I.Export RepresentationProfessional export agency fees typically include three core modules:

(1.5-3% of cargo value),Basic service feeDocument handling feeDocumentation Handling Fee(800-2000 yuan/ticket): Special services such as special packaging and dangerous goods declarationBasic services include:

• Trade document preparation (commercial invoice, packing list, CO, etc.)
• Export ClearanceCustoms declaration and coordination
• A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:In order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.Operation
• Tax refund document filing

Special attention should be paid to theelectronic customs declaration secondary confirmationnew policy implemented by the General Administration of Customs in 2025. Some agents have included the relevant manual verification fees (approximately 200 yuan/single) in the basic service package.

What is the difference in agency fees between FOB and CIF terms?

Taking the export of mechanical products with a value of 1 million USD as an example:

• FOB terms(Delivery at Shenzhen Port):
  • Basic service fee: 2% × $1M = $20,000
  • Port miscellaneous package: ￥8,000-12,000
• CIF terms(Arrival at Rotterdam Port):
  • Maritime TransportationAdditional fee: $4,500/40HQ
  • Marine insurance: 0.15% of cargo value
  • Destination port document fee: $150-300

Actual cases show that the total cost of CIF mode is usually higher than FOB by18-25%, but it can help exporters better control logistics.

What hidden costs may suddenly increase the budget?

In 2025, special vigilance is required for three types of sudden costs:

• Customs inspection surcharges:
  • Routine inspection: ￥800-1500/time
  • Special audit: starting from ￥3000
• Special period operation fee:
  • Holiday urgent customs declaration: basic fee × 200%
  • Early morning container port entry: ￥500/truck
• Document correction costs:
  • HS code modification: ￥300/time
  • Bill of lading amendment: $50-100

How to determine if the agents quotation is reasonable?

It is recommended to adoptThree - dimensional price comparison method:

• Compare quotations from at least 3 agents horizontally
• Verify quotation fluctuations for the same route over the past 3 years vertically
• Comprehensively evaluate the companys qualifications:
  • Priority for AEO certified companies (customs clearance efficiency increased by 30%)
  • Check customs credit rating (available on China Customs website)
  • Confirm whether they have operational qualifications for special categories

What new charging models are worth paying attention to in 2025?

Digital transformation has given rise to new charging methods:

• Blockchain document deposit and certification service: ￥0.5-1 yuan/copy/year
• Intelligent customs declaration subscription system: ￥888/month (includes 30 basic customs declarations)
• Carbon emission surcharge: European route piloting $15/TEU surcharge

A certainphotovoltaicComponent exporters adopting subscription model reduced per-declaration costs40%, but must commit to annual volume exceeding 200 declarations

What practical techniques exist for negotiating agency fees?

Based on 20 years of agency negotiation experience:

• Tiered pricing strategy:
  • Annual export $5 million: Target 1.8% base rate
  • Annual export $10 million: Can reduce to 1.5%
• Bundled value-added services:
  • Exchange overseas warehouse hosting for customs fee discounts
  • Lock freight rates with annual framework agreements
• Leverage policy incentives:
  • Under RCEPIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Agency fee reductions
  • Cross-border E-commerce9710 model export subsidies