Home » Trade Essentials » How are trade agency export services charged? Are you aware of these hidden fees?

What are the main charging models for trade agency exports?

Currently, the mainstream pricing models can be categorized into three types:

Charges based on percentage of cargo value: Generally, it is charged at 0.8%-2.5% of the total value of exported goods, applicable to bulk commodities or high-value products.
Fixed service packages: Basic service fee ranges from 8,000 to 20,000 RMB per order, covering routine operations such as customs declaration and document preparation.
Mixed charging model: Base service fee + 0.5%-1% of the cargo value as an additional fee, commonly seen in complex trade structures (e.g.Entrepot TradeTrade dispute settlement mechanisms

What specific items are included in the agency export fees?

The 2025 industry standard cost structure comprises six core items:

Basic service fee (including document review and customs declaration)
Logistics handling fee (including booking and container loading supervision)
Document processing fee (including CO, Form A, and other certificates)
Foreign exchange settlement fee (includingFX Settlement AgencyTransaction fee 0.1%-0.3%)
Tax refund service fee (charged at 3%-5% of the refund amount)
Emergency Handling Deposit (1%-2% of the cargo value, refundable)

According to the 2024 industry dispute case statistics, special attention should be paid to three types of hidden fees:

Advance interest: Advance payment of taxes and fees will be charged at a daily interest rate of 0.03%-0.05%.
Special document expedited fee: The expedited processing fee for special documents such as embassy certification is 800-2000 RMB per copy.
Port of Destination Service Extension Fee: Overseas customs clearance assistance service fee is approximately USD300-800 per shipment.

It is recommended to adoptThree - dimensional price comparison method:

Compare quotes from more than three agencies horizontally.
A vertical comparison of export costs for the same product category over the past three years.
Deep verification service terms corresponding to chargeable items (special attention should be paid to ambiguous expressions such as "other possible fees").

TakeCross-border E-commerceTaking B2B exports as an example, two new special fees will be added in 2025:

Data Declaration Fee: Cross-border e-commerce platform data integration service fee 2000-5000 RMB per instance.
Reverse Logistics Deposit: The return processing deposit is charged at 5%-10% of the cargo value.

It is recommended to clearly specify three key clauses in the agreement:

cost ceiling clauses: The agreed maximum fee shall not exceed 3% of the cargo value.
Force Majeure Exemption Clause: Additional costs arising from policy changes require separate negotiation.
Installment Payment Mechanism: Payment will be made in 3-5 installments based on the service progress.

Latest Risk Warning for 2025:

Low-price trap: A customs broker in a certain location quoted a price 40% lower than the market rate, but was later found to have used false trade data.
Exchange Rate Trap: Promising Fixed Exchange Rate Settlement While Concealing a 3%-5% Spread.
Time Limit Trap: Charging an "Emergency Operation Fee" (USD150/hour) when the agreed time limit is not met.

Recommended implementationThe Trilogy of Cost Control:

Pre - preparation
- Independently complete commodity classification (HS Code)
- Pre-handlingIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:Technical data
Process control
- Request the designated shipping company to reduce the booking fee.
- Adopt electronic customs declaration to reduce documentation fees.
Post - optimization
- Annual export volume reaching $5 million is eligible to apply for tiered rates.
- Establish your own AEO certification to enjoy customs clearance facilitation.