Full Process Analysis of Agency Import Settlement: Practical Guide from Customs Valuation to Foreign Exchange Compliance

Customs Valuation: Accurate Declaration is the Core of Risk Avoidance

The first step of agency import settlement is often stuck in the customs valuation link.In 2026,customs inspection of transaction prices becomes stricter,especially for related party transactions and low declaration cases.Last year,I handled the machinery import project of Ms.Ding,the invoice price provided by her supplier was 15% lower than that of similar products,and the customs directly launched the valuation procedure.Later,we assisted her in supplementing the original factory procurement contract,freight details and third-party price evaluation report,and she finally passed the inspection,avoiding tax repayment and delays.

The core basis of customs valuation is the transaction value method.Enterprises need to ensure that the declared price covers all relevant costs: commodity price,freight,insurance premium,royalty fee and so on.Among the new valuation rules issued in 2026,clearer requirements are put forward for parcel settlement of cross-border e-commerce imports.Enterprises should include platform service fees,storage fees and other related costs into the declaration scope.

Commodity Inspection Pre-check: Early Screening Reduces Inspection Rate

Commodity inspection pre-check is an easily overlooked link in agency import settlement,but it directly affects customs clearance efficiency.For general cargo import,it is necessary to check in advance whether packaging labels meet GB Standards,and for chemical products,it is required to confirm complete MSDS information.The chemical raw material import project of Supervisor Ren was detained for 3 days in commodity inspection due to missing component proportion data in the MSDS,resulting in nearly RMB 10,000 of demurrage charges.Later,we helped him reorganize the MSDS conforming to Chinese standards and submitted it for pre-check in advance,and the subsequent customs clearance time was shortened to 1 day.

In 2026,the environmental protection requirements for imported products in commodity inspection are further improved,especially for electronic and electrical products,which need to provide RoHS 2.0 certification.Before carrying out agency import settlement,enterprises should require suppliers to provide relevant documents in advance,to avoid settlement delays caused by incomplete documents.

Animal and Plant Quarantine: Access Threshold for Special Categories

Quarantine permits are required for the import of animal and plant products,which is a precondition for agency import settlement.In 2026,the quarantine standards for fruits imported from Southeast Asia have been adjusted,adding testing requirements for Drosophila larvae.Last year,we handled a batch of Thai durian import.Since the quarantine permit was not processed in advance,the goods could not be cleared after arriving at the port and had to be returned,causing considerable losses.

Enterprises should note that the processing cycle of animal and plant quarantine permits is usually 10-15 working days,and the application should be completed before the goods are shipped.In addition,imported meat products also need to provide official quarantine certificates issued by the exporting country,and the content of the certificates must be consistent with the actual goods.

Import License Processing: Time Control of Pre-approval

Import licenses are required for the import of mechanical and electrical products,automobiles and other categories,which is a key link in agency import settlement.In 2026,the processing procedure for mechanical and electrical product licenses has been optimized,but it is still necessary to prepare technical parameters,usage instructions and other materials in advance.The CNC machine tool import project of Manager He was detained at the port for 10 days after the goods arrived because the license was not processed in advance,resulting in a total of RMB 50,000 in demurrage and storage fees.

Enterprises should start the license application immediately after signing the procurement contract,to avoid affecting settlement due to approval delays.Zhongshitong’s national port linkage capability can assist enterprises to process licenses simultaneously at multiple ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen,shortening the approval time.

Common Risks and Solutions for Agency Import Settlement

Key Operation Steps for Agency Import Settlement

• Sign agency agreement: clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties,including settlement method,cost bearing and risk division
• Pre-check documents: verify the integrity and compliance of invoices,packing lists,certificates of origin and other documents
• Lock the exchange rate: select appropriate settlement currency and tools according to the foreign exchange market situation
• Cooperate with customs valuation: provide true and valid price certification materials,such as procurement contracts and freight details
• Settle in time: after customs clearance of goods,complete foreign exchange payment and expense settlement according to the agreement

2026 Compliance Reminders for Agency Import Settlement

In 2026,anti-dumping duties imposed by Europe and the United States on some Chinese products are still in effect.Enterprises should check the tax rate of target products in advance,to avoid cost overruns caused by high tax rates.In addition,during the year-end peak inspection period at Shanghai Port (November to December),enterprises should arrange cargo shipment in advance to avoid congested periods.

As a professional foreign trade agency in Shanghai,Zhongshitong has cross-regional declaration capability at national ports and a global agency network,which can assist enterprises in solving cross-regional trade problems.Our risk control system can predict customs valuation and inspection risks in advance,helping enterprises realize safe and efficient agency import settlement.