Export agency companies typically adoptBasic Service Fee + Business Operation Fee + Third - Party FeesThe composite charging model:
Basic service fee: Includes core services such as customs declaration agency and document review, with the average market price in 2025 ranging from RMB 800-2000 per shipment.
Express customs clearance handling fee: RMB 500-1200 per instance.
Third-party collection and payment fees:
Port THC fee (Shenzhen Port standard for 2025 is RMB720/20GP)
Customs inspection site occupancy fee: RMB 200-500/day.
Why is there such a big difference in quotes from different agencies?
According to the 2024 annual report data from the World Trade Organization, the price differences in China's export agency industry primarily stem from:
Differences in service depth: Full-chain service providers are 15-25% more expensive than single customs declaration companies.
Scope of Risk Undertaking: Quotes that include compliance guarantees typically carry a premium of 8-12%.
Enterprise qualification levels: AEO-certified enterprises charge a service fee premium of approximately 10%.
Payment method affects: Spot settlement is 3-5% cheaper than payment on account.
How to identify hidden fee items?
a full - process cost listComparison table of expense details, pay special attention to the following easily overlooked charges:
Document modification fee: RMB50-100 per modification (new ISO document standard added in 2025).
Data Entry Fee: Special Format Reporting RMB30-80/field
Abnormal operation fee:
Temporary container replacement: RMB 300-500
Emergency holiday appointments: RMB800-1500
Which expense items will undergo significant changes in 2025?
According to Announcement No. 1 of 2025 from the General Administration of Customs, special attention should be paid to:
Electronic Customs Declaration Surcharge: Additional data security certification fee RMB120/ticket
Green Logistics Surcharge: Carbon Neutral Transport Certification Fee RMB 80-150 per shipment
Exchange rate fluctuation reserve: A 0.3% risk fee will be charged per transaction settled in USD.
How to negotiate service fees with an agency?
Based on 20 yearsforeign tradePractical experience suggests adopting the following negotiation strategies:
Step pricing method: A discount of 5-8% can be negotiated for annual export volumes exceeding 100 containers.
cost ceiling clauses: The agreed maximum handling fee per ticket shall not exceed RMB 2,500.
Bundled bargaining: Bundling negotiations for customs declaration, logistics, and tax rebates can reduce costs by 10-15%.
Digital service substitution: Using a proxy ERP system can reduce service fees by 3-5%.
Is it more cost-effective to choose a fixed rate or a floating rate?
According to 2025 industry research data:
Fixed rateSuitable for:
SMEs with a monthly export volume of fewer than 20 containers
Companies with a single product category
Floating rateSuitable for:
Large enterprises with an annual export volume exceeding 500 containers.
Multinational trade-involved group enterprises
a full - process cost listAnalysis Report on Rate Fluctuations Over the Past Three Years, with a focus on reviewingMaritime TransportationThe rate increase ratio during the peak season (June to September).