Import Agent ServicesA Closer Look at the Fee Structure

In the 2025 international trade environment, fees charged by professional agency service providers typically includeBasic service fee + Additional item feeDual structure. The basic service fee covers core services such as HS code classification, document preparation, and customs declaration, with the rate range typically falling between 0.8% and 1.5% of the goods value. Additional fees are incurred based on specific service requirements, including but not limited to:

• Special document certification (such asOrigin Certificate(Signature of Mingjia)
• Emergency Customs Clearance Service
• Bonded Warehousing Value-Added Services
• Logistics exception handling

Typical Fee Items Comparison Table

• Basic Customs Declaration Fee
  • Standard declaration: ￥800–1,500 per ticket
  • Dispute Handling for Classification: +30% base fee
• Inspection and quarantine fee
  • Routine testing: ￥2,000–5,000
  • Special-item testing (e.g., phthalate screening): +￥1,500/item
• Logistics handling fee
  • Full-container load: ￥4,500–8,000
  • Temperature-controlled warehousing: ￥2.8/day/cubic meter

Practical cost optimization strategies

A premium wine merchant achieved an 18% annual reduction in import costs through the following plan:

• AdoptEXW trade termsAutonomous control of the logistics segment
• EstablishHS Pre-classification DatabaseReduce dispute resolution
• Secure tiered pricing by bundling the full-year import volume

Key Metrics for Service Provider Selection

When evaluating proxy service providers, the key areas to focus on are:

• Customs AEO certification level
• Special qualifications (e.g., authorization for dangerous-goods packaging certificate processing)
• Level of detail in the cost breakdown (whether port incidental charges are included)
• Response Time for Exception Handling

It is recommended that companies clearly stipulate in the service agreementCost calculation basisAndForce Majeure Disclaimer. For example, the new “Import Food Inspection Rules” taking effect in 2025 require additional microbiological testing items, and the related costs should be stipulated in advance in the contract’s supplementary clauses.