?Export Agency?How is the basic service fee structured?

The mainstream export agency billing system in 2025 includes two modules:

• Fixed service fee
  • Basic customs declaration service fee (including HS code classification)
  • Logistics coordination management fees
  • Document review and preparation fee (including commercial invoice/packing list, etc.)
• Floating service fee
  • Surcharge for customs inspection (billed at actual cost)
  • Special document handling fee (e.g.?Certificate of Origin?/phytosanitary certificate)
  • Emergency handling service fee (for cargo detention/document re-issuance, etc.)

Is it reasonable to charge an agency fee as a percentage of the cargo value?

2025 industry data shows that the model of charging 0.5%-1.5% of the cargo value is still mainstream, but it is necessary to note:

• Reasonable range varies by product type
  • General cargo: usually 0.8%-1.2%
  • Dangerous goods: starting from 1.5% (including special declaration services)
  • High-value precision instruments: Tiered rates can be negotiated
• Beware of hidden charges
  • Separate listing of bank handling fees
  • Destination port miscellaneous charges prepayment mechanism

How are new digital services charged in 2025?

The popularization of intelligent customs declaration systems brings innovation to billing methods:

• SAAS platform usage fee ($200-800/month)
• Real-time customs early warning service (billed per warning)
• Blockchain document evidence storage fee ($5-20 per shipment)

A certain electromechanical enterprise's case: After adopting an intelligent customs declaration system, the annual inspection rate dropped from 12% to 6%, and the comprehensive service cost decreased by 18%.

How to avoid hidden costs in agency services?

Customs AEO certified enterprises in 2025 should pay special attention to:

• Confirm the scope of included fees in advance
  • Whether it includes product pre-classification services
  • Limit on the number of re-declarations for returned orders
• Pay attention to fees associated with trade terms
  • Pre-shipment inspection fee under EXW terms
  • Approval of insurance rate under CIF terms

How do special transport methods affect agency fees?

2025 service fee differences for different transport modes:

• ?Ocean shipping?Full container: Basic fee + seal fee + port miscellaneous charges
• ?Air freight?Courier: Volumetric weight calculation service fee
• China-Europe Railway Express: Requires separate calculation of a guaranteed customs clearance timeliness fee

A certain?E-commerce?Enterprise data: After adopting a customized air freight solution, the processing time per shipment was shortened by 40 hours, and demurrage fees were reduced by 75%.

How to choose the optimal billing model?

Based on industry data from 2023-2025, it is recommended that:

• Percentage of cargo value: Suitable for enterprises with an annual export value < $5 million
• Tiered pricing: Suitable for enterprises with stable shipment plans
• Mixed charging: Suitable for enterprises with parallel multiple trade terms

A certain sanitary ware exporter's case: After switching to a tiered fee structure, with a 30% increase in annual export volume, the agency fee only increased by 8%.