What core service links are included in trade import and export agency services?

Question

I am the person in charge of an enterprise that has just transformed into cross-border e-commerce, and I recently plan to import a batch of beauty products from Europe to Shanghai, but I have never been exposed to import and export business before. I heard that the process is extremely complicated, involving multiple links such as customs declaration, logistics and taxation, and I am completely confused -- I don't know what exactly the agency can do for me?

For example, can it handle all documents, customs declaration and international logistics arrangements? Recently, I heard from peers that the customs has strict inspection on beauty products, and I am afraid that improper operation will lead to cargo detention and delay in putting products on shelves. I am also facing tight capital, and I want to know if the agency can help me save money and avoid risks? I am really anxious and hope to figure out whether the agency can actually solve these practical problems?

Jason Wu · Accepted Answer

For enterprises carrying out import and export business for the first time，the core value of import and export agencies lies in full-chain professional services covering from preliminary preparation to final delivery. Taking the beauty products you import as an example，the agency will first assist in completing pre-document review: confirm the validity of the Filing Certificate for Imported Non-Special Purpose Cosmetics，check the consistency of documents such as certificate of origin and packing list，so as to avoid process stagnation caused by document problems.

In terms of core node connection，the agency realizes real-time linkage between customs declaration and logistics: complete pre-declaration 24 hours before the arrival of the goods at the port，coordinate with the logistics side to submit manifest information simultaneously，ensure data matching and reduce the time for document review inquiries. For inspection risks，the agency will develop plans in advance: if the goods are selected for inspection，arrange professional personnel to be present for coordination at the first time，and provide compliance documents to shorten the inspection duration.

In the final compliance implementation link，the agency ensures accurate tariff number classification (determine HS code according to ingredients and uses)，assists in completing tariff payment or deferral application，and archives all documents to meet subsequent inspection requirements. Through full-chain services，you do not need to distract your energy to handle details，and can realize efficient customs clearance and compliant delivery of goods.

Reference: How is the export agency fee calculated? A comprehensive analysis of the latest billing rules in 2025

Daniel Xu · Answer

In the customs declaration link, the advantage of the agency lies in handling valuation disputes: if the declared value of beauty products is questioned to be too low, the agency will provide evidence such as recent transaction prices of similar products and international market reports, and communicate with the customs professionally to resolve disputes, so as to avoid temporary cargo detention or tax repayment and fines. It can also utilize the integrated customs clearance policy to realize local declaration and port inspection and release, reducing port dwell time.

Kevin Lin · Answer

For the logistics link, the agency will optimize the route: for beauty products with high timeliness requirements, direct flights will be selected and shipping space will be locked in advance to avoid container rolling; for cost control needs, transshipment schemes will be recommended to ensure that the free storage and free detention period at the transshipment port covers the customs clearance time, reducing container detention and port storage fees. At the same time, it assists in handling bill of lading endorsement and transfer, ensuring the safe transfer of cargo ownership.

Victor Sun · Answer

In terms of tax planning, the agency can assist in applying for VAT deferral , deferring the payment of import value-added tax to the sales link to ease capital pressure; it will also design a compliant tax structure, optimize costs through cross-border related transaction pricing, and ensure compliance with BEPS requirements to avoid tax risks.

Eric Zhou · Answer

In terms of payment and receipt compliance, the agency assists in completing RMB cross-border payment through CIPS to optimize the foreign exchange purchase rate; interprets SWIFT messages to ensure that payment and receipt information is consistent with contracts and invoices, avoiding fund suspension and return; it also assists in managing offshore accounts to ensure compliant operation and prevent account freezing.

Grace Wang · Answer

In terms of legal risk avoidance, the agency reviews letter of credit terms to identify and modify soft clauses (such as designated personnel signing the bill of lading) to avoid payment refusal; it assists in handling the filing of intellectual property customs protection, protecting the rights and interests of beauty brands and preventing the mixing of infringing goods.

Andy Guo · Answer

During on-site inspection, the agency's experts will be present at the first time: guide workers to unpack correctly to avoid cargo damage, provide MSDS reports and ingredient descriptions to cooperate with the inspection; interpret the information on the inspection notice to keep you informed of the inspection reason and location and follow up the results.

Linda Gao · Answer

For special packaging, if liquid beauty products contain flammable ingredients such as alcohol, the agency's engineers will use UN standard dangerous packaging, assist in compiling MSDS reports to ensure compliance with transportation requirements; select appropriate cushioning packaging materials to reduce the risk of damage during transportation.

Lucas Liu · Answer

In terms of export tax refund audit, the agency ensures the consistency of four flows, namely capital return, invoice, customs declaration form and logistics document, to avoid failure of correspondence verification; it assists in pre-declaration verification to find errors in advance, and guides document filing to meet tax inspection requirements.

Cindy Chen · Answer

In terms of supply chain planning, the agency optimizes the selection of trade terms: when switching from FOB to CIF, it accurately calculates logistics costs and the time point of cargo ownership transfer to balance risks; designs inventory linkage strategies to predict import volume based on sales data, avoiding overstock or out-of-stock and reducing operating costs.