What is an import agent?
Import agency refers to an import agency company that specializes in providing services for natural or legal persons who need to import and export goods. Generally, it includes the following categories: inspection agency, warehousing agency, customs declaration or customs clearance agency, international shipping agency, foreign exchange receipt and payment agency, international insurance agency, prepaid export tax rebate, etc.
The general process of Shanghai agent import
The consignee and the foreign party review the price and agreement terms, production cycle, delivery method and other information.
The consignee signs an agency contract with the import and export agency company.
Check the HS number and supervision (product inspection, electromechanical certificate, heavy industry certificate, 3C and other necessary import certificates).
After the agency receives the RMB payment from the consignee, the foreign currency payment is made.
The foreign party prepares the goods and arranges delivery according to the contract terms (please note that in the case of wooden packaging, we will require the foreign party to provide a fumigation certificate. There is an IPPC logo clearly printed on the wooden box).
The agent will receive a set of foreign import and shipping documents, including the arrival notice (stamped with the official seal of the consignee), invoice, packing list, packing list, bill of lading B/L (stamped with the official seal of the consignee), packaging proof etc.
The import agency prepares a set of import declaration forms and assists in arranging the issuance of import declaration forms at the entrance of the port.
Customs clearance usually takes 3-4 business days. If the inspection is to be carried out, it needs to be postponed according to the actual situation.
Tax payment, release and shipment normally take 2 business days.
Keep in mind that the most important thing to be aware of when importing agents is the ownership of the goods. After negotiating with the import agent, the consignor must sign a contract with the Shanghai import agent to agree on the ownership of the goods to avoid disputes. Import agents should also protect their own rights and interests in a timely manner.
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