In agency import, who is the actual declarant?
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Our company plans to use an agency for importing goods, and we are currently unclear about the declarant aspect. We would like to know, in agency import business, who is precisely the declarant? Is it the client or the agent? What are the respective responsibilities and obligations of both parties during the customs declaration process? We hope to get a professional answer so that we can make relevant preparations in advance and avoid unnecessary trouble later on.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
In agency import business, the declarant is typically the agent, meaning professional import agencies like Zhongmaoda. This is because agents are familiar with the customs declaration process, policies and regulations, and the preparation of various declaration documents, enabling them to complete customs declaration efficiently and accurately.
As the declarant, the agent bears the responsibility for accurate declaration, ensuring that the declared information matches the actual goods, including information on the name, specifications, quantity, and value of the goods. At the same time, they must submit various customs declaration documents as required, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc., and cooperate with customs inspections.
Although the client is not the declarant, they have the obligation to provide accurate and detailed information about the goods to the agent and to assist in preparing relevant documents. If customs declaration issues arise due to inaccurate information provided by the client, the client will also bear corresponding responsibilities.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Generally speaking, it's more common for the agent to be the declarant because they have extensive experience in this area, which can reduce the probability of customs declaration errors. The client needs to provide the agent with cargo information promptly. If the provided information is incorrect and affects the customs declaration progress, the client will be responsible.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
Most of the time, the agent is the declarant, as customs declaration procedures are complex, and agents handle them more skillfully. The agent must declare according to customs requirements. If there are violations and inspections, the agent will be held responsible. The client needs to cooperate with the agent, otherwise, the import process might be delayed.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
Usually, the declarant in agency import is the agency company. The agency company is responsible for the specific customs declaration matters and must comply with customs declaration rules. The client needs to cooperate with the agent, for example, by providing detailed information about the goods; otherwise, if there are problems with customs declaration, both parties will be affected.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
In agency import, the agent is mostly the declarant. The agent must complete customs declaration within the prescribed time and submit correct documents. The client must inform the agent of the true situation of the goods to facilitate smooth customs declaration by the agent.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
The declarant in customs declaration is mostly the agent. The agent must ensure that the customs declaration is compliant. If there are errors in the declaration, they may face penalties. The client has the obligation to assist the agent in preparing customs declaration materials and jointly promote the customs declaration process.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
Generally, the agent acts as the declarant. They are familiar with customs declaration business and can complete the process quickly. The client must truthfully explain the cargo information to the agent, otherwise, it may lead to customs declaration risks.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
In most cases, the declarant for agency import is the agency company. The agency company is responsible for the entire customs declaration process and ensures compliance. The client needs to communicate the cargo situation in a timely manner to ensure the smooth progress of customs declaration work.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
In agency import, the agent is usually the declarant. The agent must declare accurately and act according to customs requirements. The client must actively cooperate and provide necessary documents to jointly complete customs declaration.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
The common declarant is the agent. The agent needs to declare according to regulations and bear the responsibilities for customs declaration. The client needs to provide accurate cargo information to assist the agent in completing the customs declaration tasks.