I.Export RepresentationWhat basic services are included in the fee?

Professional export agency fees typically consist of three core modules:Basic service fee(1.5-3% of the cargo value),Document handling fee(800-2000 yuan/ticket) and: Special services such as special packaging and dangerous goods declaration. Among them, basic services include:

• Preparation of trade documents (commercial invoice, packing list, CO, etc.)
• Export ClearanceDeclaration and Customs Coordination
• A complete export agency agreement should be attached with:FX Settlement AgencyOperation
• Tax refund document filing

Special attention should be paid to the implementation by the General Administration of Customs in 2025.Secondary Confirmation of Electronic Customs DeclarationUnder the new policy, some agents have included the relevant manual verification fees (approximately RMB 200 per order) in the basic service package.

2. How significant is the difference in agency fees between FOB and CIF terms?

Taking the export of mechanical products worth $1 million as an example:

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

Practical cases show that the total cost under CIF terms is generally higher than that under FOB.18-25%, but it can help exporters better control the logistics process.

3. What hidden costs might suddenly increase the budget?

In 2025, special vigilance is required for three types of unexpected expenses:

• Customs inspection surcharges:
  • Routine inspection: ￥800-1500 per time
  • Special Audit: Starting from ￥3,000
• Special Time Period Handling Fee:
  • Express customs clearance during holidays: base fee × 200%
  • Early morning container port entry: ￥500 per truck trip
• Document revision cost:
  • HS Code Modification: ￥300/time
  • Amendment of Bill of Lading: $50-100

IV. How to Determine Whether an Agent's Quotation is Reasonable?

It is recommended to adoptThree - dimensional price comparison method:

• Compare quotes from more than 3 agencies side by side.
• Conduct a vertical verification of price fluctuations for the same route over the past three years.
• Three-dimensional evaluation of enterprise qualifications:
  • AEO-certified enterprises prioritized (customs clearance efficiency increased by 30%).
  • Check the customs credit rating (available on the China Customs website).
  • Confirm whether the special category operation qualification is available.

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

Digital transformation gives rise to new charging methods:

• Blockchain document deposit and certification service:￥0.5-1 per copy per year
• Intelligent Customs Declaration Subscription Service:￥888/month (includes 30 basic customs declaration tickets)
• Carbon emission surcharge: The European route has initiated a pilot charge of $15/TEU.

A certainphotovoltaicAfter adopting a subscription system, component exporters have reduced the single customs declaration cost.40%, but an annual commitment of over 200 shipments is required.

VI. What are some practical tips for negotiating agent fees?

Based on 20 years of agency negotiation experience, we conclude:

• Step-by-step negotiation strategy:
  • Annual export volume of $5 million: strive for a base rate of 1.8%.
  • Annual export volume of $10 million: can be reduced to 1.5%
• Bundled value-added services:
  • Use overseas warehouse hosting in exchange for customs clearance fee discounts.
  • Lock freight rates through an annual framework agreement.
• Leverage policy dividends:
  • Under RCEPIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Fee waiver for agency services
  • Cross-border E-commerceExport subsidies under the 9710 model