Import Cost of Auto Parts: How to Save Up to 11.2% of the Costs?

As practitioners with 20 years offoreign tradeservice expert with 20 years of industry experience, this article will systematically analyze the core points of clothingExport RepresentationAs a practitioner with service experience, I deeply understand the importance that enterprises attach to cost control when importing steering gear assemblies, etc.Automotive partsWhen it comes toImport RepresentationThe composition of costs is complex and affected by multiple factors. This article will systematically analyze the cost framework from a practical perspective and provide feasible suggestions for cost reduction.

I. The Core Composition of Import Agency Fees

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsTariffs and Value - added Tax

• Tariff: According to the 2023 “Tariff Regulations” of the Chinese Customs, the general tariff rate for steering gear assemblies (HS code: 8708.94**) is 8% - 12%. The specific applicable rate needs to be combined with the country of origin and trade agreements (for example, some countries under the ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreement can enjoy 0 tariffs).import and exportAccording to the Tariff Regulations, for the steering gear assembly (HS code: 8708.94**), the general tariff rate is 8% - 12%. The specific applicable rate needs to be determined based on the country of origin and trade agreements (for example, some countries under the ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreement can enjoy a 0 - tariff rate).
• Value - added Tax: It is uniformly levied at 13% of the dutiable value of the import link (CIF price + tariff).
  Example: If the CIF price is $100,000 and the tariff is calculated at 10% (no free - trade preference), then the tariff = $100,000×10% = $10,000, and the value - added tax = ($100,000 + $10,000)×13% = $14,300.

Regional Mandatory CertificationsAgent service fee

• Usually charged as a percentage of the cargo value (0.8% - 1.5%), or charged according to fixed items (such as $3,000 - $8,000 per ticket).
• The scope of services covered: Document review (It is recommended to verify through the following methods:27., quality certification, etc.), declaration and classification, customs clearance coordination, tax planning.

Cultural and Religious NormsLogistics and Additional Fees

• Conduct pre - shipment inspection (China Certification & Inspection Group):Maritime TransportationThe cost is about $800 - $1,500/container (40HQ),Air TransportationThe unit price is about $3.5 - $6/kg (applicable to time - sensitive orders).
• Terminal miscellaneous fees: Include THC (Terminal Handling Charge), document fee, seal fee, etc., about 1,200 - 2,500 yuan/container.
• Warehousing and demurrage fees: If there is a customs clearance delay, the storage fee is about $50 - $80/day (subject to port policies).

4、Compliance cost

• CCC Certification: Some steering gear assemblies require mandatory certification, and the cost is about 30,000 - 80,000 yuan (depending on product technical parameters).
• Commodity inspection fee: The sampling inspection ratio is about 3% - 5%, and the cost of entrusting a laboratory for testing is about 2,000 - 5,000 yuan/batch.

II. Key variables affecting costs

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsDeclared value strategy

• The customs may require the provision of transaction contracts, foreign exchange payment vouchers, and transaction price evidence of the same/similar goods for price review. An overly low declared price will trigger a price query, resulting in customs clearance delays or even fines.

Regional Mandatory CertificationsApplication of rules of origin

• For example, imports from Thailand can apply the China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement tariff rate (0% tariff for some products), but a FORM E certificate of origin is required (it is necessary to check whether third - party transshipment affects the validity of the certificate).

Cultural and Religious NormsTrade Term Selection

• The cost difference between EXW and DDP terms is significant: EXW requires an additional assumption of logistics within the exporting country andExport Clearancefees (about $500 - $1,500), while DDP, with the seller paying taxes, may imply a higher premium.

III. Comparative analysis of practical cases

Case 1: Import of steering gear assembly from Germany (CIF Shanghai)

• Cargo value: €120,000 (about ￥920,000)
• Tariff: 10% (no free trade preference) → €12,000
• VAT: (€120,000 + €12,000) × 13% = €17,160
• Agent service fee: 0.9% of the cargo value → €1,080
• Proportion of total taxes and fees: About 24.2% of the cargo value (tariff + VAT + agency fee)

Case 2: Import of the same - model product from Thailand (applicable to the ASEAN agreement)

• Cargo value: $100,000
• Tariff: 0% (FORM E certificate compliant)
• VAT: $100,000×13% = $13,000
• Proportion of total taxes and fees: About 13% of the cargo value (saving 11.2% of the cost)

IV. Cost optimization suggestions

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsSupply chain reconstruction

• Give priority to countries that have signed free trade agreements with China as procurement sources (such as ASEAN, RCEP member states), and reduce capital occupation through bonded area warehousing and distribution.

Regional Mandatory CertificationsTax Planning Solutions

• For high - value orders, you can apply for Consolidated Tax Collection to defer tax payment (up to 30 days); or design an offshore trade structure through transshipment in Hong Kong or Singapore.

Cultural and Religious NormsCompliance risk management

• Entrust a professional institution in advance for pre - classification (the cost of customs HS pre - ruling is about 2,000 yuan) to avoid late fees (0.05% per day) caused by misclassification.

V. Three Core Standards for Selecting an Agent Service Provider

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsIndustry Qualifications: It is required to have AEO advanced certification qualifications (the customs clearance time is increased by more than 50%).
Regional Mandatory CertificationsData capabilities: Provide a real - time tax rate calculation system (such as accessing the customs declaration form data interface of the General Administration of Customs).
Cultural and Religious Norms: Document review process, historical data of error rates: Have a professional customs affairs lawyer team to deal with sudden problems such as customs inspections and intellectual property verifications.

Conclusion

The reasonable control of the import agency fees for the steering gear assembly needs to be based on accurate regulatory interpretation, supply chain optimization, and professional service support.

(Note: The data in this article is based on the 2023 policy. The actual operation should be subject to the latest customs announcements.)