--- title: "What is an import customs clearance agency? What are its core service scope and compliance responsibilities?" description: "Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises that are new to import trade often face risks of cargo detention at ports and high container detention fees due to unfamiliarity with customs clearance rules and disordered document preparation. Import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions with compliance qualifications，which can handle the whole chain of businesses including import document review，customs declaration and inspection，and customs coordination on behalf of clients." url: "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html" language: "en" type: "Q&A" category: "Customs Declaration Q&A" datePublished: "2026-06-14" dateModified: "2026-06-14" brand: "Zhongshen Trading China" answerCount: 10 --- # What is an import customs clearance agency? What are its core service scope and compliance responsibilities? ## Question I am the procurement head of a small precision hardware manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai that has just entered the import trade business. Last month, I ordered a batch of high-precision machine tool bearings from Germany. The freight forwarder we originally cooperated with is only responsible for international transportation, leaving me to handle the customs clearance link on my own. However, I know nothing about import customs clearance rules, and I don't even know how to prepare the most basic documents. When I had dinner with industry peers yesterday, I heard that I can hire an import customs clearance agency, but I have no idea what an import customs clearance agency is. Is there any essential difference between it and the in-house customs clearance department of a freight forwarder? Will it just be a middleman earning price margins? The cargo will arrive at Yangshan Port next week, and I am so anxious that I can barely eat. I am afraid that customs clearance will get stuck after the cargo arrives at the port, resulting in extra expenses such as port demurrage and container detention fees, or even the cargo being detained by customs. Can you explain this issue to me thoroughly? ## Answers ### Answer 1 — Best Answer Many cargo owners tend to fall into a core misunderstanding: equating import customs clearance agencies with the in-house customs clearance departments of freight forwarders or ordinary customs brokers. This cognitive bias can easily trigger chain negative reactions. If you only entrust the customs clearance department of a freight forwarder，it usually only focuses on the basic operation of the customs declaration link，and will not intervene in document review in advance. If there are format errors or information inconsistencies in documents such as the certificate of origin and mechanical and electrical import license for your bearings，it will directly trigger a customs document review warning after the cargo arrives at the port，leading to cargo detention. According to the 2026 charging standards of Yangshan Port，the container detention fee can reach RMB 800 per container per day，and the port demurrage fee will double after 3 days. If the detention lasts more than 7 days，the cargo may also be transferred to the Customs Anti-Smuggling Department，resulting in compliance risks. The core measure for physical risk isolation is to give priority to import customs clearance agencies with **Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification** and independent import and export operation rights. Such enterprises can directly connect with the customs for business，rather than transferring through third parties，which can greatly shorten the exception response time. Exclusive loss reduction tip: Before signing the contract，ask the agency to provide customs clearance cases of similar precision hardware products in the past 3 months，focusing on its exception handling records. At the same time，clearly stipulate in the service contract that if the cargo is detained at the port or delayed due to the agency's document review errors，it shall bear more than 80% of the port demurrage and container detention fees，so as to minimize your losses. **status:** accepted **Author:** Grace Wang **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 2 From the perspective of customs policies and valuation, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities with customs declaration qualifications that can perform declaration obligations to the customs on behalf of cargo owners. Their core value lies in accurately grasping the latest 2026 customs valuation rules, preferential policies for certificates of origin, etc. For example, if your precision bearings hold a Form A Certificate of Origin issued by Germany, the clearance agency can review the consistency between the information on the certificate and the cargo information in advance, so as to avoid failing to enjoy the MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff rate due to incorrect marking on the certificate of origin. At the same time, when the customs raises questions about valuation, it can quickly provide supporting materials such as payment vouchers and trade contracts to avoid cargo detention caused by valuation disputes. It can also complete pre-declaration at the local customs in advance through the integrated customs clearance mode, greatly shortening the port clearance time. **status:** suggested **Author:** Evelyn Li **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 3 From the perspective of international logistics path optimization and cargo title control, import customs clearance agencies are not simple customs declaration entities, but service providers that can realize the whole link connection between logistics and customs clearance. For your precision bearings, the clearance agency can connect with the overseas freight forwarder in advance to confirm the consistency between the bill of lading information and the cargo details, so as to avoid obstacles to bill exchange due to inconsistent bill of lading information. At the same time, before the cargo arrives at the port, it