Export agentWhat exactly does the fee include in terms of its components?

Export agentFees are typically composed of a base service fee plus additional service fees, specifically including:

• Basic Service Modules:
  • Document processing fee (commercial invoice/packing list/certificate of origin, etc.)
  • customs clearanceInspection service fee
  • Logistics coordination fee
• Value Added Services Modules:
  • Foreign exchange settlement service fee (0.1%-0.3% of transaction amount)
  • Export tax refundAgency fee (5%-15% of the tax refund amount)
  • Special document certification fees (such as embassy certification, chamber of commerce certification)

What are the mainstream models for calculating agency fees?

According to the 2025 industry research data, there are currently three main billing methods in use:

• Proportional value system: Charged at 1%-3% of the total value of exported goods, suitable for standardized product exports.
• Service item system: Provide separate quotes for each service, suitable for customers with customized needs.
• Hybrid Billing System: Base service fee + commission on cargo value, currently adopted by 65% of agencies.

What factors significantly influence agency fees?

• Product risk level: The agency fee for hazardous materials is 40%-200% higher than that for general cargo.
• Export destinations: The average rate on the South America/Africa route is 15%-30% higher than that on the Europe/America route.
• Single batch value: The rate for a $1 million order can be 0.5 percentage points lower than that for a $100,000 order.
• Payment terms：LC payments incur an additional 0.2%-0.5% risk management fee compared to TT payments.
• Service complexity: Additional fees ranging from 20% to 50% will be incurred for special procedures such as ATA Carnet.

How to avoid hidden fee traps?

According to the analysis of the 2023 International Trade Dispute Case Database, special attention should be paid to:

• Tax amendment of documents: Document amendment may incur a charge of 200-800 RMB per instance.
• Warehousing detention fees: The maximum port demurrage fee reaches $5 per cubic meter per day.
• Exchange rate spread: Some agents retain a 0.3%-0.5% spread when settling foreign exchange.
• Emergency handling fee：Abnormal inspection handling may incur a fee of 500-2000 yuan per occurrence.

Professional recommendations: Request the agency to provide a detailed fee comparison table and stipulate the conditions for fee adjustments in the contract.

Four Key Points to Confirm When Selecting an Agency

• Check the validity period of its "International Freight Forwarding Enterprise Registration Form"
• Please provide the exchange rate execution records for the most recent 12 months.
• Confirm whether it possesses the target marketsAEOCertification qualifications
• Verify the coverage amount of their Professional Liability Insurance.

Common Questions Authority Answers

Q: Does the agency fee include the customs clearance charges at the destination port?
A: The standard quotation does not include destination port fees. Special attention should be paid to the cost allocation under DDP terms.

Q: How are small orders below $5,000 charged?
A: 78% of agencies set a minimum service fee threshold ranging from 500 to 1500 yuan.

Q: How to verify the reasonableness of a proxy quote?
A: You may refer to the industry guidance price issued by the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA). The latest version for 2025 was updated in March.

Q: Can annual agency agreements receive rate discounts?
A: Clients with an annual export volume exceeding $3 million are typically eligible for a rate discount of 15%-25%.