Export tax rebate agentWhat are the fee charging models?

According to the latest industry data for 2025, professional agencies primarily adopt the following three charging methods:

• Fixed rate system: A fee of 0.8%-3% of the tax refund amount will be charged, suitable for enterprises with small single transaction volumes.
• The ladder fee.: For tax refunds, a rate of 2% applies to amounts below 1 million, 1.5% for amounts between 1-5 million, and 1% for amounts above 5 million. This is suitable for stable, long-term major clients.
• Mixed charging model: Basic service fee + tax rebate sharing, commonly seen in comprehensive agents providing full-chain services (customs declaration + logistics + tax rebate)

A case from a manufacturing enterprise in the Yangtze River Delta in March 2025: export volume of $1.2 million, tax refund of 780,000 RMB, agency fee at a rate of 1.2%, with an actual payment of 9,360 RMB.

What factors influence agency fees?

By analyzing the General Administration of Customs' 2023 Trade Services Report, we have identified five key influencing factors:

• Rebate amount scale: For single tax refunds exceeding 500,000, a fee rate discount of 0.5%-1% can be negotiated.
• Document complexity:
  • Regular trade documents: standard fee
  • Involving transit trade/special supervision zones: additional charge of 20%-50%
• Service response time: Urgent processing (within 7 working days) may incur a 30% additional fee.
• Enterprise qualification status: Newly registered export enterprises are required to pay an additional registration service fee ranging from 300 to 800 yuan.
• Settlement currency: The USD settlement is on average 0.3 basis points higher than the RMB settlement.

What hidden fees will the agency charge?

Industry research in 2025 highlights three types of additional fees requiring special attention:

• Document modification fee: Each customs declaration form amended more than twice may incur a charge of 50 yuan per additional amendment.
• Foreign exchange verification fee: Some agents charge separately for foreign exchange verification and cancellation (200-500 RMB per transaction).
• annual service fee: Some companies charge an annual fee of 2,000 yuan for clients with an annual tax refund below 200,000 yuan.

It is recommended to explicitly include the following in the contract:Basic service itemsandMaximum number of modificationsandForeign exchange verification includes clauses.

How to choose an agency company with high cost - performance?

According to the World Trade Organization's 2024 service provider evaluation criteria, it is recommended to focus on four key dimensions:

• Qualification Compliance: Check whether it has obtained AEO certification from customs and completed the record-filing with the foreign exchange administration.
• Service Transparency: Please provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including all potential expenses.
• Industry matching degree：Priority should be given to agents with experience in serving the same industry (e.g., machinery, chemical).
• 41. Risk control ability: Confirm whether to provideTax refund pre-auditandCompliance SuggestionsThe Service

Case of a Shenzhen electronics exporter: By selecting an agent specializing in the ICT industry, the tax refund cycle was reduced from 45 days to 28 days, with annual agency fees saving 120,000 yuan.

Common Questions Authority Answers

• Q: Can I handle it myself to save on agency fees?
  A: Theoretically possible, but needs consideration.Customs declarationSystem annual fee (8,000 yuan), professional accounting costs (monthly average of 6,000 yuan), and other hidden expenses
• Q: Can agency fees be included as deductible costs?
  A: According to Announcement No. 1 of 2025 issued by the State Taxation Administration, formal agency fee invoices can be used as input tax credit vouchers.
• Q: Are there significant differences in port charges between different ports?
  A: The average fee rate in the Yangtze River Delta region is 0.2-0.5 percentage points lower than that in the Pearl River Delta region, and emerging ports in the central and western regions may receive policy subsidies.

It is recommended that enterprises review agency fees on a quarterly basis, taking into accountActual tax refund efficiencyandPolicy changesDynamically adjust cooperation plans. For enterprises with an annual export volume exceeding $5 million, consider establishing dedicated customs affairs positions to replace outsourcing services.