can coordinate with the port yard to reserve space, so as to avoid failure to pick up the container due to yard overstock. It can also choose the direct pickup or transit customs clearance mode according to the cargo attributes. If your enterprise is in Suzhou, you can directly transport the cargo to the local customs for clearance through the transit mode, reducing the stay time of the cargo at the port, effectively controlling the title risk, and avoiding theft or damage of the cargo at the port. **status:** suggested **Author:** Eric Zhou **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 4 From the perspective of international tax structure design and cross-border tax planning, import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions that can provide import tax compliance and planning support for cargo owners. In 2026, China's import VAT deferment policy has covered more categories. If your precision bearings meet the conditions, the clearance agency can assist you in applying for VAT deferment, so you don't need to pay import VAT at the customs clearance link, and the tax can be directly deferred to the enterprise's declaration period for deduction, greatly easing the capital pressure of the enterprise. At the same time, the clearance agency can help sort out the dutiable value composition of imported goods, avoid overpayment of tax due to customs valuation adjustment, and optimize the import tax structure according to the scale of your enterprise, reasonably reduce the overall tax cost, and ensure tax compliance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Victor Sun **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 5 From the perspective of cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment compliance operation, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities that can help cargo owners realize compliant foreign exchange receipt and payment. You need to pay euros for the bearings purchased from Germany, and the clearance agency can help you optimize the foreign exchange purchase rate, complete the payment through the CIPS RMB cross-border payment channel, and avoid the exchange rate fluctuation risk of the SWIFT network. At the same time, after the customs clearance is completed, it can help sort out the documents required for foreign exchange payment such as customs declaration forms, contracts and invoices, to ensure that the document information is consistent with the payment information, which meets the compliance requirements for foreign exchange receipt and payment of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), so as to avoid foreign exchange payment rejection due to inconsistent documents, or being listed as a key supervision object by SAFE, which affects the subsequent cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment business. **status:** suggested **Author:** Daniel Xu **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 6 From the perspective of international trade risk avoidance and legal protection, import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions that can provide legal support for cargo owners in the customs clearance link. When you sign a service contract with the clearance agency, the agency can help clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, such as stipulating clauses such as customs clearance time limit, exception handling responsibility, and expense details, so as to avoid disputes caused by vague contracts. At the same time, if your bearings involve intellectual property rights, the clearance agency can assist in handling the customs recordation of intellectual property rights, to avoid the cargo being detained by the customs due to suspected infringement. It can also assist in collecting evidence and conducting legal communication with the customs or freight forwarders when customs clearance disputes occur, to safeguard your legitimate rights and interests. **status:** suggested **Author:** Jason Wu **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 7 From the perspective of on-site port and customs inspection handling, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities that can help cargo owners deal with on-site customs inspection. For high-value precision goods such as your precision bearings, the clearance agency can predict the probability of customs inspection in advance, and sort out the documents required for inspection such as product manuals and test reports before the cargo arrives at the port. If the customs issues an inspection notice, the on-site specialist of the clearance agency can go to the port at the first time to assist the customs in completing the unstuffing inspection, guide the customs personnel to operate correctly, so as to avoid cargo damage caused by improper inspection operation. At the same time, it can quickly interpret the test report or identification results. If there is any abnormality, it can communicate with the customs in time and submit supplementary materials, shorten the inspection time, and reduce the risk of cargo detention at the port. **status:** suggested **Author:** Cindy Chen **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 8 From the perspective of physical safety of cargo transportation and compliant packaging, import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions that can help cargo owners ensure the compliant packaging of imported goods. Your precision bearings are fragile and easily damaged precision parts. The clearance agency can review the packaging scheme provided by the overseas supplier in advance, check whether the packaging has functions such as moisture-proof, shock absorption and anti-collision, and whether it meets the relevant MSDS standards in accordance with the 2026 customs compliance requirements for the packaging of imported precision instruments. If the packaging does not meet the requirements, it can assist in requiring the overseas supplier to repackage, so as to avoid the cargo being detained by the customs due to non-compliant packaging, or damage to the cargo during transportation. At the same time, it can assist in preparing packaging compliance