Export RepresentationHow should the fee be paid?

2025foreign tradeEnterprises can choose from the following three mainstream payment methods:

• Handling fee: 0.1% - 0.3%: Suitable for regular payments under USD 50,000 per transaction, complete customs declaration and proforma invoice are required.
• L/C(L/C): For large transactions, it is recommended to choose a SWIFT-certified bank to issue a transferable letter of credit.
• : Suitable for small - value orders.: Emerging compliance channels require confirmation that the platform holds a cross-border payment license (such as the six newly approved pilot institutions in 2025).

How should the schedule for paying the agency fee be arranged?

It is recommended to adoptThe "3322" installment payment method:

• 30% advance payment shall be made after the contract is signed.
• Pay 30% progress payment before cargo loading into the container.
• Pay 20% after the customs declaration form is released.
• The remaining 20% of the payment is due uponA complete export agency agreement should be attached with:It will be settled within 7 working days thereafter.

Please note the new SAFE regulation for 2025 requires: For any single agency fee payment exceeding USD 100,000, a record must be filed in the foreign exchange monitoring system at least 5 working days in advance.

How is the agency service fee calculated?

The cost structure of a formal agency typically includes:

• Basic service fee: Charged at 0.8%-1.5% of the cargo value (2025 industry guidance price).
• • Presentation of L/C documents: 800 - 1500 yuan per order
  • Agency for export tax rebate: 5% - 8% of the tax rebate amount
  :
  • Special document processing: 200-500 yuan per copy
  • Express customs clearance: starting from 1,000 yuan per transaction.
• Risk guarantee：3%-5% of the cargo value (refundable)

What documents are required for paying the agency fee?

• Required documents:
  • The agency agreement signed and sealed by the legal representatives of both parties.
  • Proforma Invoice
  • Bank Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments Declaration Form
• Supplementary materials(Depending on the amount):
  • Copy of the customs declaration form (the electronic version will have legal effect in 2025)
  • Foreign Exchange Receipt
  • VAT Special Invoice (6% Modern Service Industry Tax Rate)

What are the tax risks associated with cross-border payment agency fees?

Key 2025 considerations:

• VAT treatment: Agency fees fall under modern services, and a 6% value-added tax must be withheld for domestic payments.
• Income tax withholding: Cross-border payments are subject to a 10% withholding of corporate income tax (tax treaty relief may apply).
• Transfer pricing risk: Agency fees exceeding industry standards by 20% may trigger a tax audit.

It is recommended to complete before payment.Tax filing(Announcement No. 8 of the State Taxation Administration in 2025 requires)

What should I do if there is a dispute over the payment of agency fees?

Recommended for adoption in 2025"Three-Step Solution Method":

• The first step: Verify the special agreement terms of the agency contract
• The second step: Apply for mediation through the online mediation system of the International Trade Arbitration Commission.
• Step three:: Submit a dispute record to the General Administration of Customs 12360 Service Platform.

It is recommended to retain the complete version.Payment Voucher Chain(including electronic evidence such as chat logs, email correspondence, etc.)

What are the new changes in agency fee payments for 2025?

• Foreign Exchange Declaration Upgrade: All agency fees must be reported simultaneously upon payment."Cross-Border Service Trade Code"
• Digital currency pilot: The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area allows the use of digital yuan for paying agency fees.
• Credit evaluation system：Agency fee payment records are included in the AEO certification scoring items by customs.

It is recommended that enterprises log in quarterly."Single Window"The system verifies the filing status of payment records.

How to Choose a Compliant Payment Channel for Agency Fees?

In 2025, the following three secure channels are recommended:

• Bank-specific services: Bank of China's "Cross-border e-Document Service" supports automatic verification of agency fees.
• Licensed payment institution: Check whether it has been issued by the central bank"Cross-border Payment Business License"
• Supply chain finance platform: Eligible applicants may apply for agency fee financing (annual interest rate starting from 3.85%).

Special Note: Collecting agency fees through personal accounts constitutesCriminal offense(Article 47 of the newly revised Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, 2025)