Quick Answer
An import agent service means a company with import qualifications and practical experience handles import formalities on the buyer’s behalf: filing customs declarations in the importer’s name or helping the buyer do so, paying customs duty and business tax, applying for inspections, and collecting and delivering the goods. It is common for businesses that are not yet registered as importers, are unfamiliar with import rules, or import small volumes and don’t want to build a team. Costs usually include: agency fee + brokerage fee + duty and import business tax + international freight and insurance + port and storage fees + inspection fees. In Taiwan, food imports also require an import inspection application under Article 30 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.
Why Use an Import Agent?
Under Article 9 of Taiwan’s Foreign Trade Act, only companies and firms registered as exporters/importers may conduct import and export business. Businesses may choose an import agent because they:
- Haven’t completed exporter/importer registration or have no import experience
- Import goods that require inspections or permits, making formalities complex
- Import small volumes infrequently, so an in-house customs and logistics team doesn’t pay
- Need someone to coordinate overseas suppliers, transport and import clearance
Import Agent Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Description | Collected by |
|---|---|---|
| Agency fee | The import agent’s fee, often fixed or a percentage of cargo value | Import agent |
| Brokerage fee | For the customs broker’s import declaration | Customs broker |
| Customs duty | Based on the tariff classification and origin | Customs |
| Import business tax and other taxes | As prescribed by law | Collected by customs |
| International freight and insurance | Whether the buyer pays depends on the trade terms | Shipping line / airline, forwarder, insurer |
| Port, storage and trucking | Terminal handling, storage and inland transport | Port, warehouse and logistics providers |
| Inspection fees | For food and certain regulated goods | Authorities or inspection bodies |
Actual rates vary widely by product, volume and scope of service, so before signing, confirm which costs are included and which are billed at cost. For how tariff classification affects duty, see What Is an HS Code?
Import Agent Process
- Confirm products and regulations: tariff classification, duty rate, and whether inspections or permits are needed.
- Confirm trade terms: the Incoterms agreed with the overseas supplier decide who pays freight and insurance; see FOB vs CIF vs CFR.
- Arrange transport: book directly or through a forwarder; see What Is a Freight Forwarder?
- Prepare documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and so on.
- Apply for import inspection (food and similar goods).
- Clearance, duty payment and release: handled by a customs broker; see What Is a Customs Broker?
- Collection and delivery.
Special Points for Food Imports
Under Article 30 of Taiwan’s Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, importers of food, genetically modified food ingredients, food additives, food utensils, food containers or packaging, and food detergents designated by the central authority must, according to the customs product classification codes, apply to the central authority for inspection and declare product information. Ingredients and labeling must also meet Taiwanese rules.
Conversely, if you are an overseas buyer importing bubble tea ingredients from Taiwan, your own country has food import rules too; for example, exports to the US must follow FDA procedures. See How to Import Bubble Tea Ingredients from Taiwan.
How Tang Sugar Can Help
Tang Sugar’s international sourcing agent service helps with finding overseas suppliers, negotiating purchase terms, integrating shipping and logistics terms, and handling commercial documents and settlement; for cross-border direct shipments it can be combined with triangular and multilateral trade. Contact us with your products and destination country.
FAQ
What is an import agent service?
A company with import qualifications and experience handles customs clearance, duty payment, inspections and collection on the buyer’s behalf.
How much does an import agent cost?
Usually an agency fee, brokerage fee, duty and import business tax, international freight and insurance, port, storage and trucking fees, and inspection fees. Actual rates depend on the products and scope of service.
Can I import into Taiwan without importer registration?
Under Article 9 of the Foreign Trade Act, registered exporters/importers may conduct import and export business; unregistered businesses often import through an import agent.
What do food imports into Taiwan require?
Under Article 30 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, imports of designated food, food additives, food utensils, packaging and similar items require an inspection application and product information declaration to the central authority.
Further Reading
- What Is a Customs Broker? Import and Export Clearance
- What Is an Export Agent Service?
- International Trade Documents Explained
- China Sourcing Agent Guide
- What Is L/C Negotiation?
- How Is Import Duty Calculated?
- International Trade Process Overview
Sources
- Laws & Regulations Database of Taiwan: Foreign Trade Act (Article 9)
- Laws & Regulations Database of Taiwan: Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation (Article 30)
- Laws & Regulations Database of Taiwan: Customs Act (Article 22)
