EquipmentImport RepresentationThe Value Proposition of Services

Against the backdrop of global supply chain restructuring in 2025,equipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.The complexity has grown exponentially. According to the latest statistics from the General Administration of Customs, the declaration elements for mechanical and electrical equipment have increased to 38 items, and tariff classification rules are updated quarterly. The role of professional customs brokerage companies has evolved from mere document processing to becoming solution providers for technical trade measures.

Five Core Selection Criteria

Criterion 1: Special Qualification Certification System

• Priority for AEO advanced - certified enterprises (customs clearance efficiency increased by 40%)
• Specific Commodity Pre-Classification Qualification (Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Requires HS Pre-Review Rights)
• Local Taxpayer Management Qualification (Can Handle Duty Reduction Applications)

Criterion 2: Service Coverage Dimensions

• Key Service Nodes:
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Tariff Optimization (Using RCEP Rules for Duty Reduction)
  • Technical Document Conversion (Localization of CE/FCC Certifications)
  • Port Detention Crisis Handling (48-Hour Rapid Response Mechanism)

Criterion 3: Customs Clearance Time Commitment

• Routine Declaration ≤3 Working Days (Including Tariff Pre-Review)
• Inspection Emergency Handling ≤24 Hours
• Duty Reduction Filing ≤10 Working Days

Service Provider Capability Comparison Model

Use a Three-Dimensional Evaluation System to Screen High-Quality Partners:

• Technical processing capabilitiesClassification accuracy rate, declaration approval rate
• Risk prevention systemCompliance audit process, legal traceability mechanism
• Depth of Resource IntegrationPort relationship network, regulatory communication channels

Analysis of common decision-making misconceptions

Misconception 1: Single price orientation

A machine tool import case showed that low-price agents failed to identify changes in ECFA origin criteria, resulting in a 27% loss of tariff benefits for the enterprise, with actual costs exceeding quotes from quality service providers.

Misconception 2: Formalistic qualification proofs

Starting from 2025, customs will implement dynamic credit management, requiring existing 3A-certified enterprises to update capability filings quarterly. It is recommended to request agents to provide customs data reports from the past 6 months.

Misconception 3: Hollow service commitments

Inspection handling timelines must clearly define starting points (e.g., from receipt of inspection notice) and specify penalty calculation methods. It is recommended to attach Service Level Agreement (SLA) clauses to contracts.

New trends in agency services for 2025

According to the latest guidance from the Ministry of Commerce, professional agency companies will upgrade in the following directions:

• Technical trade measures early warning system (180-day advance risk alerts)
• End-to-end visual management system (real-time tracking of customs declaration status)
• Compliance audit traceability mechanism (5-year document retention for traceability)

Selecting an agency service provider is essentially establishing a long-term risk management partnership. Enterprises are advised to develop an evaluation system with 15 quantitative indicators and conduct quarterly performance audits of service providers to ensure import operations maximize efficiency within a compliance framework.