A Detailed Explanation of Export Agency Fees: A Comprehensive Analysis of Charging Standards and Service Items

Export RepresentationWhat basic service items does the fee include?

According to the international trade service standards in 2025, the fees of regular agency companies usually include the following core services:

• Document processing fee: Including commercial invoices, packing lists,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Making basic documents, etc.
• Customs declaration fee: Covers costs such as electronic customs declaration form entry and connection with the customs system.
• Logistics coordination fee: Includes services such as means of transport reservation and space coordination.
• Tax refund advance fee: For cases where advance payment is required (some agents charge separately).Export DrawbackIs the agency fee charged by amount proportion or a fixed fee?

In 2025, the mainstream charging models present three forms:

Proportional charging system

• (0.8% - 1.5%): Suitable for regular trade with a high cargo value. The export of electronic products usually adopts a rate of 0.9% - 1.2%, and for bulk commodities, it may be as low as 0.5% - 0.8%.($800 - $2000): Suitable for small and medium - sized orders. The basic service package for a 20GP container is about $1200, and the LCL service package starts from $800.
  • : Basic service fee + risk surcharge
  • What new services may incur additional fees in 2025?
• Fixed service packageAffected by the digitalization of international trade, the following new services may incur additional fees:
  • The basic service package for a 20GP container is approximately $1200
  • LCL consolidation service package starts from $800
• Mixed charging modelBasic service fee + risk surcharge

What services that may incur additional costs will be added in 2025?

Affected by the digitalization of international trade, the following new services may incur additional costs:

• Blockchain Document Deposit Certificate Fee: $50 - $100 per document
• Intelligent Customs Declaration System Connection Fee: $200 - $500 per time
• Carbon Emission Data Accounting Fee: $80 - $150 per batch
• Cross - border Payment Compliance Review Fee: $120 - $300 per time

How to avoid hidden charges? These three details must be confirmed

Based on the dispute cases we have handled, it is recommended to pay special attention to:

• Exchange Rate Conversion Clause: Clearly agree on the benchmark date for settlement exchange rate
• Abnormal Situation Handling Fees: The upper limit of emergency fees such as inspection fees and bill amendment fees
• Number of document revisions: Most agents allow 3 free revisions

What are the differences in the calculation of agency fees for different trade methods?

Fee differences corresponding to major trade methods in 2025:

• General Trade: An additional 0.2% - 0.5% for full - tax - refund services
• Cross-border E-commerce: Need to pay the overseas warehouse data connection fee of $150 - $300
• Market procurement: The group - cabinet LCL fee is charged additionally by the cubic meter
• Bonded Logistics: Special supervision system usage fee $80 per document

What are the new changes in the industry charging standards in 2025?

According to the latest announcement of the China International Freight Forwarders Association:

• The proportion of digital service fees has increased to 15% - 20% of the total cost
• Green trade surcharges begin to appear on the quotation sheet
• The basic service rate remains at the 2019 level (actually decreased by 8 - 12% considering inflation)
• The upper limit of emergency service fees shall not exceed 30% of the basic fee