What isExport agentFee? What core services are included?

Export agentThe fee refers to the service provided by foreign trade agency companies for exporters.Customs clearance, logistics, document processing, tax refund declarationThe service remuneration charged for a series of professional services. According to the latest definition by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in 2025, compliance agency fees should include the following basic services:

• Export customs clearanceDocument Preparation and Declaration
• Coordination of transport documents (ocean/air B/L or AWB)
• Foreign exchange receipt verification procedures
• Issuance of Special Value-Added Tax Invoice
• Export tax refundPreliminary review of materials

What are the methods for calculating agency fees? How to identify unreasonable charges?

In 2025, mainstream billing models will manifest in three forms:

• Percentage of goods value: Generally 0.8%-1.5% of the total export volume.
• Charged by service item:customs clearanceFee (800-1500 RMB/ticket) + Documentation Fee (300-500 RMB)
• The mixed billing model: Basic service package price + value-added service surcharge

Warning signs of abnormal charges include:Duplicate charges for document preparation fees, fabricated expedited service fees, and ambiguous customs declaration surcharges..It is recommended to request the agency to provide the 2025 version of the standard price list and compare it with the industry guidance prices published by the China Customs Brokers Association.

Export agency fees andTrade termsWhat's the connection?

According to the 2025 INCOTERMS revision, the party responsible for the agency fee depends on the trade terms:

• EXW terms: The buyer shall bear all export procedures and costs.
• FOB terms: The seller shall bear the agency fees up to the port of shipment.
• DDP terms: The seller shall cover the destination country.Customs clearanceAgency fee

Practical case: When a machinery exporter adopts CIF terms, the agency fee should be included.Domestic customs declaration fee + marine insurance + basic destination port customs clearance fee, but excluding destination port customs duty payment services.

How to Reduce Agency Fees Through Negotiation? What Are the Legal Ways to Save Costs?

Based on the customs AEO certification data from 2023 to 2025, the following strategies are recommended:

• Annual Agreement Price Negotiation: A 20%-30% discount is available for monthly export volumes exceeding 20 containers.
• Electronic Document Discount: A 30% reduction in documentation fees is applicable when using the paperless customs declaration system.
• Combo Service Discount: Enjoy a 15% package discount when using customs declaration + tax refund services together.
• Credit Payment Terms: For AA-rated credit enterprises, a 45-day payment term can be applied for.

What fee traps should be watched out for when selecting a proxy service provider?

According to the analysis of the 2025 foreign trade service dispute case database, the following areas require key verification:

• Hidden fee clauses
  • Is the holiday expedited fee clearly stated?
  • Calculation Basis for Inspection Coordination Fees
• Exchange rate conversion rules
  • Exchange rate locking mechanism for USD settlement
  • Cross-border RMB settlement surcharge
• Liability Compensation Clause
  • Port demurrage cost allocation ratio caused by documentation errors
  • Criteria for Determining Liability in Tax Refund Failures

What are the policy changes for export agency fees in 2025?

According to the newly issued "Administrative Measures for International Trade Service Charges," special attention should be paid to:

• Mandatory requirement for service providers to distinguishBasic Service CostswithValue Added Services
• The electronic customs declaration document archiving fee shall not exceed 50% of that for paper documents.
• Foreign exchange risk management consulting fees shall be listed separately.
• Exports to RCEP member countries are eligible for government-subsidized agency fee discounts.