What service items are included in export agency fees?

Export agency fees areforeign tradecomprehensive charges provided by service providers for export enterprises,End-to-end trade serviceswith core components including:

• Basic service modules:
  • Customs declaration and inspection document processing (accounting for 35-45% of fees)
  • Logistics coordination (Maritime Transportation/Air Transportationbooking services)
  • Foreign Exchange ReceiptsFX Settlement AgencyOperation
• Value-added service modules:
  • Export DrawbackAdvance payments (risk control costs under 2025 new regulations)
  • Trade financing services (L/Csuch as confirmation)
  • Destination country compliance certifications (e.g. handling EU CE certification)

Why can price differences between different agents reach 30%?

2025 General Administration of Customs data shows that price differences among formal agents mainly stem from:

• Service depth differences: whether port clearance services are included
• Risk assumption scope: length of tax refund advance periods (15-day vs 90-day plans show 18% price difference)
• Information technology level: blockchain customs declaration systems can reduce 3-5% operational costs
• Special qualifications: AEO-certified enterprises enjoy customs fast-track channels

How to identify hidden charges in export agency quotes?

Pay special attention to three types of potential fees in contracts:

• Emergency handling fees:
  • Customs inspection coordination fees (500-2000 RMB per instance)
  • Document modification expedited fees
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation (recommended to lock in ±2% fluctuation range in 2025)
• Special cargo surcharges:
  • Hazardous goods transportation filing fees
  • Cold chain cargo temperature control recording fees

What is the actual cost difference between self-operated export and agency export?

Calculation based on a manufacturing enterprise with annual export volume of $20 million (2025 data):

• Hidden costs of self-operated export:
  • Professional team maintenance cost: approximately 850,000 yuan/year
  • System construction cost: ERP + customs system about 400,000 yuan
  • Capital occupation cost: annual loss of about 2.3% due to tax refund cycle differences
• Explicit costs of agency export: about 1.2-1.8% of goods value

5 key questions to ask when choosing an export agent in 2025

• Whether possessingCross-border E-commerce9610/9710 customs clearance qualification?
• How to handle origin certification under RCEP agreement?
• Any solutions for EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
• Can you provide a digital system with real-time in-transit tracking?
• Does the dispute resolution mechanism include third-party arbitration clauses?

3 principles to insist on when negotiating agency fees

• Tiered fee structure: dynamically adjust rates based on shipment volume
• Fee cap clause: agree on annual maximum service fee amount
• Performance betting mechanism: link error rate with fee rebates

How to verify the true service ability of an agent?

It is recommended to adoptThree-certificate four-check method:

• Qualification verification:
  • Customs AEO certification
  • Record - keeping certificate of international freight forwarder
  • (Enterprises of category B and above are in normal status)
• Capability verification:
  • Require real customs declarations from the past 3 months (desensitized)
  • On-site inspection of customs operation system response speed
  • Verify actual coverage countries of overseas agent network
  • Check bank credit line to confirm financial strength