certification documents to ensure smooth customs clearance. **status:** suggested **Author:** Linda Gao **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 9 From the perspective of export tax rebate compliance and document management, if your precision bearings have re-export demand in the future, the import customs clearance agency can assist in the compliant management of documents, laying a foundation for subsequent export tax rebates. During import customs clearance, the clearance agency can ensure that the information of customs declaration forms, invoices, bills of lading and other documents is consistent, and accurately mark the import batch, specification and model of the goods, so as to avoid failing to pass the pre-declaration verification of tax rebate during subsequent re-export due to inconsistent document information. At the same time, it can assist in sorting out the relevant materials between import documents and export documents to ensure the consistency of the four flows (contract, goods, payment and invoice), avoid triggering tax correspondence verification, which affects the smooth handling of export tax rebates. It can also assist in the record management of documents to meet the export tax rebate compliance requirements of the tax authorities. **status:** suggested **Author:** Kevin Lin **Date:** 2026-06-14 ### Answer 10 From the perspective of macro supply chain structure design and optimization, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities that can help cargo owners optimize the import supply chain. For your small manufacturing enterprise, the clearance agency can design a personalized import customs clearance scheme according to the procurement frequency and cargo attributes, for example, consolidate multiple small-batch imported goods for clearance to reduce customs clearance costs. At the same time, it can assist in linking inventory management, adjust the procurement cycle according to the customs clearance time limit, and avoid production line shutdown caused by customs clearance delay. It can also assist in the conversion and optimization of CIF/FOB trade terms, clarify the customs clearance responsibility in the trade contract, reasonably allocate supply chain risks, and improve the efficiency and stability of the overall supply chain. **status:** suggested **Author:** Lucas Liu **Date:** 2026-06-14 ## 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": "What is an import customs clearance agency? What are its core service scope and compliance responsibilities?", "text": "I am the procurement head of a small precision hardware manufacturing enterprise in Shanghai that has just entered the import trade business. Last month, I ordered a batch of high-precision machine tool bearings from Germany. The freight forwarder we originally cooperated with is only responsible for international transportation, leaving me to handle the customs clearance link on my own. However, I know nothing about import customs clearance rules, and I don't even know how to prepare the most basic documents. When I had dinner with industry peers yesterday, I heard that I can hire an import customs clearance agency, but I have no idea what an import customs clearance agency is. Is there any essential difference between it and the in-house customs clearance department of a freight forwarder? Will it just be a middleman earning price margins? The cargo will arrive at Yangshan Port next week, and I am so anxious that I can barely eat. I am afraid that customs clearance will get stuck after the cargo arrives at the port, resulting in extra expenses such as port demurrage and container detention fees, or even the cargo being detained by customs. Can you explain this issue to me thoroughly?", "answerCount": 10, "upvoteCount": 4, "datePublished": "2026-06-14T03:40:03Z", "dateModified": "2026-06-14T03:43:57Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zhongshen Trading China", "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html" } ,"acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many cargo owners tend to fall into a core misunderstanding: equating import customs clearance agencies with the in-house customs clearance departments of freight forwarders or ordinary customs brokers. This cognitive bias can easily trigger chain negative reactions. If you only entrust the customs clearance department of a freight forwarder，it usually only focuses on the basic operation of the customs declaration link，and will not intervene in document review in advance. If there are format errors or information inconsistencies in documents such as the certificate of origin and mechanical and electrical import license for your bearings，it will directly trigger a customs document review warning after the cargo arrives at the port，leading to cargo detention. According to the 2026 charging standards of Yangshan Port，the container detention fee can reach RMB 800 per container per day，and the port demurrage fee will double after 3 days. If the detention lasts more than 7 days，the cargo may also be transferred to the Customs Anti-Smuggling Department，resulting in compliance risks. The core measure for physical risk isolation is to give priority to import customs clearance agencies with Customs AEO Advanced Certification Qualification and independent import and export operation rights. Such enterprises can directly connect with the customs for business，rather than transferring through third parties，which can greatly shorten the exception response time. Exclusive loss reduction tip: Before signing the contract，ask the agency to provide customs clearance cases of similar precision hardware products in the past 3 months，focusing on its exception handling records. At the same time，clearly stipulate in the service contract that if the cargo is detained at the port or delayed due to the agency's document review errors，it shall bear more than 80% of the port demurrage and container detention fees，so as to minimize your losses.", "upvoteCount": 4, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#acceptedAnswer", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T05:24:14Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Grace