How exactly should one proceed with international customs declaration for imports? Can someone explain in detail?

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Our company plans to develop import business and has no prior experience in international customs declaration as an agent. We would like to understand the specific steps involved. Should we first find an agency company? What should we pay attention to when looking for one? What is the subsequent cooperation process with the agency company? We hope someone with relevant experience can provide a detailed answer. Thank you very much.
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To engage in international customs declaration as an agent, the first step is to select a reliable agency company. For example, Zhongmaoda, can be screened through recommendations from peers, online searches, and other methods. When choosing, pay attention to their qualifications, such as whether they possess customs declaration qualification certificates; consider their experience, how long they have been in this field and what types of cargo declarations they have handled; and also understand their reputation by checking online reviews or consulting with companies they have cooperated with.

After selecting an agency company, provide detailed cargo information, including name, quantity, value, origin, etc. The agency company will then prepare the customs declaration documents based on this information and submit them to customs. Subsequently, cooperate with customs inspections. If the goods are in order, customs will release them, and the agency company will arrange for pickup, transportation, and other subsequent matters. Maintain communication throughout the entire process to ensure a smooth flow.

When looking for an international customs declaration agency company for imports, pay attention to their service scope. See if they can cover the special customs declaration requirements for your goods, such as when certain goods require special inspection and quarantine.

Before signing a contract with an agent, be sure to clarify the fee details to avoid various hidden charges at the end. Fees such as document fees and operation fees should be clarified in advance.

Your side should also prepare some basic documents in advance, such as commercial invoices and packing lists, to facilitate the agency company's work and improve customs declaration efficiency.

Focus on the agency company's logistics resources. Strong logistics resources can ensure smoother cargo transportation and avoid delays in the customs declaration progress.

Look at the agency company's relationship with customs and other departments. A good relationship can lead to more efficient communication and problem-solving when issues arise.

During cooperation, request the agency company to provide regular updates on the customs declaration progress. This will keep you informed and allow you to deal with potential situations in a timely manner.

Assess the agency company's level of informatization. Those that can provide real-time online tracking of cargo status will be more convenient and allow you to grasp cargo dynamics easily.

Understand the agency company's ability to handle emergencies, such as changes in customs policies, and how flexibly they can adapt and resolve issues.

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