Before Connecting with an Import Agency Company, Master Core Compliance Links Such as Customs Valuation and Commodity Inspection First

I have been engaged in import operations at Shanghai Port for 20 years.Two years ago,I met Mr.Gu,who imported a batch of second-hand CNC machining centers from Germany.To cut costs,he chose a small agency whose quotation was half lower than the market price.After the goods arrived at Yangshan Port,they were detained by the customs valuation department due to incorrect HS code classification and under-declared price.He finally paid an additional 120,000 CNY in customs duties,plus 14 days of port demurrage fees,with total extra cost reaching 180,000 CNY.He originally wanted to save agency fees,but ended up losing over 100,000 CNY.

Many domestic procurement managers only pay attention to quotation levels when choosing an agency for their first import,ignoring core capabilities,and quite a number of them end up falling into traps.The customs supervision system was upgraded in 2026,with big data valuation and control models three times more accurate than those three years ago.Any minor compliance flaw will be detected by the system.When choosing an import agency company,the core is to assess its control capability over four key links.

Customs Valuation: Core Is Accurate Classification and Price Authenticity

Customs valuation is the link where problems occur most frequently in the import process.Many agencies intentionally under-declare transaction prices or incorrectly classify goods into HS codes with lower tariffs to grab orders,which seems to save money for customers,but actually leaves all risks to customers.In 2026,customs has realized export data networking with major global trading countries.The declaration requirements for freight and insurance premiums under different transaction terms such as EXW and FOB are strictly regulated,and under-declaration of more than 10% will trigger system early warning.

When we handle operations,we will check suppliers’ export customs declaration records in advance,compare the price range of similar domestic products,and confirm that the declared price meets customs requirements.We will never conduct illegal under-declaration to grab orders.For products from countries subject to anti-dumping duties,we will verify the authenticity of the certificate of origin in advance to avoid being charged high anti-dumping duties.

Commodity Inspection Pre-check and Animal and Plant Quarantine: Block Risks Before Shipment

Commodity Inspection Pre-check

No matter what category of imported goods,commodity inspection pre-check is a mandatory step.For chemical products,hazard classification and identification shall be carried out in advance to confirm that MSDS information meets national standard requirements.For cosmetics,consignee filing and label pre-check shall be completed in advance.For used equipment,pre-shipment inspection shall be arranged in advance.If these steps are carried out after the goods arrive at the port,high port demurrage fees will almost always be incurred.

Animal and Plant Quarantine

For imported goods with wooden packaging,or products such as agricultural products and timber,it is necessary to confirm in advance whether the wooden packaging has IPPC marks and whether it carries pests and diseases.Many small agencies do not conduct advance checks,and only find unqualified packaging after the goods arrive at the port,which requires fumigation or direct return,leading to huge losses.For agricultural products imported from RCEP member countries,we will check the duty-free code on the certificate of origin in advance to help customers save corresponding customs duties.

Import License Handling: Check Access Requirements in Advance

Many categories of imported goods require import licenses,such as key used mechanical and electrical products,endangered species related products,and restricted chemical products.Many customers do not understand access requirements on their own,and the agencies they hire do not conduct advance checks,so they cannot obtain the license after the goods arrive at the port,and finally have to return the goods.The freight and operation fees for return are approximately one third of the goods value.

After receiving an order,we will check the latest customs access directory immediately to confirm whether the product requires an import license.If a license is required,we will prepare materials in advance and complete the license before shipment,so there will be no situation of supplementing the license after the goods arrive at the port.

When selecting an import agency company,the core is to avoid traps in advance.I have summarized three points that must be confirmed:

• Require the agency to issue a detailed list of all fees in advance,clarify the charging standards for document exchange fee,inspection fee and storage fee,to avoid hidden fee traps.Many low-price agencies profit from hidden fees,and the final total cost is more than 30% higher than normal quotations
• Require the agency to conduct document pre-check and HS code classification verification in advance.Full online verification of RCEP certificates of origin was realized in 2026.Inconsistent information between the certificate of origin and the customs declaration form will directly lead to failure to enjoy tariff reduction and exemption,and will also trigger inspection
• Confirm that the agency has linked operation capability at ports nationwide.Our headquarters is located in Shanghai,and we have direct operation teams at all major ports across the country,no need to subcontract to third parties,so we can coordinate and solve problems immediately when they arise

Risk Warning: Nowadays,many unqualified small agencies operate under other companies’ qualifications to take orders,and subcontract orders to local freight forwarders after receiving them.Apart from tiered price increases,they will shirk responsibilities when problems occur,and customers cannot find the responsible person.In addition,many small agencies promise all-inclusive tax and clearance services,which actually adopt grey customs clearance.Once detected by customs,the goods will be confiscated,and the enterprise’s credit rating will also be affected,resulting in irreparable losses.

We have been engaged in the import business for many years,and have always relied on compliance and risk control for operation.No matter what category of imported goods,no matter whether it is Shanghai or other ports,we can operate directly,screen all compliance risks in advance,and avoid risks of additional demurrage fees,fines and goods detention.We have cooperative agency teams in major global trading countries,which can help customers check supplier information in advance,confirm origin,monitor changes in destination tariffs and policies,and control risks before shipment.