I.Agency export serviceWhat is the calculation basis for the fees?

The core basis for export agency revenue distribution isThe composite base of "FOB value + tax refund amount". According to the latest industry data for 2025, the conventional service fee ratio fluctuates between 3%-8%, with specific components including:

• Basic service fee rate (60%-70%):
  • Customs declaration and inspection procedure costs
  • Document preparation and review fees
  • Logistics coordination management fees
• Value-added service premium (30%-40%):
  • Foreign exchange risk management
  • Special certification processing
  • Supply chain financing services

II. What factors affect the distribution ratio?

The export agency market in 2025 shows a clear stratification trend, with main influencing factors including:

• Product rebate rate: A 0.8-1.2 percentage point difference exists between machinery and equipment with a 13% tax refund rate and textile products with a 5% service fee rate
• The settlement cycle: Projects with 90-day payment terms are 1.5-2 percentage points higher than cash settlement
• Annual export scale: Clients with tens of millions of dollars in exports can negotiate tiered rates, while small and micro enterprises below 5 million have less bargaining power
• Risk assumption ratio: Agents assuming quality dispute risks charge an additional 1%-1.5% risk deposit

III. How to verify if the distribution calculation is reasonable?

Recommended adoptionDual verification method:

• Forward calculation:
  • (FOB value × service fee rate) + (tax refund amount × tax refund sharing ratio)
  • The industry standard tax refund sharing ratio for 2025 is 15%-25%
• Reverse verification:
  • Total cost = Procurement cost + Agency fees - Tax refund benefits
  • Ensure profit margin remains within the reasonable range of 8%-12%

IV. What are the new strategies for service fee negotiations?

Based on the agency service guidance price issued by the General Administration of Customs in 2025, it is recommended to adopt:

• Hybrid pricing model: Base rate + excess sharing (e.g.: 3% base fee + 20% of target profit excess)
• Dynamic adjustment mechanism: Rate renegotiation clause triggered when exchange rate fluctuation exceeds ±3%
• Payment term substitution plan: Accepting 60-day payment terms can reduce service fee by 0.5 percentage points

V. How to prevent hidden costs?

Special attention should be paid to three types of hidden fees:

• Documentation surcharge: Special certificate of origin costs additional $80-$150 per copy
• Inspection handling fee: Customs inspection costs $200 per occurrence, may exceed $1000 for complex cases
• Fund occupation fee: Tax refund advance financing monthly interest 0.8%-1.2% (30% above 2025 central bank benchmark rate)

It is recommended that enterprises clearly stipulate in contracts"All-inclusive price" clause, bundling 12 types of potential routine fees for pricing. According to data from 287 export enterprises weve served, the all-inclusive price model can reduce comprehensive costs by 18%-22%.