I.Export RepresentationWhat items are included in the service fee?

Professional export agency fees typically consist of three core modules:

• Basic service fee
  • Document Preparation (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, etc.)
  • Customs declaration and document verification
  • Logistics and Transportation Coordination
• Cost of advanced funds
  • Export DrawbackAdvance payment (usually with interest charged on the advance).
  • Customs duty prepayment guarantee fee
• Additional service fees
  • Special Document Authentication (e.g., CCPIT Authentication)
  • Customs clearance support at destination port
  • Management of foreign exchange receipt and payment

II. What are the export agency fee standards for 2025?

Currently, the mainstream pricing models in the market are divided into three categories:

• Charges based on percentage of cargo value: 0.8%-1.5% (including basic services)
• Charged by Container Type:
  • 20GP: ￥1800-2500/container
  • 40HQ: ￥2800-3500/container
• Mixed charging model: 0.5% of the cargo value + fixed handling fee (recommended for bulk cargo)

Notably: Leading agency firms have generally raised service fees by approximately 15% since the end of 2024, primarily due to increased costs associated with customs AEO certification.

III. What factors will affect the final quotation?

• Goods characteristics: The service fee for hazardous materials is 30-50% higher than that for general cargo.
• Trade terms: EXW charges 15-20% more in handling fees than FOB.
• Settlement Methods：An additional 0.3% risk premium is required for LC payment.
• Export Destination: Middle East/Africa route surcharge reaches ￥800/ticket.
• Enterprise Qualification：AEO-certified customers enjoy a 10% discount.

IV. How to Identify Hidden Fees?

It is recommended to focus on the following four clauses in the contract:

• Minimum charge standard: If the amount is less than ￥2000, it will be charged as ￥2000.
• Document Amendment Fee: Each additional revision beyond 3 times will cost ￥200.
• Expedited processing fee: A 50% surcharge applies for 24-hour emergency customs declaration.
• Return Processing Fee: Return operation at destination port starting from ￥1500

Experience tip: Request the agent to provide a breakdown of all potential fees.All-in PriceTerms.

5. How do different payment methods affect the fees?

• T/T advance payment: Base rate + 0.1% fund custody fee
• L/C: An additional 0.5% document review fee is required.
• DP Payment: An additional 1% risk deposit will be charged.
• OA payment term: Interest on advance payment (annualized 8-12%) is required for periods exceeding 60 days.

6. How to Negotiate for More Favorable Agency Rates?

Summarizing three techniques based on 20 years of negotiation experience:

• Annual Framework Agreement: Annual export volume exceeding 100 containers qualifies for a 10% discount.
• Combined service procurement: Bundled customs declaration + tax refund + logistics service package
• Off-season negotiation strategy: Additional discounts are available for contracts signed by the end of Q2.

7. Why Are Agency Fees Higher in Emerging Markets?

Analysis of Pricing Differences: A Case Study of Southeast Asia and Africa

• Documentation complexity: Vietnam requires FORM E certificate (+￥600)
• Uncertainty in customs clearance: Nigeria is required to pay the COD fee (2% of the cargo value).
• Logistics risk cost: War Surcharge in the Middle East Region (￥150/container)

Suggested Strategy: Request the agent to provideCompliance Guidelines for Destination Countries, Make a budget in advance.