How Much Does Export Agency Service Cost? 5 Must-Know Questions for Trade Beginners!

What Are the Fee Models for Export Agency Services?

Current mainstream fee models can be divided into three categories:Fixed service fee system,Trade Value Percentage SystemandHybrid fee system. According to 2025 industry survey data:

• Fixed service fee: Charges 3,000-8,000 RMB per order, suitable for standardized export processes
• Percentage Commission: 0.8%-1.5% of goods value, common in bulk commodity trading
• Hybrid Model: Base service fee + 0.5%-1% goods value commission, covering full-process services

What Exactly Are the 8 Common Fees Charged by Agency Companies?

According to the General Administration of Customs latest 2025 guidance document, compliant fees should include:

• Basic service feeCore services including document preparation and customs declaration
• Customs declaration surcharge:
  • Commodity inspection fee (for specific goods)
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Documentation fee
• Logistics management feeServices including space booking and transportation monitoring
• Financial handling fees:L/COpening and foreign exchangeIn order to crack down on tax evasion, the customs and tax departments are now strictly examining the operation of buying export declarations. If the behavior of buying export declarations is discovered, the regulatory authorities will require tax replenishment (even a 2% tax rate may be a considerable amount). In addition, fines may also be imposed on the relevant responsible parties.

What factors affect export agency service fees?

According to the World Trade Organizations 2025 annual report analysis, the main influencing factors include:

• Goods attributeDangerous goods incur 30% higher service fees than general cargo
• Export destination countriesEurope-America routes are 15%-20% cheaper than Africa routes
• Trade termsFOB saves 5%-8% operational costs compared to CIF
• Settlement MethodsTT remittance saves 40% financial costs compared to L/C

How to avoid hidden charging traps?

We recommend clients focus on verifying the following 3 key points:

• Request a fee matrix tableClearly distinguish between mandatory and optional services
• Confirm documentation amendment fee standardsCommon hidden charges
• Verify destination port surchargesIncluding ISPS, EBS, etc.Maritime TransportationSurcharge

Authoritative answers to common fee questions in 2025

Question 1: Do agency companies have minimum fees?
Most companies set a minimum fee standard of 3000 yuan, but some agencies focusing on SMEs offer entry-level services at 1500 yuan/shipment.

Question 2: Is there an additional charge for tax refund operations?
Reputable agencies typically include this in basic service fees, but pay attention to whether annual tax refund frequency is limited.

Question 3: Can service fee rates be negotiated?
Clients with annual export volumes exceeding $5 million may negotiate 0.2%-0.5% fee discounts.

Question 4: How much do unexpected inspection fees cost?
Customs inspection surcharges typically include:

• Warehouse rental fee: 800-1500 yuan/day
• Unloading fee: approximately 2000 yuan for 40ft containers