Export agentWhat kinds of expenses are involved?

In the latest international trade practices of 2025,Export agentCosts belongCost of professional servicesIn accordance with the InternationalTrade termsSpecial reminder: Newly added in 2024...

Which agency fees are easily confused with?

Companies should distinguish between the following three categories of costs:

• Transportation costs: Shipping fees, insurance fees, storage fees
• Government feesTariffs, value added tax, inspection and sanitation fees
• Trade costsThe purchase price of goods, packaging material costs

Practical case: When exporting a certain mechanical and electrical equipment, the agent fee should be listed separately, and cannot be combined with the shipping baggage fee into the transportation cost subject.

What are the specific components of agency fees?

2025 The fee structure for mainstream agency services includes:

• Basic service fee (cashed by product value0.8%-1.5%)
• Additional service fees:
  • Special certification (such as FDA records)
  • Trade Financing Interest
  • Purchase of Port Assistance

How agency fees affectExport tax refund?

According to Announcement No. 7 of 2025 from the State Taxation Administration, agency fees meeting the following conditions can be included in export costs:

• Special VAT invoices
• Service content directly related to export activities
• The amount of the fee does not exceed the industry guiding price30%

NOTE: The qualifications of the agency must be verified through the Single Window of International Trade.

Common Questions Authority Answers

Q: Are agency fees included in the FOB offer?
A: According to INCOTERMS? 2025, FOB prices do not include export customs clearance fees, and agency fees must be listed separately.

Q: How to avoid hidden charges?
A: It is recommended to sign an agent agreement that includes the following elements:

• Cost calculation benchmark (by value of goods / by ticket)
• Emergency handling fees (such as customs checks)
• Mechanisms for adjusting exchange rate fluctuations

Q: What are the new policy changes in 2025?
A: The focus is on:

• Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Representative Fees by RCEP Member States
• Digital currency settlement services
• Green Trade Supplementary Fee Certification Standards

Professional recommendations

It is recommended that foreign trade enterprises take the following measures to optimize the management of agency costs:

• Establish a control list of service projects and confirm the basis of charges
• Request the agency to provide expenses constitutes a detailed table
• Comparison of quarterly expenses
• Maintain complete business communication records.

Special Notice: Starting from January 2025, the General Administration of Customs of China requires all agency service contracts to be registered and filed through the International Trade "Single Window." Agency fees from unregistered contracts will not be recognized as legitimate costs for accounting purposes.