What practical trade pain points can an import and export agency solve for enterprises?

Core Value of Import and Export Agencies: Solving Real Pain Points for Enterprises

Many enterprises want to engage in import and export,but self-operation often gets stuck in links such as customs declaration,tax rebates,and logistics.I once encountered an electronics factory in Shenzhen that exported to Germany for the first time in 2026.Due to incorrect HS code classification,it was detained at Hamburg Port for 3 days,resulting in demurrage fees and delayed delivery.Later,when they approached our agency,subsequent risks were avoided.

1.Destination Port Customs Clearance: Pre-certification to Reduce Delays

In 2026,destination port customs clearance requirements worldwide are getting stricter.For example,the EU’s new CSDR regulation requires submitting complete documents 72 hours before the goods arrive at the port.Self-operated enterprises often fail to submit "goods traceability certificates".The agency can connect with the destination port agent in advance and complete the following 3 tasks:

• Verify required certifications for the destination port: For example,exporting to the Middle East requires a CO (General Certificate of Origin) + consular certification.The agency prepares these in advance to avoid delaying customs clearance upon arrival.
• Anticipate inspection risks: For example,for food exports to the US,the agency confirms the validity of FDA registration in advance to avoid being detained during inspection.
• Coordinate document exchange time: Under FOB terms,self-operated enterprises often incur container detention fees due to delayed bill of lading exchange.The agency connects with the shipping company to exchange documents in advance,saving $100-200 per day.

2.Anti-dumping Early Warning: Avoid Additional Tariff Losses

In 2026,tariffs between RCEP member countries have been reduced,but the EU and US still impose anti-dumping duties on some Chinese products,such as photovoltaic modules and bicycles.I once encountered a bicycle factory in Zhejiang that exported to Canada via self-operation in 2025.Due to unawareness that the anti-dumping duty had been increased to 25%,they overpaid $100,000 in tariffs.Later,when they approached our agency,they received an early warning in advance and adjusted product models to avoid anti-dumping duties.

3.Export Tax Rebate Optimization: Shorten Receipt Cycle

In 2026,the export tax rebate declaration deadline is 470 days after the goods are exported.However,many self-operated enterprises have their tax rebates rejected or delayed due to errors in declaration elements (such as brand and model inconsistent with actual goods).The advantages of the agency are:

• Accurate declaration elements: For example,exporting cosmetics requires providing elements such as "ingredient content,country of origin".The agency checks these in advance to avoid declaration errors.
• Connect with tax systems: Shanghai-based agents can directly connect with the E-Tax Bureau of the State Taxation Administration.The funds arrive within 30 days after submitting documents (self-operated enterprises often take 60-90 days).
• Handle special circumstances: For example,for goods exported to RCEP member countries,the agency can apply for the "Immediate Collection and Refund" pilot,reducing the tax rebate receipt period to 15 days for some enterprises.

4.Receipt Security Guarantee: Avoid Exchange Losses and Bad Debts

In 2026,the RMB exchange rate fluctuated significantly.Self-operated enterprises often incur exchange losses due to delayed receipt.The agency’s receipt services include:

• Exchange rate locking: For example,when enterprises export to Southeast Asia,the agency can lock the exchange rate in advance to avoid losses from exchange rate drops (Example: An enterprise exports $100,000,locks the rate at 6.2,and receives payment at 6.1,saving RMB 10,000).
• Bad debt risk control: The agency cooperates with international factoring companies and provides bad debt guarantees for new clients to avoid payment delays (Example: In 2026,a clothing enterprise exported to Italy.After the agency’s guarantee,the client delayed payment of €300,000,and the factoring company compensated 90%).
• Compliant receipt: The agency ensures that the received amount matches the customs declaration form,avoiding foreign exchange control issues caused by "discrepancy between the payment slip and declaration".

5.National Port Linkage: Break Geographical Restrictions

Zhongshitong,as an agency based in Shanghai,can achieve cross-port declaration nationwide.For example,if an enterprise is based in Guangzhou and exports goods from Shenzhen,the agency can declare the customs declaration form in Shanghai without requiring the enterprise to send staff to Shenzhen.Or if goods are exported from Tianjin Port,the agency can coordinate with Tianjin customs brokers to achieve "one signature nationwide service".

Conclusion: An import and export agency is not a "middleman",but a partner that helps enterprises solve problems such as "unfamiliar with rules,lack of time and energy,and fear of risks".Many small and medium-sized enterprises I have worked with saw an average 20% increase in export volume after using the agency.This is because they no longer need to handle trivial matters like customs declaration and tax rebates,and can focus on product R&D and market expansion.