The types of taxes involved in the agency import business mainly include import tariffs, import value-added tax, and some commodities may also involve consumption tax.
The calculation formula for import tariffs is: Customs duty-paid price × Tariff rate. The Customs duty-paid price is generally determined based on the CIF price which is examined and approved by the customs.
The calculation formula for import value-added tax is: (Customs duty-paid price + Tariff amount + Consumption tax amount) × Value-added tax rate. If it is a consumption tax taxable commodity, the calculation formula for consumption tax varies according to the tax calculation method. For ad valorem taxation: (Customs duty-paid price + Tariff) ÷ (1 - Consumption tax rate) × Consumption tax rate.
As for the tax payment subject, if the agent imports in the name of the consignor, the consignor pays the taxes; if it imports in its own name, the agent pays the taxes. In actual operation, mostly it is the consignor who imports in its own name, pays the taxes, and the agent assists in handling the relevant tax matters.
Professional consultant answers
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
The types of taxes involved in the agency import business mainly include import tariffs, import value-added tax, and some commodities may also involve consumption tax.
The calculation formula for import tariffs is: Customs duty-paid price × Tariff rate. The Customs duty-paid price is generally determined based on the CIF price which is examined and approved by the customs.
The calculation formula for import value-added tax is: (Customs duty-paid price + Tariff amount + Consumption tax amount) × Value-added tax rate. If it is a consumption tax taxable commodity, the calculation formula for consumption tax varies according to the tax calculation method. For ad valorem taxation: (Customs duty-paid price + Tariff) ÷ (1 - Consumption tax rate) × Consumption tax rate.
As for the tax payment subject, if the agent imports in the name of the consignor, the consignor pays the taxes; if it imports in its own name, the agent pays the taxes. In actual operation, mostly it is the consignor who imports in its own name, pays the taxes, and the agent assists in handling the relevant tax matters.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Generally speaking, value-added tax and tariffs are definitely to be paid. If the agent only provides pure agency services and collects agency fees, then the main responsibility for tax payment lies with the consignor. However, if the agent fails to handle the relevant procedures properly, there may also be troubles.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
If the commodity involves consumption tax, when calculating the consumption tax, it should be noted that for specific quantity-based taxation, Consumption tax amount = Quantity of taxable consumer goods × Fixed consumption tax rate. The agent should be clear about the attributes of the commodity and accurately assist the consignor in calculating the taxes and fees.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Import tariffs are levied by the customs on imported goods, and value-added tax is generally levied in the import link. The agent should keep abreast of the changes in customs policies in a timely manner so as to provide the consignor with accurate tax payment information.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If the agent imports in its own name, in addition to paying the above-mentioned taxes, when receiving the payment from the consignor, the agency fee part also needs to pay value-added tax and additional taxes and fees.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
When calculating the Customs duty-paid price, transportation and related expenses, insurance premiums, etc. should all be included. The agent should confirm the relevant costs with the consignor to avoid incorrect calculation of taxes and fees.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
For tax payment in agency import business, the preparation of materials is also very important. Documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, etc. should all be complete, otherwise it will affect the tax payment declaration process.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
For some specific commodities, there may be preferential tax policies. The agent has the responsibility to help the consignor to understand whether they can enjoy the preferential policies and save costs.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
Attention should also be paid to the tax payment time. Generally, within 14 days from the date when the means of transport is declared to enter the territory, customs duties, etc. should be declared to the customs. If it is overdue, there may be late payment fees.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
When paying taxes for the agency import business, the customs will classify the commodities. Different classifications correspond to different tax rates. The agent should ensure the accuracy of the classification.