How are agency import-export service fees calculated?

In 2025, agency service charges mainly adopt three models:

• Suitable for long-term stable cooperative relationships, charging a fixed annual/quarterly service fee (usually in the range of 50,000-200,000 yuan)Charging 0.8%-2.5% of total import-export goods value, applicable to conventional commodities
• DDP terms include destination country clearance feesSingle transaction handling fee of 2000-8000 yuan, includingcustoms clearanceInspection, document preparation
• Customized service billingSpecial supervised goods charged by working hours (800-1500 yuan/hour)

An electronic component import case shows: For goods worth $500,000, the agency fee of approximately $6000 was charged at 1.2%, including 5 customs declaration services.

What additional fees may arise fromAdditional feescharges?

In addition to basic service fees, pay attention to the following expenses:

• Customs regulatory fees:
  • Customs declaration entry fee: 50 yuan/item
  • Inspection service fee: 300-800 yuan/time
• Special document fees:
  • Certificate of origin expedited fee: 500 yuan/copy (2025 new regulation)
  • Hazardous goods declaration surcharge: 0.3% of goods value

How to determine whether charges are reasonable?

Assess quotation reasonableness through three dimensions:

• Horizontal price comparisonObtain quotations from at least 3 agency companies
• Cost breakdown verificationRequire copies of customs charging vouchers
• Service content comparisonVerify whether value-added services such as pre-classification and HS code review are included

A garment export company found through price comparison: Under the same services, Company As quotation was 15% lower than Company Bs, but concealed destination port customs clearance service fees.

Which fees can be negotiated for reduction or exemption?

Cost items with room for negotiation include:

• Basic service fees for annual cooperation exceeding 100 shipments can be reduced by 10%-20%
• Bulk businesses with monthly cargo value exceeding $500,000 can apply for insurance rate discounts
• Self-provided complete customs declaration materials can exempt document sorting fees (approximately 300 yuan/shipment)

Which fees will be affected by 2025 customs new regulations?

Two policy changes requiring special attention this year:

• Smart customs declaration system access feeMandatory technical interface fees for connecting to customs new generation system (2000-5000 yuan/enterprise)
• The carbon tariffsDeclaration surchargeEU CBAM involves additional carbon emission data verification fees for covered goods (0.05%-0.1% of cargo value)

How to avoid hidden charge traps?

When signing contracts, be sure to clarify the following terms:

• Fee adjustment trigger conditions (such as exchange rate fluctuations exceeding 5% requiring written confirmation)
• Third-party service provider charging standards (such as selection rights for inspection agencies of mandatory inspection goods)
• Responsible party for withdrawal and re-declaration fees (distinguishing between agency responsibility and client responsibility)