Enter輸出代理店What services are included in the fee?

The fees of a legitimate agency typically include:Document processing,通関Inspection declaration, logistics coordination, foreign exchange settlement, tax rebate declarationFive foundational services. Specific service packages may include:

• Basic Services
  • Commercial Invoice/Packing List Preparation
  • Application for Import and Export License
  • Advance Customs Classification Confirmation
• Value-added services
  • Port of destination通関assist
  • Trade Financing Solutions
  • Compliance Risk Review

Is the agency fee charged as a percentage of the cargo value?

Industry research in 2023 shows that68% of agencies adopt a tiered commission structure：

• For goods valued under 1 million: 0.8%–1.2%
• 100-500萬元:0.5%-0.8%
• For amounts above 5 million, the rate can be negotiated down to 0.3%.

However, special goods (such as hazardous materials or high-tariff items) may see a surcharge of 50%–100%; it is recommended to request a written rate schedule from the agent.

What hidden costs are there besides the base agency fee?

Special attention should be paid to the following three categories追加料金：

• Document processing fee: Single ticket: RMB 500–2,000
• Port miscellaneous charges: THC/ORC and other terminal charges
• Emergency handling fee: Storage/handling fees incurred during customs inspection

The 2025 regulations require agencies to disclose the surcharge list in advance; it is recommended to request a complete cost breakdown before signing any agreement.

How do CIF and FOB price terms affect agency fees?

The differences in charges under different trade terms are mainly reflected in:

• CIF條項: The agent will need to assume greater transportation insurance liability, with costs rising by approximately 0.2%.
• FOB Terms: The risk transfers during the overseas segment, but a local document handling fee must be paid

It is recommended to interpret the trade terms according to the latest INCOTERMS 2025 to avoid disputes over charges.

How can you determine whether an agency fee is reasonable?

Refer to the three core metrics:

• Industry average commission rate (average export agency commission rate in 2023: 0.75%)
• Service Response Speed (premium for urgent order processing not exceeding 30%)
• Compliance Safeguard Strength (AEO-certified agents can reduce inspection rates)

Can long-term cooperation qualify for discounted rates?

Customers with annual export volumes exceeding USD 2 million can typically negotiate:

• Quarterly settlement rebate (0.1%–0.3%)
• Annual service fee waived (approx. USD 5,000/year)
• Priority cabin seat guarantee

「基本料金＋パフォーマンスボーナス」という協業モデルを採用し、一部の費用を通関効率に連動させることを推奨します。

Is there a big difference in agency fees between cross-border e-commerce and traditional foreign trade?

Data from 2025 shows that the differences are mainly reflected in:

• Filing frequency: E-commerce charges per order ($0.45–$1.20/order)
• Tax refund processing: Traditional trade enjoys a 13% tax rebate, while e-commerce mostly adopts assessed collection.
• System Integration: API interface fee approximately USD 2,000 per month

How is the agency fee calculated when customs detains the goods?

It must be clearly stipulated what the emergency response service charges will be:

• Basic inspection service fee: $800–$1,500 per session
• Customs Attorney: Starting at 2,000 RMB/hour
• Demurrage advance interest: usually calculated at LPR + 3%.

「検査リスク保証」を提供する代理店を選ぶことをお勧めします。年間費用は貨物価値の約0.05%です。

Key Recommendations:Request the agent to provide a cost-breakdown matrix that separately lists the basic service fee, government charges, and value-added service fee. For orders valued at over 5 million, we recommend adopting a fixed-fee + floating-rate combination to control costs while ensuring service quality.