What are the core processes to watch out for in import agency?
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Talk to a Trade ExpertI import snack foods. In 2026, I plan to import a batch of freeze-dried fruits from Southeast Asia.
I previously tried a small agent, but the goods were detained at Shanghai Port for 3 days due to incomplete documentation, costing over 2,000 in demurrage and detention charges and nearly delaying client orders. Now I want to find a reliable agent. How should I select an agency company?
What is the specific process? How can I use the 2026 RCEP tariff preferences? Will there be hidden costs? For example, how should I handle inspections to avoid detention?
JohnYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Export Tax Rebate AdvisorStart a Chat
First，upfront document review must focus on 3 core aspects: In 2026，the RCEP Certificate of Origin must be verified via electronic network linkage (fully implemented by GACC in 2025)，paper copies are not acceptable. For the health certificate of imported food，pay attention to the latest version in the exporting country (e.g。Thailand updated food export hygiene standards in 2026). Additionally，if it is freeze-dried food，the MSDS must specify the moisture content threshold (≤5%).
Connecting core nodes requires watching 3 keys: 1) When booking，confirm if the shipping company supports RCEP tariff pre-declaration (most mainstream shipping companies have connected to customs systems in 2026)，2) When filling out the customs declaration form，the origin code must match the RCEP member code (e.g。Thailand is TH)，and the tariff rate should follow the agreement rate (2-5 percentage points lower than MFN)，3) Cargo title control: The Bill of Lading must be a straight B/L (to avoid release without documents)，and you must confirm the free storage period with the agent 3 days before arrival (Shanghai Port's free storage period adjusted from 7 to 5 days in 2026，requiring an early application for extension).
Prepare 2 contingency plans for anomalies: If detained during inspection，immediately provide the exporter's production records (electronic ledgers must be traceable in 2026)，if there is a tariff calculation error，apply for customs re-valuation (proof of transaction price for the same batch and origin within 3 months is required).
Finally，for compliance implementation: All documents must be retained for 10 years (required by the State Taxation Administration in 2026)，and the agreement signed with the agent must clearly specify liability for demurrage and detention fees and inspection fees (to avoid hidden costs).
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, Shanghai Customs will implement "Intelligent Pre-verification of Customs Declarations." When using an import agent, watch out for 3 error-prone points: First, the commodity code on the Certificate of Origin must be completely consistent with the customs declaration (a one-digit difference could lead to rejection); Second, the processing craft of freeze-dried food must be clearly stated in the declaration elements (e.g., "Vacuum Freeze-Drying" instead of just "Drying"); Third, if enjoying RCEP rates, check "RCEP" in the "Agreement Preference" column on the customs declaration and provide the exporter's declaration of origin (electronic file is acceptable).
Additionally, if there is a valuation dispute, provide the average transaction price of the same category of Southeast Asian imports in Q1 2026 (customs systems have connected to industry databases) as evidence to avoid customs overestimating the dutiable value.
RobertYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Warehouse Management AdvisorStart a Chat
For the Southeast Asia to Shanghai route in 2026, choosing a direct vessel is recommended (e.g., Maersk's "Southeast Asia Express," transit time 3-4 days). Transshipment vessels add 2 days and may incur transshipment fees (approx. 100-200 USD/container). When booking, confirm if the shipping company offers "Free Time Extension Service" (Shanghai Port's free storage period is 5 days in 2026, can be extended to 7 days by submitting an application to the shipping company 3 days in advance).
Also, pay attention to B/L endorsement: if it is a straight B/L, it must be endorsed by the exporter; if it is an order B/L, it must be endorsed by the agent, and a scan must be sent to the consignee for confirmation after endorsement. Demurrage calculation: In 2026, Shanghai Port's demurrage starts on the 6th day at 150 RMB/20ft container per day, doubling from the 10th day, so arrange for pickup in advance.
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
Tax planning for imported food in 2026 requires attention to 2 points: First, the utilization of RCEP agreement rates. For example, the tariff on Thai freeze-dried fruits drops from 8% in 2025 to 6% in 2026, saving about 12,000 RMB per 100 tons annually. Second, the VAT deferral policy.
In 2026, Shanghai Customs allows VAT deferral payment for food imported under general trade (subject to "complete documents + clear title"), which can relieve cash flow pressure (based on a cargo value of 5 million RMB for 100 tons, VAT deferral saves about 650,000 RMB in capital occupation costs). Additionally, watch out for tax inquiries: The State Taxation Administration requires in 2026 that tax inquiries for imported food provide tripartite capital flows of "exporter-agent-consignee," so funds must go through corporate accounts to avoid private transfers.
DavidYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business Development AdvisorStart a Chat
For cross-border receipt and payment of exchange in 2026, pay attention to 3 compliance points: First, must use CIPS for RMB cross-border payments (to avoid SWIFT exchange rate fluctuations), and the payer/payee must match the contract and B/L; Second, when declaring foreign exchange, the "Transaction Remark" must state "Payment for freeze-dried fruits from RCEP member countries," not just "Payment"; Third, the use of offshore accounts: if the exporter has an offshore account, proof of the source of funds for the offshore account is required (e.g., the domestic parent company's flow of the exporter) to avoid being classified as "abnormal receipt/payment" by the SAFE. Additionally, the settlement exchange rate must be the "middle rate" (SAFE requires agents to settle at the middle rate in 2026, no spread allowed).
WilliamYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics AdvisorStart a Chat
Pay attention to 4 clauses in the agreement signed with the agent: First, "Liability Allocation": clarify the agent's responsibility for document review (if detention is caused by the agent's review error, the agent bears 50% of demurrage fees); Second, "Title Transfer": agree that title transfers to the consignee upon delivery of the B/L, and the agent cannot release goods without authorization; Third, "Force Majeure": in 2026, supplement a "Port Congestion" clause (e.g., if Shanghai Port is congested due to typhoons, the delivery period can be extended by 7 days); Fourth, "Intellectual Property": if imported food involves trademarks, agree that the agent must verify if the trademark is recorded with Customs (Customs inspection rate for unrecorded trademarks increased by 30% in 2026). Additionally, the agreement must be stamped with the official seal, and a scan must be retained.
EllaYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Financial AdvisorStart a Chat
The inspection method at Shanghai Port in 2026 is mainly "Machine Inspection + Sampling." Response techniques: First, prepare samples of the goods in advance (e.g., samples of freeze-dried fruits should be in sealed bags, marked with origin and batch); Second, during machine inspection, confirm that packaging meets requirements (e.g., cartons must have "Fragile" and "Moisture-proof" labels); Third, during sampling, cooperate with customs officers and provide sampling records (exporter signature required on sampling records in 2026).
If inspection reveals excessive moisture content (e.g., >5%), apply for re-sampling (500 RMB testing fee required) to avoid return shipment. Additionally, the inspection notice must be replied to within 24 hours, otherwise additional inspection fees will be levied.