Our company recently has a batch of goods to export and plans to hire a customs clearance agent to handle the procedures. However, we are unsure about who should pay the customs clearance fees—should it be us (the consignor) or possibly the consignee? Under what circumstances would different parties be responsible for the fees? We’d appreciate it if someone knowledgeable could help clarify this. Thank you!
It is said that the company is engaged in the agency export business, and there are doubts about the recognition time of the agency export income. Different financial personnel have different views, and are confused about when the recognition is correct and compliant. The best answer points out that the agency export income is usually recognized when the goods are declared for export through customs and relevant procedures are completed, and it is expected that the agency payment can be received, which complies with the accounting standards and the actual business process.
The company plans to use an agency for export business and wants to know who should handle the tax payment for agency export—the consignor or the agent—as well as the precautions during the process. The best answer indicates that the consignor is generally responsible for handling the tax payment, as they are the actual owner and seller of the goods. However, the two parties may also agree to have the agent handle it. During the process, it is important to ensure the accuracy and completeness of documents, stay updated on policy changes, and maintain close communication.
It is said that the company imports goods through an agent, incurring fees such as agency fees, customs declaration fees, and transportation fees, and is not clear about what subjects they should be recorded in during accounting. The best answer indicates that agency fees and customs declaration fees are generally recorded in the procurement costs; transportation fees are recorded in the procurement costs before the goods arrive, and are recorded in the selling expenses if they are used in the sales process after being put into storage; other fees directly related to procurement are recorded in the procurement costs, and those related to sales are recorded in the selling expenses.
Recently, I have import and export business needs and want to learn about Baihang Import and Export Agency, including its services and fees. The best answer indicates that Baihang Import and Export Agency has a good reputation, with a professional team providing one-stop services and transparent, reasonable fees. However, its service network coverage in remote areas is slightly limited, but overall, it is worth considering.
I'm in the food business and want to find an export agent, but I'm unclear about the food export agency service charges. I'm asking about the basis and calculation methods agents use to determine their fees. The best answer indicates that charges aren't fixed and are influenced by factors like order value and quantity, service scope, and product complexity. For large orders, rates might be as low as 1%-3%, while comprehensive services cost more. Specific rates require detailed discussion with the agent.
Our company has import business recently and intends to find Yiyatong as an agent. We want to inquire about the way Yiyatong charges for import agency fees and are worried that the charges may be affected by factors such as product types, value of goods, and import regions. The best answer said that Yiyatong's import agency fees are usually determined by considering factors such as the value of goods, product types, import regions, and service scope. Generally, it is 1%-5% of the value of goods, and the specific amount needs to be determined through detailed discussion. When communicating, it is necessary to clarify the requirements to obtain an accurate quotation.
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Professional consultant answers
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
The payer for customs clearance fees in export through an agent is usually negotiated and specified in the trade contract between the parties. Generally, the common practice is for the consignor (the exporting company) to pay the fees, as they directly engage the customs clearance agent to handle the procedures, making it reasonable for them to bear the cost.
However, if the trade contract explicitly states that the consignee is responsible for customs clearance and related export fees, then the consignee will pay. For example, some large buyers may prefer to cover these costs to better control logistics expenses and supply chain processes. Additionally, trade incoterms may dictate which party bears certain costs, thereby influencing the payer for customs clearance fees. For instance, under DAP (Delivered at Place) terms, the seller is responsible for all risks and costs to deliver the goods to the specified destination, which may include customs clearance fees, meaning the seller (consignor) would pay. Ultimately, the key lies in the specific terms of the trade contract.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Most of the time, the exporter pays because they hire the customs clearance agent for their own business needs, making it reasonable for them to cover the fees—unless it’s agreed in advance that the consignee will pay.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
The payer depends on the trade terms. For example, under FOB terms, local costs like customs clearance are usually borne by the exporter, unless the trade terms specify otherwise.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Generally, if there’s no special agreement, the company hiring the customs clearance agent pays the fees. But if the consignee wants to control the clearance process and is willing to pay, that’s also possible—it mainly depends on negotiation.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Operationally, it’s common for the consignor to pay when hiring a customs clearance agent. However, if the consignee agrees to cover the cost to facilitate the deal, the exporter may also accept.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
There’s no absolute rule on who pays. If the consignee has special requirements, such as designating a customs broker, they might cover the fees—it all depends on negotiation.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Typically, the consignor pays since they’re the ones hiring the agent. But if the exporter wants the consignee to pay, this should be raised during negotiations and agreed upon.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
In practice, exporting companies often pay the customs clearance fees. However, if the consignee believes handling clearance themselves could save costs, they might voluntarily cover the fees.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
It depends on which party—the exporter or consignee—has more leverage in negotiations. The more influential party may decide who pays, but it ultimately requires mutual agreement based on trade conditions.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If the exporter wants to attract the consignee, they might offer to cover the customs clearance fees. Conversely, if the consignee urgently needs the goods, they might agree to pay. In short, negotiation is crucial.