Export agentWhat are the main fees charged by the company?

Export agency companies typically adoptBasic Service Fee + Business Operation Fee + Third - Party FeesThe composite charging model:

• Basic service fee: Includes core services such as customs declaration agency and document review, with the average market price in 2025 ranging from RMB 800-2000 per shipment.
• Business Operation Expenses:
  • Special document certification (e.g.Certificate of OriginAdditional signature) RMB150-300 per copy
  • Express customs clearance handling fee: RMB 500-1200 per instance.
• Third-party collection and payment fees:
  • Port THC fee (Shenzhen Port standard for 2025 is RMB720/20GP)
  • Customs inspection site occupancy fee: RMB 200-500/day.

Why is there such a big difference in quotes from different agencies?

According to the 2024 annual report data from the World Trade Organization, the price differences in China's export agency industry primarily stem from:

• Differences in service depth: Full-chain service providers are 15-25% more expensive than single customs declaration companies.
• Scope of Risk Undertaking: Quotes that include compliance guarantees typically carry a premium of 8-12%.
• Enterprise qualification levels: AEO-certified enterprises charge a service fee premium of approximately 10%.
• Payment method affects: Spot settlement is 3-5% cheaper than payment on account.

How to identify hidden fee items?

It is recommended to require the agency company to provideComparison table of expense details, pay special attention to the following easily overlooked charges:

• Document modification fee: RMB50-100 per modification (new ISO document standard added in 2025).
• Data Entry Fee: Special Format Reporting RMB30-80/field
• Abnormal operation fee:
  • Temporary container replacement: RMB 300-500
  • Emergency holiday appointments: RMB800-1500

Which expense items will undergo significant changes in 2025?

According to Announcement No. 1 of 2025 from the General Administration of Customs, special attention should be paid to:

• Electronic Customs Declaration Surcharge: Additional data security certification fee RMB120/ticket
• Green Logistics Surcharge: Carbon Neutral Transport Certification Fee RMB 80-150 per shipment
• Exchange rate fluctuation reserve: A 0.3% risk fee will be charged per transaction settled in USD.

How to negotiate service fees with an agency?

Based on 20 yearsForeign tradePractical experience suggests adopting the following negotiation strategies:

• Step pricing method: A discount of 5-8% can be negotiated for annual export volumes exceeding 100 containers.
• cost ceiling clauses: The agreed maximum handling fee per ticket shall not exceed RMB 2,500.
• Bundled bargaining: Bundling negotiations for customs declaration, logistics, and tax rebates can reduce costs by 10-15%.
• Digital service substitution: Using a proxy ERP system can reduce service fees by 3-5%.

Is it more cost-effective to choose a fixed rate or a floating rate?

According to 2025 industry research data:

• Fixed rateSuitable for:
  • SMEs with a monthly export volume of fewer than 20 containers
  • Companies with a single product category
• Floating rateSuitable for:
  • Large enterprises with an annual export volume exceeding 500 containers.
  • Multinational trade-involved group enterprises

It is recommended to require the agency company to provideAnalysis Report on Rate Fluctuations Over the Past Three Years, with a focus on reviewingOcean shippingThe rate increase ratio during the peak season (June to September).