New challenges in the import equipment agency industry

Against the backdrop of intensified global machineryequipment. 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 market size is expected to exceed $2.3 trillion, yet the success rate of enterprises independently handling imports is less than 42%. The misclassification rate of HS codes for special equipment reaches as high as 28%, and claims for cargo damage caused by non-compliant packaging increased by 17% year-on-year. These figures highlight the growing necessity for professional agency services.

Four core risks of importing equipment through agents

• Regulatory compliance risks
  • Expanded CE certification requirements under the updated EU Machinery Directive in 2025
  • German LFGBMedical EquipmentChanges to the pre-approval registration mechanism
• Technical parameter misinterpretation risk
  • Compatibility testing between equipment voltage standards and domestic power grids
  • Localization requirements for safety protection devices
• Logistics operation risks
  • G-value control standards for precision instrument transportation (≤0.5g)
  • Differences in right-of-way approval timelines for oversized equipment (coastal vs inland)
• Hidden cost risks
  • Integrated calculation model for demurrage and warehousing fees
  • Optimization potential for temporary tariff guarantee insurance rates

The value realization path of professional agency services

A medical device import case showed that professional agency services can reduce customs clearance from 28 days to 9 days:

• Completed FDA registration pre-approval 3 months in advance
• Custom-designed temperature-controlled transportation solution (±1℃ fluctuation control)
• Saved 58% in capital occupation using tariff guarantee insurance

Three-dimensional evaluation system for selecting agency services

• Qualification verification dimension
  • Class AA customs declaration enterprise qualification
  • Special equipment transportation filing certificate
• Service network dimension
  • Distribution density of overseas inspection points
  • Strategic layout of bonded warehouses
• Risk control system dimensions
  • Pre-classification accuracy guarantee clause
  • Deductible settings for transportation insurance

Import RepresentationService process optimization plan

• Pre - preparation Stage
  • Pre-compliance review of equipment technical parameters
  • Multi-scheme comparison for transportation routes
• Execution Phase
  • Flexible application of ATA Carnet
  • Rapid response mechanism for port inspections
• Follow-up management phase
  • 3-year import equipment ledger management
  • Fast-track channel for spare parts re-import

Industry Development Trends and Corporate Response Strategies

Two major trends will emerge in import equipment agency services in 2025:The rise of specialized service providers in niche sectors(such as specialized semiconductor equipment agencies),The widespread adoption of full lifecycle management models. It is recommended that enterprises establish a triangular communication mechanism among suppliers, agents, and end-users, adopt a segmented service procurement strategy, and choose specialized agency services for core technical equipment.