I.Export RepresentationWhat Items Are Included in Basic Service Fees?

Agency fees typically consist ofbasic service fees + value-added service fees. Basic services include:

• Customs declaration document preparation (commercial invoices, packing lists, etc.)
• Customs declaration and tax payment on behalf
• Basic logistics coordination (pre-port basic transportation)
• Document filing management (retention period of 3-5 years)

2025 industry data shows that basic service fees average between 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value, with bulk commodities potentially as low as 0.5%. Note theFOB and CIF termsdifferences in fee structures, with CIF models typically adding 3-5 additional services.

II. What factors significantly affect agency fees?

Based on 20 years of agency practice experience, key influencing factors are summarized:

• Goods attribute: Hazardous chemicals incur 30% higher service fees than general cargo
• Customs clearance complexity: Goods subject to anti-dumping duties increase costs by 20%-50%
• Transportation method:
  • Air TransportationCompared toMaritime Transportation15% higher handling fees
  • LCL shipping adds 10% document processing fees
• Payment Cycle: Payment terms exceeding 60 days may incur 2%-3% capital occupancy fees

III. How to identify hidden additional fees?

It is recommended to carefully examine three types of contract clauses:

• Emergency handling fee: Standards for inspection and demurrage fees, amendment fees
• Exchange rate fluctuation compensation clause: Whether differences exceeding ±3% will be charged
• Service extension fees: Destination port document certification, return document mailing, etc.

Newly emerged in 2025Digital service packages(such as blockchain notarization) may charge an additional 0.2% of cargo value, requiring clarification on whether purchase is mandatory.

How to choose a charging model based on different shipment values?

Recommended selection based on annual export volume:

• Below $5 million: Per-ticket fee (300-800 RMB/ticket)
• $5-20 million: Tiered rate (starting from 1.2% of shipment value with progressive reduction)
• Above $20 million: Annual service package (negotiable to 0.6%-0.8%)

Typical case: An auto parts company with annual exports of $18 million savedAnnual volume guarantee agreement27% in agency fees by signing.

How to verify the reasonableness of agency quotes?

Recommended three-step verification method:

• Horizontal price comparison: Obtain quotes from 3+ leading agencies
• Cost breakdown: Request detailed breakdown of 20+ fee components
• Historical data comparison: Retrieve payment records of similar enterprises in past three years

For AEO-certified enterprises in 2025, agencies can be required to provideCustoms clearance time commitment, with daily penalty for delay (typically 0.05%/day).