Four Key Compliance Practice Points for Agency Import and Export Business

Four Core Links to Control in Agency Import and Export Business

In 2026,global trade compliance requirements continue to upgrade.From the latest revision of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to the electronic upgrade of certificates of origin for RCEP member states,every link in agency import and export business directly affects enterprises’ trade costs and compliance risks.Combining first-hand practical experience at Shanghai Port,the following are four key modules that must be focused on:

1.Pre-Audit of the Entire Process of Destination Port Certification

Destination port certification requirements vary greatly among different countries.For example,in 2026,the EU requires all imported mechanical and electrical products to provide the latest version of CE certification (CE 2023/1230),while some Southeast Asian countries require locally registered import licenses for food products.We once encountered a Suzhou machinery enterprise that entrusted agency export to Germany.Due to failing to confirm the dangerous goods storage requirements at German ports in advance,the goods were detained at the port for 7 days,resulting in demurrage fees of nearly 20,000 euros.

• Confirm the certification list of the destination country’s customs 30 days in advance,including mandatory certifications and the format of the certificate of origin (RCEP member states need to submit the electronic version of FORM R certificate of origin)
• Verify the special operation requirements of the destination port,such as storage areas for dangerous goods and lifting qualifications for oversized cargo
• Coordinate with local cooperative agents to pre-book customs clearance time slots and avoid port congestion during local holidays (such as German Christmas week and Middle Eastern Ramadan)

2.Real-Time Early Warning of Anti-Dumping and Trade Barriers

In 2026,the U.S.anti-dumping duty rate on Chinese photovoltaic products has been updated to 23.7%-35.2%,while India’s temporary safeguard measures on steel products are still in effect.Agency import and export business should establish a real-time trade barrier monitoring system.Our team updates the latest trade remedy measures of WTO member states daily.For example,when the EU launched an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese electric bicycles in March this year,we notified cooperative bicycle enterprises 7 days in advance to adjust their shipping plans.

For high-risk categories,the following actions need to be taken in advance:

• Verify the accuracy of precise HS code classification to avoid misjudgment of tax rates due to coding errors
• If transshipment via a third country is involved,confirm whether the origin rules of the transshipment country meet the requirements of the destination country
• Prepare price evidence materials of surrogate countries to cope with the temporary imposition of anti-dumping duties

3.Compliance Optimization of the Entire Export Tax Rebate Chain

In 2026,the tax authorities have further strengthened the audit of export tax rebates,especially for enterprises that declare customs in other locations or apply for large-value tax rebates,which will be subject to targeted inspection.We once helped a Shanghai foreign trade enterprise optimize its tax rebate process.By collecting electronic information of customs declarations and special VAT invoices in advance,the tax rebate cycle was shortened from the original 15 days to 7 days,while avoiding delayed tax rebates caused by inconsistent documents.

The key points of tax rebate compliance that should be paid attention to in agency import and export business include:

• Ensure that the declaration elements of the customs declaration are completely consistent with the goods name and quantity on the VAT invoice
• For enterprises entrusting agency export,confirm whether the agent has complete tax rebate qualifications
• Utilize the preferential policy of RCEP certificates of origin to increase the tax rebate rate from 9% to 13% (for some mechanical and electrical products)

4.Full-Process Risk Control for Foreign Exchange Collection Security

In 2026,global exchange rate fluctuations have intensified.For example,the fluctuation range of the US dollar against the RMB has reached 5%-7%,and some countries have foreign exchange control risks.We once encountered a Guangdong furniture enterprise that entrusted agency export to Brazil.Due to failing to confirm Brazil’s foreign exchange control policy in advance,the enterprise could not collect foreign exchange on time after the goods arrived at the port,delaying domestic payment for goods.

The foreign exchange collection guarantee measures that should be taken in agency import and export business include:

• Priority should be given to settlement methods such as Letter of Credit (L/C) or Factoring to avoid the risks of T/T
• Lock in the exchange rate in advance and use forward foreign exchange settlement and sale tools to reduce exchange losses
• Verify the buyer’s credit qualifications and obtain the buyer’s credit report through international credit rating agencies (such as Dun & Bradstreet)

Finally,agency import and export business should establish a full-process supply chain traceability system.From the factory to delivery at the destination port,every link should have clear document records to ensure that a complete evidence chain can be provided during customs inspection or trade disputes.As a professional agency at Shanghai Port,Zhongshitong can provide remote declaration services at ports across the country,and at the same time connect with a cooperative agent network in 32 countries around the world to provide enterprises with full-link trade compliance solutions.