Planning to start an import business but unfamiliar with the process, want to understand what import agency companies do and whether they can save time and effort. The main tasks of an import agency company include assisting with market research, handling customs clearance, arranging transportation, and assisting with foreign exchange settlement. They can utilize professional knowledge and resources to ensure a smooth import process, save clients time and energy, and facilitate the development of import businesses.

Trade Experts Q&A
Consult with Our Trade Experts
Quick, reliable advice for all your trade needs, from sourcing to shipping.
You May Also Like
Is it easy to find suitable business opportunities when starting as an import agent for the first time?
Previously engaged in domestic trade, wanting to try import agency, unsure if it's easy to find business when doing import agency for the first time, worried about difficulties due to lack of experience. The best answer states that although there are difficulties, it is feasible. It is important to learn import knowledge as soon as possible, start by familiarizing yourself with the industry, leverage personal connections for promotion, ensure service quality to build reputation, and create a professional image to showcase strength.
How long does it generally take to start import and export agency business in Jiangyin?
The company is located in Jiangyin and wants to know the time required from preparation to officially starting import and export agency business. The best answer states that for a newly registered company to start business, it involves multiple processes such as name approval and business license application, which can take about 2-3 weeks if smooth; entrusting a mature agency like Zhongmaoda, with complete documents, can start in as little as 1-2 days, or within a week, depending on document preparation and qualification processing.
How long does it generally take for customs clearance of imported products by an agent? Come and find out~
Want to know the time required for agency customs clearance when importing ordinary daily necessities in small quantities via sea freight, and are worried about factors affecting the extension of time. The best answer states that under normal circumstances, Zhongmaoda's agency customs clearance takes about 3-7 working days, and factors such as document preparation, customs inspection, and port congestion can affect the clearance duration.
How long does it generally take for import and export agency services in Wuxi?
The company has import and export business in Wuxi and wants to know the time required to complete the process with an import and export agent, worrying about affecting cargo delivery. The best answer states that if the documents are complete and the process is smooth, it takes about 7-15 working days from signing the contract to cargo delivery. The time for each stage, such as signing the contract, preparing customs declaration documents, customs declaration, customs clearance, and transportation delivery, varies depending on the situation. Zhongmaoda can optimize the process to ensure on-time delivery.
How to handle entrusted agency export foreign exchange collection? What should be paid attention to?
The company plans to entrust an agency for export of products and is unclear about the foreign exchange collection process and is worried about financial risks. They are asking about how to collect foreign exchange through entrusted agency export and what precautions to take. The best answer points out that common methods of foreign exchange collection include foreign buyers remitting to the agency company's account, and the agency settling with the entrusted company after deducting fees; or foreign buyers directly remitting to the entrusted company's account, with the agency assisting in handling the procedures. It also mentions the importance of signing agreements and paying attention to exchange rates.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
The time for granite agency import customs clearance is usually affected by multiple factors. Generally speaking, under normal circumstances, it takes about 7 to 15 days.
Firstly, in the document preparation stage, if the documents are complete and accurate, it can be completed in 1-2 days. If there are errors or omissions in the documents, it may be delayed by 3-5 days.
Secondly, in the declaration stage, if the customs review is smooth, it can be completed in 1-3 days. If inspection is encountered, the time will be extended, and generally, inspection takes 2-5 days.
Furthermore, in the tax payment stage, timely payment of taxes and fees does not affect customs clearance progress. If there are tax disputes, the processing time is uncertain.
In addition, different ports and the volume of goods also have a certain impact on customs clearance time. Choosing a professional agency company like Zhongmaoda can optimize the process as much as possible and shorten the customs clearance time.
If the port is not congested and the documents are complete, it can be done in about a week. But if the port is busy and there are some issues with the documents, the time is hard to say.
I imported granite before, and customs clearance took about 10 days. It mainly took some time for document preparation, and the subsequent process was relatively smooth.
Encountering an inspection will delay a lot of time, and sometimes rectification is required after inspection, so the customs clearance time may take 15 days or more.
If the agency company chosen is experienced and familiar with the process, it can be faster, probably around 8-10 days.
I think it mainly depends on the efficiency of the customs. If the review is fast, the overall customs clearance will also be fast, about 7-9 days.
If the cargo volume is large, customs clearance will be slower. If it is small, it can be completed in about 7-10 days under normal circumstances.
Good communication in the early stage, sufficient preparation of documents, and no delay in stages such as customs declaration and tax payment can complete customs clearance in about 10 days.
Sometimes it also depends on luck. If no inspection or other special circumstances are encountered, customs clearance can be completed within 10 days.