1.Export agentWhat items are included in the basic service fee?

Agency fees are typically borne byBasic service fee + Value-added service feeComposition. Basic services include:

• Preparation of customs declaration documents (commercial invoice, packing list, etc.)
• Customs declaration and tax payment agency
• Basic logistics coordination (pre-arrival basic transportation)
• Document Filing Management (Retention Period: 3-5 Years)

Industry data for 2025 shows that the average basic service fee ranges between 0.8% and 1.5% of the cargo value, with commodities potentially as low as 0.5%. Note thatFOB and CIF TermsThe cost composition differs, with the CIF model typically including 3-5 additional services.

2. What factors significantly affect agency fees?

With two decades of hands-on agency experience, we have summarized the key influencing factors:

• Goods attribute: Hazardous chemicals incur a 30% higher service fee compared to general cargo.
• Customs clearance complexity: An additional 20%-50% fee is imposed on goods subject to anti-dumping duties.
• Transportation method:
  • air freightThanOcean shipping15% higher operating fee
  • LCL shipping incurs an additional 10% document handling fee.
• Payment Cycle: An account period exceeding 60 days may incur a 2%-3% capital occupancy fee.

III. How to Identify Hidden Additional Fees?

It is recommended to focus on verifying three types of clauses in the contract:

• Emergency handling fee: Standards for inspecting demurrage fees and amendment fees
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause: Will the difference be charged if it exceeds ±3%?
• Service Extension Fee: Port of destination document authentication, document return mailing, etc.

Newly emerging in 2025Digital service package(For example, blockchain evidence preservation) may incur an additional fee of 0.2% of the cargo value. Please clarify whether this is a mandatory purchase.

IV. How to Choose the Billing Model Based on Different Product Value Scales?

Based on the company's annual export volume, it is recommended to choose:

• Below $5 million: Charged per ticket (300-800 RMB/ticket)
• $5-20 million: Tiered rates (starting from 1.2% of the cargo value and decreasing progressively)
• Above $20 million: Annual service package (negotiable down to 0.6%-0.8%)

Typical case: An auto parts company with an annual export volume of $18 million signed aAnnual Volume Commitment AgreementSave 27% on agency fees.

5. How to Verify the Reasonableness of Proxy Quotes?

A three-step verification method is recommended:

• Horizontal price comparison: Obtain quotes from at least three leading agencies.
• Cost breakdown: Please provide a detailed breakdown of 20+ cost components.
• Historical data comparison: Retrieve payment records of enterprises in the same category over the past three years.

In 2025, AEO-certified enterprises by customs may request agents to provideCustoms clearance time commitment, Late fees will be charged on a daily basis (typically 0.05% per day).