Intending to find an import and export agent to handle the company’s import and export business, I want to know if the taxes will be high through their operations and what factors influence them. The best answer points out that the amount of tax paid by import and export agents varies depending on factors such as commodity types, trade methods, and cargo value. Professional agents like Zhongmaoda will reasonably utilize policies to save taxes, so it is not necessarily that more taxes will be paid.
How to Specifically Handle Export Agency for Foreign Trade, Any Experienced Friends to Share Their Insights?
Resolved
Our company plans to engage in foreign trade business but lacks relevant experience and wishes to find an export agent for assistance. Could you please explain in detail how to proceed with an export agency for foreign trade? From preliminary preparations to subsequent operational procedures, are there any detailed steps and precautions? We hope experienced friends can share their insights. Thank you very much!
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
Export agency for foreign trade generally operates according to the following steps. Firstly, select a reliable agent company, such as Zhongmaoda, and assess its qualifications, reputation, and service capabilities. Secondly, sign a detailed contract with the agent company, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties, fees, etc. Afterward, prepare relevant documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declaration forms, etc. Once the goods are ready, the agent will arrange transportation, which can be by sea, air, or other methods depending on the characteristics of the goods and customer requirements. Concurrently with transportation, the agent is responsible for customs declaration and inspection to ensure the legal and compliant export of goods. After the goods depart, timely preparation of settlement documents for payment collection, such as bills of lading, bills of exchange, etc. It is important to maintain close communication with the agent, provide accurate information promptly, and ensure the smooth progress of the process. Additionally, understand the policy and regulatory changes in the destination country to avoid affecting customs clearance of goods.
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
In the early stages, clarify the fee settlement method with the agent, whether it is per order or a percentage of the cargo value, to avoid disputes later. Also, timely communication is crucial; whether it's changes in cargo information or customer requirements, inform the agent immediately.
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat
When choosing an agent, observe their ability to handle emergencies, such as customs inspections or shipping delays, and how they respond. This is very important. The packaging of the goods must also meet transportation requirements to avoid damage during transit.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
In export agency operations, data accuracy is crucial. The data on the documents must match the actual situation of the goods; otherwise, it will cause significant trouble during customs declaration. At the same time, pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations and discuss coping strategies with the agent in advance to reduce foreign exchange losses.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
Note whether the agent company has cooperative freight forwarders or customs brokers at the destination port, as this affects the efficiency of customs clearance and delivery of goods upon arrival at the destination port. Additionally, understand the agent company's after-sales service and whether they can resolve issues promptly.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Communicate the document handover times with the agent, such as when to provide customs declaration materials to them, to ensure smooth customs declaration. Also, plan the transportation time in advance to avoid port congestion periods.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
For products that require special certifications, confirm the certification application process with the agent in advance, such as CE certification for the European Union, to avoid discovering that the certification has not been obtained when the goods are about to be exported.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Understand the agent company's risk-bearing mechanism. If goods are damaged during transportation, the division of responsibilities and handling of compensation must be clarified in advance.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
During the operation, periodically review the fee details to avoid unreasonable charges. At the same time, request the agent to provide logistics information tracking services to monitor the cargo status in real time.