Our company plans to import a batch of goods through an agent. We have no relevant experience before and are not quite clear about what taxes need to be paid in this process. We would like to know specifically what taxes need to be paid for goods imported through an agent? What are the payment standards and calculation methods of these taxes? We hope to get a detailed answer. Thank you!
Someone asked that their company is importing goods through an agent and doesn't know how to make payments. They are not sure whether to pay the foreign supplier or the agent, nor do they know the payment process and risks. The best answer is that generally, the payment should be made to the agent, such as Zhongshitong. First, an agency agreement needs to be signed to clarify relevant matters, and the payment should be made according to the agreed time and amount. The agent will handle the subsequent payment to the foreign supplier. It is necessary to choose a regular agent and operate in accordance with the regulations to protect one's rights and interests.
Our company intends to find an agent to import goods. We are not clear about how to pay the import duties through an agent. We would like to inquire about the payment process, the responsible party and the precautions. The best answer says that there are two common modes for paying the import duties through an agent: the consignor pays by himself and the agent pays on behalf. It is necessary to clarify the responsibilities and the scope of cost bearing, and pay attention to the accuracy of the customs declaration form information and keep an eye on the changes of customs policies.
Our company plans to find an agent to import goods. We are confused about whether to write the information of the agent company or our own company on important documents such as bills of lading and invoices, fearing that it will affect customs clearance, goods pickup and the ownership of goods. The best answer is that the subject of document filling depends on the situation. For example, the bill of lading can have dual consignors, the invoice should be written according to the paying subject, the operating unit on the customs declaration form should be the agent, and the consigning unit should be the entrusting party. Reasonable filling can clarify the responsibilities and rights of each party and avoid disputes.
Our company intends to find an agency company to import goods and is inquiring about who will pay the tariffs when importing through an agent and whether there are any industry practices or legal provisions. The best answer points out that the subject of tariff payment is usually determined according to the stipulations in the entrustment agency contract. Generally, it is paid by the entrusting party because the entrusting party is the actual demander and beneficiary of the goods. However, there are also cases where the agent pays in advance and then settles the accounts. The key is to clearly define the responsibilities in the contract.
Full escort of the import route, easy access to the global supply chain
Export agent experts, help you easily expand the international market
Avoid tariff barriers, full process transit plan customization
Export tax refund full agency, compliant and efficient fast arrival
International settlement solutions, ensure the safe arrival of funds
A key foreign trade import and export enterprise, with more than 20 years of import and export agency experience, providing one-stop service throughout the entire process!
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
For goods imported through an agent, customs duties and value-added tax usually need to be paid, and some commodities also need to pay consumption tax.
Customs duties: The tax rate is determined according to the HS code of the commodity, and the tax rates of different commodities are different. The calculation formula is: Duty-paid value × Customs duty rate. The duty-paid value is generally the CIF price (Cost, Insurance and Freight) of the goods.
Value-added tax: The general tax rates are 13%, 9%, etc. The calculation formula is: (Duty-paid value + Customs duty + Consumption tax) × Value-added tax rate.
Consumption tax: It is targeted at specific consumer goods, such as tobacco, alcohol, cosmetics, etc. Its calculation includes ad valorem taxation, specific taxation and compound taxation. The formula for ad valorem taxation is: (Duty-paid value + Customs duty) ÷ (1 - Consumption tax rate) × Consumption tax rate; specific taxation is calculated according to the sales quantity × Unit tax amount; compound taxation is the sum of the two.
When importing through an agent, the tax payment subject is usually the entrusting party, and the agent assists in handling relevant procedures.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
In addition to the above, some additional taxes and fees may also be involved, such as urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharge, etc. They are calculated based on the actually paid amounts of value-added tax and consumption tax. The urban maintenance and construction tax has tax rates of 7% (in urban areas), 5% (in county seats and towns) and 1% (in other areas) according to different regions; the education surcharge rate is 3%, and the local education surcharge rate is generally 2%.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If imported goods are involved in anti-dumping, countervailing and other situations, corresponding anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties also need to be paid. The tax rates of these taxes are determined according to specific rulings, with the aim of resisting the damage to domestic industries caused by unfair trade.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
It should be noted that under certain circumstances, imported goods may enjoy tariff reduction and exemption policies, such as the import of equipment within the catalogue of industries encouraged by the state for development. However, to enjoy the policies, certain conditions need to be met and relevant procedures need to be handled according to regulations.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
When calculating and paying taxes and fees, the duty-paid value should be accurately determined. The customs has strict regulations on the examination and approval of prices. If the declared price does not meet the requirements, the customs has the right to adjust it. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the relevant rules clearly in advance.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
For some imported goods for specific purposes, such as scientific research supplies, etc., there may be preferential policies in terms of taxation, and some or all of the customs duties and value-added tax in the import link can be reduced or exempted. The specific situation depends on the relevant policy regulations.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
The tax and fee policies related to imported goods may change from time to time. Therefore, it is necessary to pay timely attention to the policy information released by the General Administration of Customs and other relevant departments to avoid tax risks due to lack of understanding of policy updates.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If the imported goods are products related to endangered species, in addition to the regular taxes and fees, special taxes or regulatory requirements may also be involved. It is necessary to consult clearly in advance and import legally and compliantly.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
During the process of importing through an agent, the contracts, invoices, transportation documents and other materials related to the imported goods should be properly preserved for the verification of the customs and other departments. This is very important for the accurate calculation and payment of taxes and fees.