How to determine the shelfExport agentDo you have legal qualifications?

The latest 2025 edition of the "International Trade Agency Service Management Standards" requires that qualified agents must holdThree types of core documents:

• Customs General Administration registered import and export operation right certificate (validity period must extend beyond 2026)
• International Freight Forwarding Qualification Certification (FMC Registration Number/US DOT Number, etc.)
• Industry certifications: such as FIATA certification or WCA membership.

Proposal to passChinas Single Window in International TradeCheck the filing information on the official website and conduct an on-site inspection to verify whether the agent's Warehouse Management System (WMS) has the capability for goods classification management.

What special considerations are involved in shelf exports?customs clearancerequirements?

According to Announcement No. 38 of the General Administration of Customs in 2025, the following points should be noted for the export of metal shelves:

• Material Certificate: Required to be providedMaterial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)(especially for galvanized/spray-coated process products)
• Specification Filing:
  • Storage racks exceeding 3 meters in height require a structural stability report.
  • Heavy-duty shelves with a load capacity of 500kg per tier must provide CE certification or ISO certification.
• Wooden packaging: Must comply with the ISPM15 standard heat treatment requirements.

International logisticsHow should the plan be selected?

It is recommended to develop a transportation plan based on the shelf type:

• Full Container Load (FCL): Suitable for standard-sized warehouse racks (recommended loading capacity ≥25 cubic meters)
• Less than Container Load (LCL): Suitable for sample orders or small display racks (moisture-proof packaging required)
• Special transport:
  • For oversized cargo (＞12 meters), choose open-top containers for transportation.
  • It is recommended to use a temperature-controlled container for the precision display rack.

In 2023, a Zhejiang-based enterprise optimized its loading plan, increasing the utilization rate of 40HQ containers from 78% to 92%, which is worth learning from.

What necessary items are included in the agency service fees?

The 2025 industry standard service quotation should include:

• Basic service fee (single ticket 2000-5000 yuan)
• Essential expenditures:
  • Inspection fee (approximately 800 RMB per batch for metal products)
  • Document certification fee (approximately 600 RMB for FTA Certificate of Origin)
• Risk surcharge (charged at 0.3%-1% of the cargo value)

Special attentionHidden charges at destination port, request the agent to provide a comprehensive cost breakdown under DDP terms.

How to Avoid Common Risks in Shelf Export?

Based on 20 years of agency experience, we have summarized three key prevention and control points:

• Intellectual Property Risk: Verify the shelf design patent (particularly the European EP 2344578 B1 type structure).
• 20. Quality Dispute: It is recommended to purchase CQEC China Export Commodity Quality Insurance.
• Transportation losses: Request the agent to provide3D reinforcement planAnd sign a cargo damage compensation agreement.

A 2024 case study revealed that shelf manufacturers failing to conduct patent searches incurred average losses equivalent to 17% of their order values.

Quick answers to common questions

• Q: Is a full set of customs declaration required for the export of sample racks?
  • A: Goods with a value below 5,000 RMB can be cleared through express delivery, but a pro forma invoice must be retained for inspection.
• Q: What are the restrictions on exporting second-hand shelves?
  • A: Southeast Asian countries accept the filing of second-hand equipment, while European and American regions require an original factory inspection report.
• Q: How to verify an agent's overseas customs clearance capability?
  • A: Request to provide the customs clearance records at the destination port for the past 6 months (must include records under HS code: 940320).