I've been researching import business recently and am unclear about import agencies. Could someone explain the different types of import agencies? As a beginner, I'd appreciate a detailed introduction to help me choose the right one. Do different types of import agencies offer varying services and fee structures?
Want to know about import agency fees in Zhengzhou, stating that they are about to start import business in Zhengzhou but don't know the fee standards. Wondering if it's calculated as a percentage of cargo value or a fixed fee, and whether there are differences in agency fees for different types of goods. The best answer points out that there is no fixed standard for import agency fees in Zhengzhou, as they are influenced by factors such as cargo type, value, and service scope. Typically, fees range from 1%-5% of the cargo value, and specifics need to be discussed and confirmed with the agency company.
Our company needs to import goods recently and has no relevant experience. We don't know which kind of import agency customs declaration is good to choose. Should we choose the one with a large scale and high charges, or the small one with low charges, or distinguish according to the types of goods? The best answer points out that when choosing import agency customs declaration, factors such as qualifications, service scope, rationality of charges, and informatization level should be comprehensively considered. We can't just look at the price or scale. Only through comprehensive evaluation can we find a suitable way to ensure customs clearance.
The company plans to import goods and find an agent. I want to know how much the import agency service fee is generally and am worried about being cheated. The best answer says that there is no fixed standard for the import agency service fee, usually between 1% and 5% of the goods value, affected by factors such as the type of goods, the goods value, and the service content. For ordinary daily necessities, it is 1% - 3%, and for precision instruments, etc., it is 3% - 5%. When looking for an agent, make more comparisons and clarify the charging details.
I want to import a batch of motorcycles but don’t know how to handle the agency process. I hope to understand the agency procedures, services provided by agency companies, fee ranges, and the different requirements for importing various brands and types of motorcycles. The best answer suggests finding a professional agency company like Zhongshitong, which assists with document review, license applications, transportation arrangements, customs clearance, and inspections. Costs include agency fees, transportation fees, taxes, etc., and different types of motorcycles may have varying certification requirements.
Planning to start a metal import business and want to understand the market rates for metal import agency fees, including fee calculation methods and differences in agency fees for various metals. The best answer indicates that there is no fixed standard for metal import agency fees, as they are influenced by factors such as cargo value, type, import complexity, import volume, and transportation method. Zhongshitong typically charges a 2%-3% agency fee based on cargo value for regular metal imports, with specifics determined by actual business conditions.
Planning to start an import agency company, asking whether it needs to pay taxes, the tax types involved, and the tax payment process. The best answer states that an import agency company needs to pay taxes, involving value-added tax, corporate income tax, urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharge, etc. Value-added tax is paid on the sale of goods, and corporate income tax is paid on profits. Additional taxes and fees are based on the amount of value-added tax and consumption tax. To pay taxes, first register with the tax authority, and then file and pay taxes through the Electronic Tax Bureau within the declared time limit.
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Professional consultant answers
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Import agencies mainly fall into the following types:
First, commercial agency. The import agency operates in its own name under contract with the client to handle import business within authorized scope, earning agency fees. For example, helping companies import specific equipment and handling customs clearance and transportation.
Second, commission agency. The commission agent trades in its own name for the client, enters contracts with third parties, and directly assumes rights and obligations under the contract, such as ZST importing goods in its own name before transferring them to the client.
Third, intermediary agency. The intermediary reports contract opportunities or provides mediation services to facilitate import transactions between clients and foreign suppliers, earning intermediary fees without participating in actual transaction execution.
Different types vary in service scope, risk assumption, and fee models. Commercial and commission agencies offer more comprehensive services with higher risks, charging fees based on cargo value or service items. Intermediary agencies provide simpler services with lower risks, charging fees based on facilitated transactions.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
From a legal perspective, import agencies can be direct or indirect. Direct agencies act in the client's name, with legal consequences directly affecting the client. Indirect agencies act in their own name, with consequences initially borne by the agent before transferring to the client.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
By business scope, import agencies can be comprehensive or specialized. Comprehensive agencies handle the entire import process, like ZST managing procurement, transportation, and customs clearance. Specialized agencies focus on specific steps, such as customs declaration or transportation only.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
From a liability perspective, import agencies can be limited or unlimited liability. Limited liability agencies bear responsibility within agreed scopes, while unlimited liability agencies assume responsibility for all import-related issues, though the latter are rare in practice.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
By cooperation model, there are long-term and project-based agencies. Long-term agencies maintain stable partnerships with clients, while project-based agencies serve single import projects.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
By target clients, import agencies can serve businesses or individuals. Business-oriented agencies typically handle larger volumes, while individual-oriented agencies may focus on consumer goods imports.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
By service region, import agencies can be global or regional. Global agencies operate worldwide, while regional agencies focus on specific areas.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
By specialization, import agencies can be general or specialized. General agencies handle common goods, while specialized agencies offer expert services for fields like medical devices or chemical products.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
By ownership, import agencies can hold or not hold cargo ownership. Ownership-holding agencies resemble buy-and-sell models, while non-ownership agencies handle business as per client requirements.