Qualification requirements extend from single customs clearance services to full-chain compliance
Cooperation periods shift from short-term project-based to 5+N strategic partnerships
Risk control transitions from unilateral responsibility to bilateral deposit mechanisms
Five Core Evaluation Elements for General Agent Selection
Based on the General Administration of Customs newly releasedImport Electromechanical Equipment Management Measures,in 2025, high-quality general agents should possess:
Qualification verification:
60. Mechanical and Electrical Products Import Catalog Filing Certificate
Specific industry CCC certification processing qualifications
Channel capabilities:
Covering over 85% of national bonded warehouse networks
Average processing time for local inspection anomalies ≤72 hours
Risk control:
Pre-classification error rate ≤1.2%
Technical trade measures early warning system
Typical risk scenarios and response strategies
Case study: A German machine tool manufacturers losses in 2024 due to agent selection errors
Incorrect HS code declaration triggered 9.8 million yuan in tax recovery
Failure to update energy efficiency labels resulted in 600 pieces of equipment being detained at port
Loss of control over regional distributor management caused channel conflicts
Corresponding solutions:
Establish a three-tier customs code review mechanism
Distribution network expansion cycle shortened to 90 days
This model includes customized service modules: tariff optimization scheme design, technical document localization adaptation, joint construction of after-sales service system, etc., truly achieving long-term cooperation with shared risks and benefits.
Emerging focus points for agency cooperation in 2025
According to the latest WTO Technical Barriers to Trade notification:
32% of imported equipment requires new data security certification
Mandatory IoT supervision for machine tool products
18 provinces implementing differentiated environmental access policies
When selecting master agents, manufacturers should prioritize evaluating their technical preparedness and resource integration capabilities for emerging regulatory requirements, establishing an assessment system includingEmergency plan testing, simulated customs clearance drills, regulatory sandbox exercisesKey dimensions and risk avoidance in selecting master agents for imported equipment