still faces the risk of tight space and container rolling. Agency companies need to book and lock the shipping space 2 weeks in advance, and choose shipping companies with "space guarantee agreements" to avoid delayed arrival caused by container rolling. In terms of cargo title control, the agency shall be required to adopt the "telex release bill of lading endorsement" mode, which clearly defines that the entrusting party owns the cargo title, and it is strictly forbidden for the agency to directly endorse the bill of lading to a third party. In addition, for vulnerable goods such as precision machinery and electronic components, it is recommended to choose the "direct voyage + port-to-door" logistics plan to reduce the number of transfers and lower the risk of cargo damage. If the goods need to be transferred, the agency shall be required to arrange special personnel to supervise loading and unloading at the transfer port to ensure the packaging of the goods is intact. Meanwhile, the port free storage period shall be confirmed in advance. In 2026, the free storage period for general cargo at Shanghai Port is 7 days. If the period is exceeded, a container detention fee of 1500 RMB per container per day will be charged, and the agency shall apply for an extension of the free storage period in advance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T11:28:56Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the tax planning of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the application of VAT deferral policy. In 2026, qualified imported goods in Shanghai Customs District can apply for deferred payment of import value-added tax, which means that enterprises do not need to pay import VAT when customs clearance is completed, but declare and pay it in the VAT declaration period of the next month. This can ease the capital pressure of enterprises and reduce capital occupation cost. In addition, attention should be paid to the compliance of related party transaction pricing. If the entrusting party has an affiliated relationship with the overseas supplier, it is necessary to ensure that the transaction price conforms to the "arm's length principle", to avoid the tax authority adjusting the taxable income due to unreasonable pricing and generating extra late fees and fines. Meanwhile, the agency company needs to assist the enterprise in the certification of customs duty payment bills for imported goods, to ensure that the information on the payment bill is consistent with the declaration form, and avoid being unable to deduct input VAT due to authentication failure.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T11:27:41Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Andy Guo","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/andy-guo/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the payment and settlement link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to strictly abide by the "cross-border payment and settlement facilitation" policy of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) 2026. The agency company shall use the CIPS cross-border RMB payment system for payment, to avoid payment delay caused by SWIFT system fluctuations. Meanwhile, the payment plan for imported goods shall be filed with SAFE in advance, to ensure that the payment amount is consistent with the dutiable price on the customs declaration form. If there is a difference between the payment amount and the dutiable price, reasonable supporting materials such as payment certificates for international freight and insurance shall be provided, to avoid being listed as an abnormal cross-border payment and settlement enterprise by SAFE. In addition, agent-imported goods must ensure the consistency of "cargo flow, capital flow and document flow". It is strictly forbidden to use third-party payment, otherwise the enterprise will be fined 5% of the payment amount and have its cross-border payment and settlement right suspended by SAFE.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T11:22:39Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the legal risk prevention and control of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the clause agreement of the agency agreement. In 2026, common disputes in the foreign trade agency industry focus on cargo title ownership, cost division, liability for breach of contract and other aspects. The agency agreement must clearly stipulate the service scope, charging standard, document review obligation, cargo title control method and other contents of the agency company. Vague clauses such as "the agency is responsible for import-related matters" are strictly prohibited. If the letter of credit settlement method is adopted, the agency shall be required to review the terms of the letter of credit in advance to avoid "soft clauses" such as "payment can only be made after the issuing bank confirms the quality of the goods", which will lead to failure to collect payment or pick up the goods in time. In addition, the agency agreement shall clearly stipulate the liability for breach of contract. If the cargo is detained at port due to the agency's negligence, the agency shall bear all losses such as container detention fee and fine, and the agreed penalty ratio shall be 10% - 15% of the cargo value.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T11:08:02Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the on-site inspection link of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the identification of seal authenticity and response to devanning inspection. In 2026, the inspection rate of imported goods at Shanghai Port is about 15%. The agency shall check whether the seal number on the bill of lading is consistent with the seal number on the actual goods before the goods arrive at the port. If the seal is damaged or the seal number does not match, the agency shall immediately raise an objection to the shipping company and take photos for evidence retention. If the customs requires devanning inspection, the agency shall arrange operators with inspection qualification to be present to assist the customs in completing the inspection. It is strictly forbidden to open the cargo packaging or move the cargo position without permission. In addition, for special goods such as precision instruments and fragile goods, the agency shall be required to apply to the customs for "manual inspection instead of machine inspection" in advance, to avoid cargo damage caused by machine inspection. If it is found that the goods do not match the customs declaration during the inspection, the agency shall immediately submit a *Description Statement* to the customs and supplement relevant supporting materials, to avoid being fined.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T11:07:32Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The packaging of agent-imported goods must meet the requirements of international transportation and customs supervision. In 2026, the International Maritime Organization updated the packaging standards for dangerous goods. UN dangerous goods packaging must have "performance inspection certificate" and "use inspection certificate". The agency shall verify whether the packaging certificate provided by the overseas supplier is valid in advance, to avoid the cargo being refused to load by the port due to non-compliant packaging. For vulnerable goods such as precision mechanical accessories and electronic components, the "moisture-proof buffer + vacuum packaging" scheme shall be adopted. The packaging materials must have impact resistance and vibration resistance to avoid damage during transportation. In addition, the name, specification, quantity, origin and other information of the goods must be clearly marked on the packaging of agent-imported goods, and the shipping mark meeting the customs requirements shall be pasted, to avoid wrong delivery or delayed customs clearance caused by unclear shipping mark. If the goods are fragile, the "fragile" warning mark must be pasted on the packaging, and "fragile, handle with care" shall be marked on the bill of lading.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T10:40:44Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In the supply chain planning of agent-imported goods, it is necessary to focus on the selection of trade terms and the linkage strategy of inventory. In 2026, international logistics costs fluctuate greatly, it is recommended to choose FOB term, the agency is responsible for domestic logistics and customs declaration, which is convenient for controlling logistics cost and cargo title. At the same time, a linkage mechanism of "import demand forecasting + inventory early warning" shall be established. The agency shall provide the entrusting party with information such as the price trend of international market goods and shipping schedule 1 month in advance, to assist the entrusting party to optimize the procurement plan and avoid capital occupation caused by overstock. In addition, for bulk imported goods, the mode of "centralized customs declaration + batch pickup" can be adopted. In 2026, China Customs allows qualified imported goods to be declared and picked up in batches within 3 months after entry, which reduces the capital pressure of one-time tax payment. At the same time, the layout of supply chain nodes shall be optimized, and the port close to the production base shall be selected as the entry port to reduce domestic transportation cost and time.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/precise-definition-core-services-agent-imported-goods.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-04-30T10:29:11Z", "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": "What is the accurate official definition of agent-imported goods? What core service categories does it cover?"} ] } ] ```