I.Export agencyBasic feesIncluding哪些Project?

The standard quotation from a professional agency typically includes:

• Mainbodyofoceanfreight(Billedbycontainertype)
• :THC(TerminalHandlingCharge),documentfee,sealfee,portconstructionfee,etc.ThesefeesarelikeRussiannestingdolls.Ifyourenotcareful,newchargingitemswillpopup(THC/ORC)
• DocumentProcessingFee(DOC)
• Fuelsurcharge(BAF)
• CurrencyAdjustmentFee(CAF)

Please pay special attention to the following: Starting from 2025,some ports will begin to charge fees.Smart Customs Clearance System Access Fee(Approximately USD15-30 per ticket),which is a newly added digital service fee in recent years.

II.How is the customs declaration service fee calculated?

Main charging methods in 2025:

• Per-documentfee:RMB300-800perbill(generalcargo)
• AdditionalChargesforSpecialCargo:
  • Hazardousgoods+30%
  • Foodcategory+50%
  • +100%

Some agents may chargePre-classification service fee(HS Code Determination Service),it is recommended to clarify whether this is included before signing the contract.

3.Why is there a 20% difference in quotes from different agents?

The key differences include:

• Shippingcompanycontractlevel：Topagentsenjoypreferentialshippingrates.
• Portagentnetwork：Havingoverseasbranchescanreduceoperationalcosts.
• Serviceintegrationlevel:Thecomprehensivequotationincludingtaxrefundservicesishigher.
• PaymentTermPolicy:Thepricedifferencebetweenimmediatepaymentandmonthlysettlementcanreachupto15%.

4.What are the new changes in peak season surcharges?

Surcharge Items to Watch in 2025:

• CongestionSurcharge(PCS)increasedtoUSD800/FEU
• WarRiskSurcharge(WRS)coverstheRedSearoute.
• Low-carbonfuelsurcharge(LCAF)becomesthenewnormal

(Expense details corresponding to different terms such as EXW/FOB/DDP,etc.).Explanation of Surcharge Trigger Conditions,to avoid uncontrollable costs.

5.How does the tax refund service affect the overall charges?

Professional agent’s tax refund service charging model:

• Fixedservicefee:0.5%-1.2%taxrefund
• Advancepaymentservicefee:Annualizedinterestrateof8%-15%
• Logistics-relatedfees:RMB200-500/order

Pay attention to the comparison.Comprehensive cost of capitalSome low-cost agents may impose disguised charges by extending the funding cycle.

6.How to Identify Hidden Fee Traps?

High-frequency hidden fees in 2025:

• Containerdemurragechargesare200-500USdollarsperday(Modifiedmorethan3times)
• StorageOvertimeFee(Chargeddailyafterthefreestorageperiod)
• TelexReleaseGuaranteeFee(USD30-50/shipment)
• CounterterrorismReviewFee(CTPATVerificationService)

7.What are the charging rules for LCL (Less than Container Load) transportation?

2025 LCL Transport Charging Points:

• Minimumbillingvolume:Normallycalculatedstartingfrom2cubicmeters.
• Allocationfee(USD50-120/CBM)
• Warehousingfee(RMB200-500/shipment)
• Customsdeclarationadditionalfee(Consolidatedshipmentdeclaredseparately)

8.What costs need to be paid under FOB terms?

Even under FOB terms,the exporter is still responsible for:

• Localfilefee(includingENS/AMSdeclaration)
• Terminalhandlingcharges(OriginTerminalHandlingCharge)
• Sealfee(SEALFEE)
• TelexReleaseFee(ifapplicable)

IX.How to Control Cost Risks Through Contractual Agreements?

It is recommended to clearly state in the service agreement:

• Costadjustmentmechanism(Restrictedpriceadjustmentrangeandcycle)
• Ceilingofcontingency(Recommendednottoexceed10%ofthetotalshippingcost)
• DisputeResolutionClause(Requesttoprovideoriginalpaymentreceipt)
• Liquidateddamagesclause(Foradditionalexpensescausedbyservicefailures)

Ten.What are the new trends in maritime agency fees in 2025?

Changes in fees resulting from industry development:

• Digitalservicefee:Servicessuchasblockchainnotarizationandelectronicbillsofladingwillnowbebilledseparately.
• Greenshippingsurcharge:Theproportionofcarbonfootprintcertificationservicefeeshasincreased.
• Intelligentcustomsdeclarationfee:AIclassificationservicescreateapricedifferencecomparedtotraditionalmanualcustomsdeclaration.
• Supplychainfinancialfee:Confirmationservicefeeisincludedinthecomprehensivequotation.