enteredExport agentWhat basic services are typically included in the fee?

The basic service fee of a formal agency company usually includes:

• Documentation Service Fee: Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and other document preparation
• customs clearanceInspection Application Fee: Customs declaration,Inspection of vaccinesProcedure handling
• Tax payment on behalf: Prepayment and verification services for tariffs, value-added taxes, and other taxes and fees
• Basic logistics coordination: Basic logistics support such as booking cargo space and handling shipping documents

What are the mainstream billing methods for agency fees in 2025?

Currently, the market primarily adopts three billing models:

• Value-based percentage fee: Charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the FOB value of the goods (may reach 3% for special goods such as hazardous materials).
• Fixed service package fee: A single transaction incurs a basic service fee ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 yuan.
• The mixed billing model: Base fee + percentage of cargo value + special service surcharge

What factors influence the level of agency fees?

• Cargo Characteristics:
  • The rate difference between general cargo and hazardous materials can reach up to 200%.
  • Additional testing fees are required for regulated categories such as food and cosmetics.
• Conditions of Trade:
  • Under EXW terms, there are additional domestic logistics coordination costs compared to CIF terms.
  • DDP terms include the port of destination.Customs clearanceThe Service
• Business complexity:
  • The expedited customs declaration service fee will increase by 30%-50%.
  • Special documents (such as embassy certification) are charged 500-2000 yuan per item.

How to identify hidden fees in an agency contract?

Please pay special attention to the following potential charges:

• Document modification fee: The charge for each modification is 200-500 yuan.
• Storage overdue fees: After the free storage period, a daily charge of 0.05% of the cargo value will be applied.
• Exchange rate fluctuation reserve: Typically, 3% of the goods value is reserved as a deposit.
• Abnormal handling fee: Demurrage charges incurred during customs inspection and agency escort fees

Frequently Asked Questions about the Market in 2025

Q: Is the agency fee negotiable?
A: Bulk commodities (with a value exceeding $1 million) typically have a negotiation margin of 5%-15%, but beware of low-price traps.

Q: Are the charging standards uniform across different ports?
A: The base fee for major ports such as Shenzhen and Shanghai is as low as 2,500 yuan per ticket, while inland ports may see an increase of up to 40%.

Q: What are the differences in fees between cross-border e-commerce and traditional trade?
A: Cross-border e-commerce requires payment for specialized services such as overseas warehouse filing and order distribution, increasing the single-ticket cost by approximately 1,200 yuan.

Q: How to obtain an accurate cost estimate?
A: It is recommended to provide complete cargo information (HS code, cargo value, trade terms) to obtain a customized quote. According to the 2023 data from the General Administration of Customs, complete information can improve quote accuracy by up to 92%.