What Exactly Does an Import Agency Company Do?

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I'm planning to start an import business recently, but I'm not very familiar with the import process. I heard I can find an import agency company to help. I'd like to ask what an import agency company generally does? Can they save me time and effort? I hope those who know can explain in detail, and it would be even better if it could be illustrated with actual cases.
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Import agency companies are primarily responsible for assisting importers in completing a series of procedures for goods import. Firstly, they assist clients with market research, analyzing the market prospects and feasibility of products, such as understanding the demand for imported food in different regions within the country. Secondly, they handle customs clearance matters, being familiar with customs policies and regulations, they can prepare and submit correct documents, such as customs declarations, bills of lading, commercial invoices, etc., to ensure smooth customs clearance, avoiding delays and fines. There was a case where a client's goods were held up due to incomplete documents, and Zhongmaoda helped to complete them, leading to rapid customs clearance. They also help arrange transportation, selecting suitable transportation methods and logistics companies based on cargo characteristics and client needs. Additionally, in terms of foreign exchange settlement, they can assist in handling and mitigating exchange rate risks. In summary, professional import agency companies can make the import process smoother, saving clients a lot of time and energy.

References: Import Agency Too Deep? Guangzhou Veteran Customs Broker Teaches You How to Avoid Pitfalls

Import agency companies help screen suppliers. With their resources and experience, they can find reliable and cost-effective foreign suppliers. At the same time, they also assist clients in negotiating with suppliers to obtain more favorable transaction terms, such as prices and delivery dates.

Import agency companies are also responsible for the inspection and quarantine of goods. They understand the quality, safety, and other standard requirements of the destination country for products in advance, ensuring that the goods comply with relevant regulations and reducing losses due to non-compliance with inspection.

They can provide warehousing services for clients. If goods cannot be picked up promptly after arrival at the port, they can be temporarily stored in warehouses partnered with the agency company, facilitating subsequent arrangements for the client.

In the import contract signing stage, import agency companies review contract terms to avoid potential risks, protect client rights, and prevent troubles caused by contract loopholes.

Some import agency companies can also provide supply chain finance services, such as helping to solve funding issues when clients face difficulties in capital turnover, thereby promoting the smooth development of import business.

Import agency companies track the transportation status of goods and provide real-time feedback to clients, allowing clients to know the location of the goods and estimated arrival time at any time, making it convenient for clients to prepare for reception.

They are responsible for coordinating communication across all links, maintaining good communication with foreign suppliers, transportation companies, customs, inspection and quarantine agencies, etc., ensuring timely and accurate information transmission, and promoting the smooth progress of the import process.

For the import of some special products, import agency companies will be familiar with and handle relevant special permits or certifications, such as the registration certificate required for the import of medical devices.

They also provide import cost calculation services, helping clients accurately calculate various expenses, including the cost of goods, freight, tariffs, value-added tax, etc., so that clients have a clear understanding of import costs.

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