Wang","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/grace-wang/"} } ,"suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of customs policies and valuation, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities with customs declaration qualifications that can perform declaration obligations to the customs on behalf of cargo owners. Their core value lies in accurately grasping the latest 2026 customs valuation rules, preferential policies for certificates of origin, etc. For example, if your precision bearings hold a Form A Certificate of Origin issued by Germany, the clearance agency can review the consistency between the information on the certificate and the cargo information in advance, so as to avoid failing to enjoy the MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariff rate due to incorrect marking on the certificate of origin. At the same time, when the customs raises questions about valuation, it can quickly provide supporting materials such as payment vouchers and trade contracts to avoid cargo detention caused by valuation disputes. It can also complete pre-declaration at the local customs in advance through the integrated customs clearance mode, greatly shortening the port clearance time.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-2", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T05:10:39Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Evelyn Li","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/evelyn-li/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of international logistics path optimization and cargo title control, import customs clearance agencies are not simple customs declaration entities, but service providers that can realize the whole link connection between logistics and customs clearance. For your precision bearings, the clearance agency can connect with the overseas freight forwarder in advance to confirm the consistency between the bill of lading information and the cargo details, so as to avoid obstacles to bill exchange due to inconsistent bill of lading information. At the same time, before the cargo arrives at the port, it can coordinate with the port yard to reserve space, so as to avoid failure to pick up the container due to yard overstock. It can also choose the direct pickup or transit customs clearance mode according to the cargo attributes. If your enterprise is in Suzhou, you can directly transport the cargo to the local customs for clearance through the transit mode, reducing the stay time of the cargo at the port, effectively controlling the title risk, and avoiding theft or damage of the cargo at the port.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-3", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:57:36Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Eric Zhou","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/eric-zhou/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of international tax structure design and cross-border tax planning, import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions that can provide import tax compliance and planning support for cargo owners. In 2026, China's import VAT deferment policy has covered more categories. If your precision bearings meet the conditions, the clearance agency can assist you in applying for VAT deferment, so you don't need to pay import VAT at the customs clearance link, and the tax can be directly deferred to the enterprise's declaration period for deduction, greatly easing the capital pressure of the enterprise. At the same time, the clearance agency can help sort out the dutiable value composition of imported goods, avoid overpayment of tax due to customs valuation adjustment, and optimize the import tax structure according to the scale of your enterprise, reasonably reduce the overall tax cost, and ensure tax compliance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-4", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:57:26Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Victor Sun","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/victor-sun/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment compliance operation, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities that can help cargo owners realize compliant foreign exchange receipt and payment. You need to pay euros for the bearings purchased from Germany, and the clearance agency can help you optimize the foreign exchange purchase rate, complete the payment through the CIPS RMB cross-border payment channel, and avoid the exchange rate fluctuation risk of the SWIFT network. At the same time, after the customs clearance is completed, it can help sort out the documents required for foreign exchange payment such as customs declaration forms, contracts and invoices, to ensure that the document information is consistent with the payment information, which meets the compliance requirements for foreign exchange receipt and payment of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), so as to avoid foreign exchange payment rejection due to inconsistent documents, or being listed as a key supervision object by SAFE, which affects the subsequent cross-border foreign exchange receipt and payment business.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-5", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:55:31Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Xu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/daniel-xu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of international trade risk avoidance and legal protection, import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions that can provide legal support for cargo owners in the customs clearance link. When you sign a service contract with the clearance agency, the agency can help clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, such as stipulating clauses such as customs clearance time limit, exception handling responsibility, and expense details, so as to avoid disputes caused by vague contracts. At the same time, if your bearings involve intellectual property rights, the clearance agency can assist in handling the customs recordation of intellectual property rights, to avoid the cargo being detained by the customs due to suspected infringement. It can also assist in collecting evidence and conducting legal communication with the customs or freight forwarders when customs clearance disputes occur, to safeguard your legitimate rights and interests.