Can agency import be operated in the same way as self-operated import?

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My company recently has import business. Previously, it has always been self-operated import, and we are quite familiar with the procedures. Now we want to try agency import. I want to ask if agency import can be operated in the same way as self-operated import? What are the differences between the two in terms of operational procedures, responsibilities and obligations, financial handling, etc.? I hope experienced friends can explain it to me so I can have a clear understanding. Thank you.
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Anthony Luo
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat

Agency import and self-operated import cannot be operated in exactly the same way. Regarding operational procedures, self-operated import is entirely led by the enterprise itself, from sourcing suppliers and signing contracts to customs declaration and clearance. However, in agency import, the agent primarily handles related matters entrusted by the principal party; for example, the principal party is responsible for selecting suppliers, while the agent assists with contract signing, customs clearance procedures, etc.

In terms of responsibilities and obligations, self-operated import enterprises are responsible for the entire import process, including cargo quality, transportation risks, etc. When it comes to agency import, the agent generally only bears responsibility for faults caused by their own errors, while major responsibilities, such as cargo quality, lie with the principal party.

Regarding financial handling, all income and expenses for self-operated import are recorded in the enterprise's own accounts. Agency import, however, is relatively more complex; the agent may be involved in collecting and making payments on behalf of others, handling service fees, and other financial matters. Therefore, agency import cannot be simply operated according to self-operated import methods, and it is necessary to fully understand the differences between the two and handle them cautiously.

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Emma Zhao
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat

Agency import and self-operated import are different. Agency import requires considering the relationship between the principal and the agent, involving more document exchanges and communication and coordination, and thus cannot simply replicate self-operated import procedures.

Michael Zhang
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat

Financially, cost accounting for self-operated import is straightforward. Agency import involves accounting for service fees, etc., so finances cannot be handled as with self-operated import.

Sophia Wang
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0

International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat

Regarding operational procedures, agency import may require waiting for instructions from the principal party, unlike self-operated import which has strong autonomy, so it certainly cannot be operated like self-operated import.

Linda Guo
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat

Responsibilities and obligations are different. Agency import requires clarifying the responsibilities of both parties, unlike self-operated import where the enterprise bears all responsibility, thus it cannot be handled like self-operated import.

Robert Tan
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

Agency import must be conducted according to the agency contract, which differs from the flexibility of self-operated import, so self-operated import methods cannot be used.

David Chen
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

During customs declaration, agency import requires submitting additional documents such as an agency agreement, which is different from self-operated import, thus the operations are different.

Daniel Kim
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0

Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat

Regarding the transfer of cargo ownership, self-operated import enterprises directly acquire ownership. Agency import has specific regulations, so it cannot be handled like self-operated import.

Thomas Li
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0

Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat

From a tax perspective, the tax handling involved in agency import differs from that of self-operated import, leading to different operational methods.

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