I. ImportExport RepresentationWhat are the common calculation methods for fees?

According to the latest industry research by China International Freight Forwarders Association in 2025, mainstream charging models can be divided into the following 5 types:

• Value - proportion system: Ranging from 0.8%-3%, applicable to general trade (Medical EquipmentTypically charges 2.5%)
• Fixed service fee: 8000-50000 yuan/order, commonly seen in small transactionsCross-border E-commercebusiness based on this
• Progressive segmented system: Below 1 million at 1.2%, 1-5 million at 0.8%, above 5 million at 0.5%
• Mixed billing system: Base service fee + percentage of cargo value (e.g. 5000 yuan + 0.6%)
• Project lump-sum system: Includes full-process services such as customs clearance, logistics, and documentation (average price about 38,000 yuan/20GP container)

II. What factors affect the level of agency fees?

Customs supervision data from 2025 shows the following 6 elements significantly impact costs:

• Cargo value fluctuation: 2 million USDequipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.Compared to 20,000 USD sample goods, the fee rate is 0.6 percentage points higher
• Product Characteristics:
  • Hazardous goods handling fee increases by 40%
  • Food category requires additional inspection fees (about 0.3% of cargo value)
• Trade terms: Under CIF terms, average fees are 0.2% lower than FOB
• Service scope: Document certification services increase total fees by 15-25%
• Settlement Methods: ForwardL/CSettlement requires payment of 0.05%/month capital occupation fee
• Policy timeliness: Agreement tax rates under RCEP can save 0.8% agency service fee

III. Will agency companies charge hidden fees?

According to the Measures for the Administration of Value - Added Tax on Cross - border Taxable Activities in 2025foreign tradeDispute case database statistics show special attention should be paid to the following 4 types of potential fees:

• Emergency handling fee: Express customs clearance service fee can be up to 3 times regular fees
• Special documentation fee:It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Document endorsement averages 800 yuan/copy
• Port Detention Surcharge: Container overstay detention charged at 200 yuan/day
• Exchange rate compensation feeA 0.5% exchange rate risk premium is required for 90-day payment terms service.

Risk avoidance recommendations:Request a tiered quotation form and clearly stipulate the clause No additional charges beyond those specified in this agreement.

IV. Self-operationimport and exportIs it really more cost-effective than using an agent?

According to the 2025 corporate cost audit report, hidden costs that can be saved through the agency model include:

• Late declaration penalties due to documentation errors (average annual savings of 92,000 yuan)
• Customs system maintenance fees (annual savings of 150,000-300,000 yuan)
• Trade compliance training costs (6-month training cycle for new hires)
• Policy misinterpretation risks (avoiding fines up to 30% of cargo value)

Case study: An auto parts company reduced annual customs costs by 37% and improved customs clearance efficiency by 62% after switching to an agency model.

V. What are the new changes in agency fees for 2025?

Three major trends worth noting this year:

• Digital service feesBlockchain traceability system surcharge of 0.15%
• Green channel fee3% rate discount for AEO-certified enterprises
• Carbon tariff service packageAverage CBAM declaration service fee of 12,000 yuan per batch for EU

Special reminder: Starting from January 2025, cross-border e-commerce businesses will need to pay an additional 0.2% electronic payment supervision fee.