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

Professional export agency fees typically include three core modules:

• Basic service fee
  • Document preparation (commercial invoices, packing lists, etc.)
  • Customs declaration and document review
  • Logistics and Transportation Coordination
• Cost of advanced funds
  • Export DrawbackAdvance payment (usually charging financing interest)
  • Tariff prepayment guarantee fees
• Additional service fees
  • Special document certification (such as CCPIT certification)
  • Destination port customs clearance support
  • Management of foreign exchange receipt and payment

II. What are the 2025 export agency fee standards?

Current market mainstream billing models 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 cargo value + fixed handling fee (recommended for bulk cargo)

Note: Leading agency companies have generally increased service rates by about 15% since late 2024, mainly due to increased AEO certification costs.

III. What factors affect the final quotation?

• Goods characteristics: Dangerous goods incur 30-50% higher service fees than general cargo
• Trade terms: EXW charges 15-20% more handling fees than FOB
• Settlement Methods: LC payments require an additional 0.3% risk deposit
• Export Destination: Middle East/Africa routes have additional fees up to ￥800/ticket
• Enterprise Qualification: AEO certified customers can enjoy 10% discounts

IV. How to identify hidden fee items?

It is recommended to focus on four key contract clauses:

• Minimum fee standard: Below ￥2000 will be charged as ￥2000
• Document amendment fee: More than 3 revisions will incur ￥200 each time
• Expedited processing fee: 24-hour emergency customs clearance adds 50% surcharge
• Return processing fee: Destination port return operations start from ￥1500

Pro tip: Request the agent to provide a quote including all potential feesAll-in PriceTerms and conditions

How do different payment methods affect the costs?

• T/T advance paymentBasic rate + 0.1% fund supervision fee
• L/CAdditional 0.5% document review fee required
• DP payment1% risk guarantee deposit added
• OA payment termsInterest on advance payment required for terms exceeding 60 days (annualized 8-12%)

How to negotiate more favorable agency rates?

Three techniques summarized from 20 years of negotiation experience:

• Annual Framework AgreementCommitment to annual export volume exceeding 100 containers can reduce rates by 10%
• Combined service procurementBundled customs clearance + tax refund + logistics service package
• Off-season negotiation strategyAdditional discounts available for contracts signed at the end of Q2

Why are agency fees higher in emerging markets?

Analysis of fee differences using Southeast Asia and Africa as examples:

• Document complexityVietnam requires FORM E certificate (+￥600)
• Customs clearance uncertaintyNigeria requires COD payment (2% of cargo value)
• Logistics risk costsMiddle East region charges war risk surcharge (￥150/container)

Recommended strategy: Request the agent to provideDestination country compliance guideand prepare cost budget in advance.