What Core Items Are Included in Export Agency Fees?

ProfessionalAgency export serviceCosts are typically composed of three parts:Basic Service CostsandLogistics Operation FeeandValue Added Services. Basic service fees include fundamental services such as document preparation and customs declaration, accounting for approximately 0.8%-1.5% of the contract value. Logistics operation fees fluctuate based on differences, such as potential additional inland transportation costs under EXW terms. Value-added service fees involve customized services like special certification processing and letter of credit confirmation.Trade termsIn 2025, mainstream charging methods present two models:

Are Service Fees Charged Proportionally or at a Fixed Rate?

Tiered percentage system

• : Orders below $500,000 are charged at 1.5%, while the portion between $500,000-$2 million is calculated at 1.2%: Monthly exports below 10 containers incur a basic package fee of 8,000 RMB, including 20 customs declarations and basic document services
• Fixed package systemFor orders below $2 million, the percentage system is recommended, while enterprises with stable volumes may negotiate fixed fee arrangements.

Experience shows the following three types of costs are most easily overlooked:

Which hidden costs require special attention?

Hedging costs

• The exchange rate: Spread fees generated from cross-border settlements (approximately 0.3%-0.8%): Port detention fees and amendment fees resulting from customs inspections (500-2,000 RMB per occurrence)
• Abnormal handling feeDocument certification
• : Third-party fees such as CCPIT certification and embassy legalizationAdditional feesThree-phase cost confirmation method

How to Avoid Fee Disputes During Settlement?

Recommended adoptionClarify basic service scope when signing agreements:

• Confirm current exchange rates and additional fee lists before shipment
• Provide itemized cost breakdown (including copies of original documents) during settlement
• Cost difference comparison using CIF and FOB as examples:

How Do Different Trade Terms Affect Fee Calculations?

: Agents need to cover marine insurance (0.15% of cargo value) and destination port document fees (USD50-120)

• The CIF provisions: When buyers appoint freight forwarders, switching fees may occur (USD30-80 per bill)
• FOB terms2025 industry standards indicate:

Is Tax Refund Service Charged Separately?

Basic tax refund declaration is included in service packages

• Additional fees apply in the following situations:
• Cross-provincial customs declaration for tax refund (+0.3% service fee)
  • Special commodity tax refund (such as involving anti-dumping tariff items)
  • Recommended solutions based on corporate cash flow conditions:

How to choose the optimal payment method?

T/T prepayment enterprises

• T/T prepayment companyIt is recommended to choose RMB settlement to lock in exchange rates
• Enterprises using letter of credit settlementPriority should be given to USD settlement + forward exchange locking
• Enterprises with longer payment termsNegotiable installment payment plan for service fees

What are the new changes in cost calculation for 2025?

Attention should be paid to the impact of two policy adjustments:

• The "Smart Customs Declaration" system implemented by the General Administration of Customs reduces the cost of basic services (expected fee reduction of 5-8%).
• The revised INCOTERMS on destination port cost allocation rules (recommend reviewing agency agreement clauses)

It is recommended that enterprises require service providers to submitSample settlement documents for similar transactions in the past three months, with special attention to the new fee disclosure requirements in the Cross-border Trade Service Fee Guidelines implemented in December 2024. By establishing a fee tracking table (recommended to include 15 monitoring indicators), refined management of agency fees can be achieved.