I.Export agentWhat type of service does the fee essentially belong to?

In accordance with the "International Commercial Terms 2025" and China's "Foreign Trade Law",Export agentCosts belongBusiness support servicesCategory, specifically corresponding to the classification in the General Administration of Customs"Customs Declaration Agency Services for Import and Export Consignors and Consignees".The core services include:

• Customs documentsProduction and Submission
• Coordination and Management of Transport Documents
• Foreign exchange verification procedures handling
• Export tax refundDocument preparation
• Trade Compliance Risk Review

2. What are the legal differences between agency services and self-operated exports?

From a legal entity perspective, under the agency model,Foreign trade enterprises remain the primary entities for declaration., the agency company solely serves as a service provider. This fundamentally differs from self-operated exports:

• Division of responsibilities:
  • The agent shall bear the liability for service defects.
  • The client assumes responsibility for the authenticity and compliance of the goods.
• Bill processing:
  • Agency fee to be issued with a 6% VAT special invoice.
  • Self-operated export issues 13% goods sales invoice.

III. What are the new changes in the composition of agency fees for 2025?

According to the latest service trade statistical standards of the Ministry of Commerce, agency fees should be clearly distinguished.Basic Service CostswithAdditional service fee:

• Basic Services (Fixed Rate):
  • Single ticket: 5,000-12,000 yuan (depending on cargo value scale)
  • Including basic customs declaration, documentation, and foreign exchange services.
• Additional services (charged as needed):
  • Special document certification: 800-2000 RMB per copy
  • Express Customs Clearance Service: 3000 RMB/business day
  • Trade Compliance Consultation: 500 RMB/hour

IV. How to Determine Whether the Agency Fee Pricing is Reasonable?

Recommended adoptionThree-Level Evaluation Method:

• Benchmark comparison: With reference to the average industry rate for 2024 published by the General Administration of Customs (0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value)
• Service matching degree: Verify whether the agency agreement includes:
  • Pre-classification service
  • Pre-confirmation of origin
  • Exchange rate locking service
• Risk cost: Includes hidden services such as AEO certification maintenance and trade compliance screening.

V. What are the compliance risks associated with the payment of agency fees?

The latest regulatory priorities of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in 2025 include:

• Payment proof: Must be consistent with the "declaring unit" on the customs declaration form.
• Split payment: Transactions exceeding USD 50,000 require submission of a service contract for record filing.
• Transboundary Payments: Overseas agents are required to provide"Cross-Border Service Tax Exemption Filing Form"

Typical Case: A sanitary ware export company had its 1.2 million yuan tax refund suspended due to paying agency fees to a third-party company not listed on the customs declaration form. The issue was only resolved after an administrative reconsideration.