Export goodsWhat exactly does agency fee refer to?

Export agentThe fee is a comprehensive charge for the professional services provided by the freight forwarding company, mainly including three core modules:

• Basic Service Costs:customs clearanceDocument Processing (including the newly added Electronic Customs Declaration Certification Fee in 2025), Booking Handling Fee, Transport Documentation Preparation
• Value Added Services: Special cargo reinforcement packaging, customs AEO certification consulting, destination port customs clearance pre-inspection
• Advance payment of expenses: Port Construction Fee (2025 standard is 0.3% of the cargo value), VGM weighing fee,The containerDemurrage Deposit in Advance

Why can the quotation difference between different agency companies reach 30%?

In 2025, the international freight market shows a trend of service grading, with price differences mainly stemming from:

• Differences in service depth: Leading enterprises are equipped with digital tracking systems as standard, while small and medium-sized agents mostly adopt manual follow-up.
• Channel Resource Differences：First-tier freight forwarders enjoy contract prices with shipping companies, while second-tier agents need to add 15-20% to book shipping space.
• Risk management and control costs: Compliance agents shall undertake professional services such as HS code pre-review and origin verification

How to identify hidden duplicate charges?

It is recommended to focus on verifying three items prone to duplicate charges:

• File Fee Splitting Trap: A formal quotation should include the fees for the complete set of documents. Be wary of separate charges for bills of lading and manifests.
• Transportation isAdditional feesOverlap: Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) and General Rate Increase (GRI) should not be charged simultaneously.
• Port incidental charges package: THC (Terminal Handling Charge) and DOC (Document Fee) under FOB terms shall be borne by the consignee.

What are the special requirements for agency fees in emerging markets in 2025?

Special attention should be paid to emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East:

• Indonesia Customs Clearance Surcharge: Effective January 2025, a new Import Cargo Data Verification Fee (approximately USD45 per shipment) will be added.
• Saudi SABER certification: The service fee for electronic system certification should be included in the product certification process and does not fall within the scope of freight forwarding.
• Vietnam Anti-Dumping Deposit: For specific product categories, a deposit of 10% of the goods value is required to be prepaid, and this fee should be separately itemized.

How to ensure cost transparency through contract terms?

It is recommended to clarify four key clauses in the agency agreement:

• Cost Composition List: It is required to distinguish between basic service fees and reimbursable expenses, and specify the pricing unit for each item.
• The exchange rateLocking Mechanism: Fixed exchange rate benchmark date for agreed USD settlement (e.g., exchange rate on the bill of lading date)
• Overcharged Fee Refund：The refund mechanism will be activated when the difference between the actual expenditure and the estimated amount of the advanced expenses exceeds 5%
• Dispute resolution clause: Clearly based on the Commercial Mediation Rules of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade

What new trends should be noted when choosing an agency?

The industry will present three major transformation directions in 2025:

• Standard Configuration for Digital Services: Electronic customs declaration and blockchain bill of lading have become basic service capabilities
• The carbon tariffsResponse Service: Excellent agents should provide support for product carbon footprint accounting and declaration
• Supply Chain Finance Integration: Agents with credit lines can extend the payment period by 30-60 days