Expresses interest in import and export trade agency but is a novice, unsure where to start, and asks about the necessary qualifications, process, and precautions. The best answer indicates that one needs to possess professional knowledge, obtain relevant qualifications, and establish a supply chain. The operation process involves a series of tasks after accepting a commission, and it's also necessary to pay attention to contract clauses and monitor exchange rate fluctuations.
Do freight forwarders all have import qualifications?
Resolved
I have a demand for importing goods recently and plan to find a freight forwarder to help handle related matters. But I'm not sure if all freight forwarders have import qualifications. Do some small freight forwarder companies not have import qualifications? If I choose one without qualifications, will there be problems during the import process? I want to understand the situation regarding import qualifications for freight forwarders. I'm asking for insights from knowledgeable people.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Not all freight forwarders have import qualifications. The qualification status of different freight forwarders varies depending on their business scope, scale, and development direction. Large, professional freight forwarders, such as Zhongmaoda, typically possess comprehensive import qualifications because these companies have been deeply involved in the import and export field for a long time and actively obtain various qualifications to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
However, some small freight forwarders may, due to business limitations, focus only on domestic transportation or simple freight forwarding services and have not applied for import qualifications.
If you choose a freight forwarder without import qualifications to handle import business, many problems may arise, such as customs clearance obstruction for goods, inability to provide professional customs declaration documents, leading to cargo detention at the port, and incurring additional storage fees. Therefore, when choosing a freight forwarder, be sure to confirm whether they have import qualifications. You can request to see relevant qualification certificates or verify them on relevant official websites.
Some freight forwarders only handle domestic transportation and distribution and have no import qualifications at all. You must ask clearly when choosing, don't just choose because the price is cheap.
Generally, freight forwarders with scale and good reputation have more complete import qualifications. Those that have just been established with few personnel may not have import qualifications.
Import qualifications are not essential for freight forwarders. For example, some small companies do not apply for them. If you choose one without qualifications, there may be poor coordination in the customs declaration process, which can affect the delivery time of goods.
Besides directly asking freight forwarders, you can also check if they have many past cases of import business. A high number of cases likely indicates they have qualifications.
Some freight forwarders may have incomplete import qualifications, such as lacking import permits for specific products. This also needs attention when choosing, to avoid delays later.
Freight forwarder import qualifications are very important. If they lack qualifications, they may be flustered when handling import procedures, potentially costing you extra money.
Large freight forwarders generally have import qualifications, while smaller ones vary. It's best to conduct on-site inspections when choosing to understand their real situation.
Freight forwarders without import qualifications may subcontract import business to those with qualifications. This increases intermediaries and the likelihood of problems, so choose cautiously.