Doubtful about the trade format, asking if trade between Macao and the mainland counts as re-export trade. The best answer states that the mainland and Macao both belong to China, and under normal circumstances, trade between them is not re-export trade. Re-export trade requires goods to be transshipped in a third country or region, and this location is neither the place of production nor final consumption. Most trade between Macao and the mainland is regional cooperation and does not meet the definition of re-export trade.
Is the export process for international freight forwarders complicated? How exactly should it be done?
Resolved
I recently want to start an international freight forwarder export business, but I have no prior experience and I don't understand the whole process at all. I want to know how international freight forwarders export specifically? What documents do I need to prepare, what are the key steps, and are there any special points to pay attention to during the operation? I hope experienced friends can explain in detail, thank you very much.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Olivia LiuYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange Risk ManagerStart a Chat
The export process for international freight forwarders generally includes the following steps. First is accepting the commission, where the cargo owner provides the freight forwarder with cargo information, transportation requirements, etc., and the freight forwarder arranges subsequent matters based on this. Then the freight forwarder needs to book space, booking space with shipping companies or airlines, and obtaining space confirmation. Next, arrange for cargo to be put into storage or picked up from the door, and prepare customs declaration documents, including packing lists, invoices, contracts, customs declaration power of attorney, etc., and declare to the customs. After the goods are released, they are loaded onto ships or planes. After that, the freight forwarder needs to track the transportation status of the goods and provide timely feedback to the cargo owner. After the goods arrive at the port of destination, assist the consignee in customs clearance and pickup. Regarding documents, the basic ones are the packing lists and invoices mentioned earlier. The key points are to control the timing of each link to avoid delays in ship or flight schedules, and to ensure that the customs declaration information is accurate and error-free.
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
Cargo packaging is very important. Choose appropriate packaging according to the characteristics of the goods to avoid damage during transportation. In addition, understand the special regulations of the destination port, such as some ports requiring fumigation for wooden packaging.
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
Maintain good communication with shipping companies or airlines, and be able to be informed and adjust in a timely manner if there are changes in transportation. Also, the purchase of insurance can be decided based on the value of the goods and transportation risks, thereby reducing the risk of loss.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Pay attention to the differences between different transportation methods. The details of sea and air freight processes are different, for example, air freight has stricter limitations on cargo size and weight.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
The freight forwarder should confirm the fee details with the cargo owner in advance to avoid disputes later. Fees such as sea freight and customs declaration fees should be clearly stated.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
For the export of dangerous goods, operations must be strictly in accordance with relevant regulations, providing accurate dangerous goods information and appropriate packaging, and handling dangerous goods packaging certificates, etc.
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat
Carefully check transportation documents such as bills of lading to ensure the accuracy of consignee information and cargo descriptions, otherwise it will affect the pickup of goods.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
Familiarize yourself with trade terms. The division of responsibilities differs under different terms. For example, under the FOB term, the freight forwarder is mainly responsible for export customs declaration and transportation arrangements to the ship at the port of loading.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Understand the customs clearance requirements at the destination port. For example, EU countries have strict regulations on product certification. Prepare relevant documents in advance to facilitate smooth customs clearance for the consignee.