How exactly are export agency fees paid? The 2025 latest operational guide is here

Export RepresentationHow should fees be paid?

2025foreign tradeEnterprises can choose from the following three mainstream payment methods:

• Handling fee: 0.1% - 0.3%: Suitable for regular payments under $50,000, requires complete customs declaration and proforma invoice
• L/C(L/C): Recommended for large transactions, advised to choose SWIFT-certified banks to issue transferable letters of credit
• : Suitable for small - value orders.An emerging compliance channel requires confirmation that the platform holds a cross-border payment license (such as the 6 newly approved pilot institutions in 2025)

How to schedule the payment milestones for agency fees?

It is recommended to adopt3322 phased payment method:

• 30% down payment after contract signing
• 30% progress payment before container loading
• 20% payment after customs declaration release
• The remaining 20% balanceA complete export agency agreement should be attached with:shall be settled within 7 working days

Note: New SAFE regulations in 2025 require that agency fee payments exceeding USD 100,000 per transaction must be filed in the foreign exchange monitoring system 5 working days in advance.

How to calculate the agency service fee amount?

Standard agency company fee structure typically includes:

• Basic service fee: 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value (2025 industry guidance price)
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
  :
  • Special document processing: RMB 200-500 per document
  • Expedited customs clearance: Starting from RMB 1000 per instance
• Risk guarantee: 3%-5% of cargo value (refundable)

What documents are required for agency fee payment?

• Essential documents:
  • Agency agreement signed by legal representatives of both parties
  • Proforma Invoice
  • Bank foreign exchange receipt and payment declaration form
• Supplementary materials(depending on amount):
  • Copy of customs declaration (electronic versions have legal effect in 2025)
  • Foreign exchange receipt slip
  • VAT special invoice (6% modern service industry tax rate)

What are the tax risks for cross-border agency fee payments?

Key 2025 considerations:

• VAT treatment: Agency fees fall under modern services - 6% VAT withholding required for domestic payments
• Income tax withholding: 10% enterprise income tax withholding for cross-border payments (may be reduced under tax treaties)
• Transfer pricing risks: Agency fees exceeding industry standards by 20% may trigger tax audits

Recommended to complete before paymentTax filing(as required by SAT Announcement No. 8 of 2025)

How to handle agency fee payment disputes?

2025 recommended approachThree-step resolution method,:

• Step 1: Verify special terms in agency agreement
• Step 2: Apply for mediation through CIETAC online mediation system
• Step 3Submit dispute records to the General Administration of Customs 12360 service platform

It is recommended to retain completepayment evidence chain(including electronic evidence such as chat records and email correspondence)

What are the new changes in agency fee payments for 2025?

• Foreign exchange declaration upgrade: All agency fee payments require simultaneous reporting ofCross-border Service Trade Code,
• Digital currency pilot: The Greater Bay Area allows the use of digital RMB for agency fee payments
• Credit evaluation system: Agency fee payment records are included in Customs AEO certification scoring items

It is recommended that enterprises log in quarterly toSingle Window,system to verify payment record filing status.

How to choose compliant agency fee payment channels?

For 2025, the following three secure channels are recommended:

• Bank specialized services: Bank of Chinas Cross-border e-Single Pass supports automatic verification of agency fees
• Licensed payment institutions: Verify whether they possess theCross-border Payment Business License issued by the central bank
• Supply chain finance platforms: Eligible enterprises can apply for agency fee financing (annualized interest rate starting from 3.85%)

Special note: Collecting agency fees through personal accounts constitutescriminal offense(Article 47 of the newly revised Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations in 2025)