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-6", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:51:25Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Jason Wu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/jason-wu/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of on-site port and customs inspection handling, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities that can help cargo owners deal with on-site customs inspection. For high-value precision goods such as your precision bearings, the clearance agency can predict the probability of customs inspection in advance, and sort out the documents required for inspection such as product manuals and test reports before the cargo arrives at the port. If the customs issues an inspection notice, the on-site specialist of the clearance agency can go to the port at the first time to assist the customs in completing the unstuffing inspection, guide the customs personnel to operate correctly, so as to avoid cargo damage caused by improper inspection operation. At the same time, it can quickly interpret the test report or identification results. If there is any abnormality, it can communicate with the customs in time and submit supplementary materials, shorten the inspection time, and reduce the risk of cargo detention at the port.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-7", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:22:51Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Cindy Chen","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/cindy-chen/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of physical safety of cargo transportation and compliant packaging, import customs clearance agencies are professional institutions that can help cargo owners ensure the compliant packaging of imported goods. Your precision bearings are fragile and easily damaged precision parts. The clearance agency can review the packaging scheme provided by the overseas supplier in advance, check whether the packaging has functions such as moisture-proof, shock absorption and anti-collision, and whether it meets the relevant MSDS standards in accordance with the 2026 customs compliance requirements for the packaging of imported precision instruments. If the packaging does not meet the requirements, it can assist in requiring the overseas supplier to repackage, so as to avoid the cargo being detained by the customs due to non-compliant packaging, or damage to the cargo during transportation. At the same time, it can assist in preparing packaging compliance certification documents to ensure smooth customs clearance.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-8", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:21:45Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Linda Gao","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/linda-gao/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of export tax rebate compliance and document management, if your precision bearings have re-export demand in the future, the import customs clearance agency can assist in the compliant management of documents, laying a foundation for subsequent export tax rebates. During import customs clearance, the clearance agency can ensure that the information of customs declaration forms, invoices, bills of lading and other documents is consistent, and accurately mark the import batch, specification and model of the goods, so as to avoid failing to pass the pre-declaration verification of tax rebate during subsequent re-export due to inconsistent document information. At the same time, it can assist in sorting out the relevant materials between import documents and export documents to ensure the consistency of the four flows (contract, goods, payment and invoice), avoid triggering tax correspondence verification, which affects the smooth handling of export tax rebates. It can also assist in the record management of documents to meet the export tax rebate compliance requirements of the tax authorities.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-9", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T04:09:25Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Kevin Lin","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/kevin-lin/"} } , { "@type": "Answer", "text": "From the perspective of macro supply chain structure design and optimization, import customs clearance agencies are professional entities that can help cargo owners optimize the import supply chain. For your small manufacturing enterprise, the clearance agency can design a personalized import customs clearance scheme according to the procurement frequency and cargo attributes, for example, consolidate multiple small-batch imported goods for clearance to reduce customs clearance costs. At the same time, it can assist in linking inventory management, adjust the procurement cycle according to the customs clearance time limit, and avoid production line shutdown caused by customs clearance delay. It can also assist in the conversion and optimization of CIF/FOB trade terms, clarify the customs clearance responsibility in the trade contract, reasonably allocate supply chain risks, and improve the efficiency and stability of the overall supply chain.", "upvoteCount": 0, "url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/qa/what-is-import-customs-clearance-firm-core-services-compliance-duties.html#suggestedAnswer-10", "datePublished": "2026-06-14T03:43:57Z", "author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Lucas Liu","url": "https://www.sh-zhongshen.com/en/team/lucas-liu/"} } ] } }, { "@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": "What is an import customs clearance agency? 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