1. ?Export Agency?What is included in the basic service fee?

The basic service fee of a legitimate agency company usually includes:

• Document preparation (commercial invoice, packing list,?Certificate of Origin?Damage during transportation
• ?Customs Declaration?Declaration and customs data verification
• Foreign Exchange Receipts?Foreign exchange settlement?Basic operations
• Tax rebate filing and registration (does not include tax advance services)
• Basic logistics tracking services

According to 2025 industry survey data, the basic service fee accounts for about 0.8%-1.5% of the total export cost, with the specific percentage depending on the type of goods and trade terms.

2. What are the common charging models?

• Charges based on percentage of cargo value: Commonly used for regular goods (0.5%-2%)
• Charged by Container Type: The price difference between 20GP/40HQ container types is about 15%
• Project-based package fee: Suitable for long-term, stable clients
• Mixed charging model: Percentage of cargo value + fixed operating fee (the fastest-growing charging method in recent years)

3. In what situations will additional fees be incurred?

Based on recent agency dispute cases, special attention should be paid to the following situations involving additional charges:

• Handling fee for specially supervised goods (hazardous chemicals/Medical Devices, etc.) +30%
• Urgent customs declaration fee during non-working hours (usually double)
• Administrative fees for reissuing/modifying documents
• Exchange rate adjustment fee when fluctuations exceed the agreed threshold

4. How is the advance tax rebate service billed?

Comparison of mainstream tax advance solutions in 2025:

• Bank guarantee model: 0.8‰/day of the advanced amount
• Commercial insurance model: 1.2%-1.8% of the tax rebate amount
• Supply chain finance model: comprehensive rate can be as low as LIBOR+3%

A case study of a textile enterprise shows that choosing different tax advance solutions can affect profit margins by 0.6%-1.2%.

5. How to determine if a charge is reasonable?

It is recommended to evaluate from three dimensions:

• Horizontal price comparison: Obtain quotes from more than 3 agencies
• Cost breakdown: Request a detailed list of items such as customs declaration, logistics, documentation, etc.
• Risk premium: Enterprises with an inspection rate higher than the industry average may need to accept a 10%-20% premium

6. Are there differences in agency fees for emerging markets?

Charging characteristics of key markets in 2025:

• RCEP member countries: average rate reduced to 0.6%
• Emerging African markets: a special documentation fee of 3%-5% is common
• Middle Eastern countries: an additional AEO certification service fee is required
• Latin American region: average markup reaches 40% of regular business

7. How do digital services affect the fee structure?

Smart customs declaration systems have reduced basic operating fees by 20%, but have introduced new fee items:

• EDI integration fee: 5,000-20,000 yuan/year
• Data visualization service: 0.1%-0.3% of cargo value
• Risk alert subscription: 800-5,000 yuan/month

8. How to avoid hidden charges?

It is recommended to clearly specify in the contract:

• Triggers for fee adjustments (e.g., changes in customs policy)
• Applicable situations for force majeure exemption clauses
• Specific institution for dispute resolution through arbitration
• The validity period of the exchange rate locking mechanism

By improving contract terms, a certain machinery exporter successfully avoided 120,000 yuan in unexpected expenses in 2025.