I'd like to understand the tax payment situation for imported/exported goods handled by agents. Our company plans to use an agent for import/export business and wants to know whether taxes are required for goods handled this way. If so, which taxes are involved, and should they be paid by the agent or us (the client)? A detailed explanation would be appreciated. Thank you.
Someone who wants to be an agent for importing towels but has no experience is asking about the conditions to be met, precautions for finding sources of goods, and ways to do sales promotion. The best answer points out that one should have legal business qualifications and financial strength, when looking for reliable sources of goods, suppliers should be investigated, and for sales promotion, the target customer groups should be identified and online and offline channels should be utilized, with emphasis on brand and after-sales service, etc., providing practical guidance for those who want to be agents for importing towels.
In Guangzhou, planning to use export agency services for goods and inquiring whether tax payment is required, the types of taxes involved, and the tax payment process. The best answer indicates that if the goods qualify for tax refund, the "exemption, credit, and refund" policy applies; otherwise, they are treated as domestic sales subject to tax. The main taxes are VAT and consumption tax, with the refund process being relatively complex and requiring accurate preparation of documentation.
Being vague about the concept of trade import customs clearance agents, asking about their specific meaning, what they can do, and whether it is necessary to hire them. The best answer states that a trade import customs clearance agent is a service organization that assists importers in completing the customs clearance process. Their work includes document review, pre-classification, on-site declaration, assistance with inspections, etc. Hiring them can improve customs clearance efficiency and save time and costs.
The company has goods that need to be exported by air in the near future. I want to know if the Changzhou Daya agent has an export air freight business, as well as related services, operation processes, and cost calculation methods. The best answer states that if the Changzhou Daya agent is formal and mature, it is highly likely to provide export air freight services, and may assist with booking space, handling goods, customs declaration and inspection, etc. The cost is calculated based on multiple factors, and it is recommended to directly contact the agent to obtain accurate information.
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.
The company has goods to import and wants to understand common import customs clearance agents and their respective advantages for selection. The best answer points out that common import customs clearance agents include comprehensive freight forwarding companies, specialized customs clearance firms, and customs clearance departments affiliated with trading companies. It also introduces their advantages, such as comprehensive freight forwarding companies like Zhongshitong, which can integrate logistics resources and provide one-stop solutions. When choosing, factors such as the agent's experience should be considered based on the characteristics and needs of the goods.
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Professional consultant answers
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Taxes are required for imported/exported goods handled by agents. Generally, this involves customs duties and VAT, with consumption tax applicable to some goods. Customs duty is levied on goods crossing borders, with rates determined by HS codes and regulations. VAT is a turnover tax based on value-added during circulation, calculated as composite taxable value multiplied by applicable rates for imports. Consumption tax applies to specific consumer goods and behaviors at certain stages.
Regarding payment responsibility, import-related customs duties, VAT, and consumption tax are typically paid by the goods' consignee or their agent. In agency arrangements, the client usually bears the tax obligation, though the agent may handle payment on their behalf. The client ultimately covers these costs, as specified in the agency agreement.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Taxes are definitely required for agent-handled imports/exports. Customs duties are mandatory as they're the government's regulatory tool. Amounts vary significantly by product category. Typically, the client provides funds while the agent handles payment procedures.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Taxes apply. Beyond standard customs duties and VAT, luxury goods incur consumption tax. Payment responsibility depends on contract terms - absent special provisions, clients conventionally bear taxes while agents assist with formalities.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Taxes apply to agent-handled import/export goods, primarily customs duties, VAT, and consumption tax. Clients typically bear payment responsibility, though agents should inform clients about relevant taxes and assist with procedures.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Taxes are certainly required. Customs duties are calculated based on goods' value and applicable rates, while VAT applies at import. The client is theoretically responsible as goods owner, though agents often participate in payment processes.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Agent-handled import/export goods require tax payment. Customs duties and VAT are major components. Clients typically bear responsibility while agents facilitate procedures, following terms in the agency contract.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Taxes apply to agent-handled imports/exports. Customs duties depend on goods' nature and value, while VAT applies during circulation. Clients generally pay, subject to mutual agreement.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Taxes definitely apply, including customs duties and VAT (consumption tax depends on goods type). Clients typically pay while agents handle procedures, with details specified in agreements.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Taxes apply to agent-handled import/export goods, mainly customs duties and VAT (consumption tax situationally). Clients bear responsibility while agents assist with payment procedures.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Taxes are required. Customs duties vary by goods type while VAT is universally applicable. Clients usually pay, with agents processing payments as instructed.