Want to understand if freight forwarder agents can export tax refunds and the specific operations. The answer is that freight forwarder agents can export tax refunds, provided that the principal has import and export operating rights and has completed the export tax refund (exemption) filing. During operation, the principal signs an agreement with the freight forwarder, the freight forwarder delivers documents after export, and the principal applies to the competent tax authority with the documents and proof of goods exported by the agent, while paying attention to the accuracy of the documents, obtaining purchase vouchers according to regulations, and grasping the declaration time, etc.
How long is the warranty for freight forwarder’s shipping space for export? Do you know?
Resolved
I recently shipped a batch of export goods and booked the space through a freight forwarder. Now, a situation has arisen during the transportation process involving shipping space issues. I want to ask how long the warranty is for export freight forwarder's shipping space. Is it calculated based on transportation time, or is there a fixed warranty period? If problems occur after the warranty period expires, can I still seek assistance from the freight forwarder? I hope friends who understand can help answer this.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
There is usually no concept of "warranty" for freight forwarder's shipping space for export, unlike goods that have a fixed warranty period. Generally, the freight forwarder's responsibility period begins from the time they receive the goods until they deliver them to the consignee. During this period, the freight forwarder must properly handle matters related to cargo transportation, including shipping space arrangements, as agreed.
If, within this responsibility period, the cargo is damaged or delayed due to errors in the freight forwarder's shipping space arrangements, the freight forwarder should be held responsible. However, if the goods have been delivered to the consignee and there were no anomalies at the time of handover, the freight forwarder is usually not responsible for subsequent issues. Nevertheless, if it involves latent shipping space issues and it can be proven that they are related to the freight forwarder's previous operations, a negotiated solution can be sought with the freight forwarder. For example, if there were errors in the shipping space information that were only discovered later and affected cargo customs clearance, attempts can be made to communicate and resolve the issue.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
I think this depends on the provisions in the contract signed with the freight forwarder. Some contracts specify the time limits for handling shipping space related issues under certain circumstances. Carefully reviewing the contract clauses might provide an answer.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
From what I know, if the cargo is damaged during transit due to unsuitable shipping space, as long as it can be proven to be a shipping space issue, the freight forwarder should be responsible, and it has little to do with time.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
I've heard from freight forwarders before that if the allocation of shipping space is unreasonable and causes cargo backlog, and it's discovered within a short period, the freight forwarder will still handle it. If too much time passes, it becomes difficult.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
Generally, after the cargo is delivered, the freight forwarder is less involved with shipping space related issues, unless it's a serious error that is immediately apparent.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
Actually, it hinges on whether the freight forwarder has fulfilled their duties. If they have been diligent, they will address shipping space issues promptly and not let it reach the point of "warranty."
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
If the shipping space arranged by the freight forwarder has safety hazards, even if discovered after the transportation period, you can still reason with them, as safety issues cannot be ignored.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Sometimes, freight forwarders have ties with shipping companies, so shipping space issues might need to be communicated with the shipping company together, which could lead to a faster resolution.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
I feel it's best to contact the freight forwarder immediately upon discovering any shipping space issues. Don't wait too long, otherwise the freight forwarder might use the passage of time to shirk responsibility.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
You can first look at industry practices. Although there is no mandatory "warranty," according to common practice, freight forwarders are to some extent responsible for subsequent matters related to shipping space.