Export agentWhat exactly do the fees include?

The factoryExport agentFees typically consist ofBasic service fee + floating costcomponents:

• Fixed fees:
  • Document processing fee (300-800 RMB per order)
  • customs clearanceDeclaration fee (charged by HS code quantity)
  • Bank charges (0.1%-0.3% of collection amount)
• Variable fees:
  • Logistics surcharges (peak season/fuel surcharge)
  • Tariff deposits (for sensitive goods)
  • Expedited service fees (beyond standard timelines)

Why do agency quotes vary by up to 40%?

2025 industry data shows quote differences mainly come from:

• Service scope definition: Some quotes exclude CO/formality inspection services
• Risk assumption ratio: Quotes including customs clearance failure insurance are 15%-20% higher
• Payment term cost transfer: 90-day payment terms increase agency fees by 8%-12%

Is customs fee calculation by shipment or value more cost-effective?

Needs to be analyzed based onShipment frequency and cargo value scaleSelection:

• Per-shipment fee: Suitable for micro-enterprises with <5 monthly shipments (800-1500 RMB per shipment)
• Value-tiered rates: Suitable for companies with >5 million RMB annual exports (0.15%-0.08% decreasing scale)

2025 regulation reminder: involvesThe RCEPCertificate of Origin authenticated customs declarations may incur additionalcertificate verification fees(approximately 200 yuan per instance)

How to identify hidden clauses in quotations?

• Beware of the "minimum charge" trap:
  • The freight forwarder quoted "RMB 50 per cubic meter," but with a minimum charge of RMB 2,000.
• Be cautious of currency conversion surcharges:
  • Some agents charge 0.5% exchange fee for EUR-USD settlements
• Confirm responsibility for rejected declarations:
  • Customs rejection and re-declaration fees may reach 3 times the initial quote

3 methods to effectively reduce agency costs

• Bulk negotiation strategies:
  • Quarterly export volume exceeding 20 containers may qualify for 12%-15% discounts
• Self-service document preprocessing:
  • Self-prepared packing lists/invoices can save 30% documentation fees
• Opt for regional consolidation services:
  • Consolidating shipments within the same customs zone reduces 30% transportation surcharges

According to 2025 General Administration of Customs data, companies using AEO-certified agents properly save an average of18.7% in customs clearance costs. Its recommended that enterprises requestExact cost checklistduring price comparisons, with key verification points including: foreign exchange settlement paths, exceptional case handling clauses, annual rate adjustment mechanisms, and other critical items.