What is the specific tax rate for export freight forwarding? Does anyone know?
Our company recently has export business and plans to hire a freight forwarder to handle related matters. However, we are not very clear about the tax rates involved in export freight forwarding. Could anyone tell us what the general tax rate for export freight forwarding is? Is it fixed, or does it vary depending on the type of business or region? We would appreciate it if someone familiar with this could provide an answer. Thank you!












Professional consultant answers
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Export freight forwarding services generally fall under logistics support services in the modern service industry, with a VAT rate of 6%. However, for international freight forwarding services, according to relevant regulations, taxpayers providing international freight forwarding services are exempt from VAT. International freight forwarding services refer to activities where the agent, in the name of the principal or in its own name, handles international transportation of goods, port entry and exit for international transport vessels, and related procedures such as pilotage, berthing, and loading/unloading, without directly providing transportation services.
It is important to note that certain requirements must be met to enjoy the tax exemption policy. For specifics, consult the local tax authorities to avoid any impact on tax treatment.
Emily LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
In addition to VAT, there may be some additional taxes involved, such as urban maintenance and construction tax, which is generally 7% of the VAT amount in urban areas, 5% in counties and towns, and 1% in other areas. The education surcharge is 3% of the VAT amount, and the local education surcharge is usually 2% of the VAT amount. These additional taxes are calculated based on the VAT amount.
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
The tax rate is basically uniform nationwide, but some regions may introduce tax incentives. It is best to consult the local tax authorities to see if there are any special regulations in your area, so you can better understand the specific tax rate for export freight forwarding.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
If a small-scale taxpayer provides export freight forwarding services, the levy rate is 3%. In 2023, VAT is exempt for small-scale VAT taxpayers with monthly sales of RMB 100,000 or less.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
For export freight forwarding, if contracts such as cargo transportation contracts are involved, the stamp duty rate is 0.03% of the transportation fees. For warehousing contracts, the stamp duty rate is 0.1% of the warehousing fees.
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
For zero-rated taxable services, such as international transportation services provided by entities or individuals within China, as well as R&D and design services provided to overseas entities, a VAT rate of 0% applies. However, freight forwarding services generally do not fall under the zero-rated category.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
For certain specific export freight forwarding businesses, tax rates may be adjusted due to policy changes. Companies should stay updated on tax policies and adjust their financial and operational arrangements promptly to avoid tax risks.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Different modes of transportation may have varying tax rates in the freight forwarding process. For example, sea and air freight forwarding generally have the same basic tax rate, but the conditions for tax incentives may differ. Specific business details should be analyzed.
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If a freight forwarding company qualifies as a small and micro-profit enterprise, it may enjoy preferential corporate income tax policies, which indirectly affect operational costs and tax burdens.