I recently plan to import a batch of goods through an agency company, but I’m not entirely clear about who should bear the agency import fee. I haven’t discussed the cost-sharing specifics with the supplier yet. I’d like to ask: in practice, is the agency import fee usually borne by the importer, or could it be the supplier, or are there other sharing methods? I hope experienced friends can share insights so I can have a clearer idea.
Our company intends to find an agent to conduct import and export business. We are not clear whether the customs declaration and reporting should be the responsibility of the entrusting party or the agent. We are asking about relevant special regulations and precautions. The best answer states that generally, when it is in the name of the entrusting party and within the scope of entrustment, the entrusting party is responsible; when it is in the name of the agent itself, the agent is responsible. The two parties can also stipulate in the contract, and both should ensure that the declaration is true and accurate, prepare the documents in advance, and understand the process and the definition of responsibilities before conducting the business.
Considering engaging in agency import business, inquiring whether foreign exchange payment is mandatory for agency import and the consequences of not making foreign exchange payment. The best answer points out that foreign exchange payment is not necessarily required for agency import, which depends on the business situation. In normal commercial imports, foreign exchange payment is mostly needed. If the payment that should be made is not made, the foreign exchange management department may impose penalties, affecting the enterprise's credit rating, and may also trigger commercial disputes, etc. It is necessary to handle foreign exchange payment matters in compliance.
Planning to hire an agency to import goods, inquiring whether taxes are required for agency imports, which taxes are involved, the tax payment process, and who is responsible for payment. The best answer states that taxes are required for agency imports, generally involving tariffs and VAT, with some goods subject to consumption tax. Taxes are usually paid by the agency during customs declaration, and the fees are often borne by the client. The tax payment process should be handled carefully.
I'm planning to do food import business. Since I don't understand import customs declaration, I want to find a professional agency but don't know where to start. The best answer points out that you can search online to view company websites, participate in industry exhibitions, utilize industry forum communities, consult freight forwarding companies and other approaches to find one. When looking, pay attention to whether the qualifications, experience of the customs broker and the transparency and reasonableness of service fees.
The company imports goods through an agency company. The "Payment Unit (Person)" on the Special Payment Receipt for Customs Import VAT includes the names of both the agency company and itself. It asks whether it can deduct the VAT on imported goods and the required conditions. The best answer points out that if the original payment receipt is obtained and the import business is genuine and compliant, it can be deducted as required. At the same time, attention should be paid to authenticating or checking and confirming as required, and accurately filling in the relevant columns of the tax return.
Looking for an agency to handle ore import customs clearance and inquiring about cost calculation and influencing factors, such as ore type and import volume. The best answer indicates that there is no fixed standard for ore agency import customs clearance costs, as they are affected by various factors including customs declaration fees, inspection fees, and agency fees. The type of ore and import volume can also lead to different costs, so specific calculations should be based on actual circumstances.
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Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
The responsible party for the agency import fee is usually determined by the import agency agreement and the terms of the trade contract. Generally, if the importer independently commissions the agency company to handle the import, the importer bears the fee unless otherwise agreed. This is because the agency company primarily serves the importer, assisting with import procedures such as customs clearance and inspections.
However, in some cases, if the importer and supplier negotiate, the supplier may agree to cover part or all of the fee to facilitate the transaction. For example, if the supplier is eager to enter the domestic market, they might offer concessions on pricing to attract the importer. Alternatively, both parties may share the cost proportionally, with the specific ratio determined through negotiation. Therefore, it’s essential to clarify cost-sharing with the supplier beforehand and clearly document it in the contract.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Typically, the importer bears the fee by default, as hiring an agency company is the importer’s need. Suppliers usually won’t cover this cost unless the importer has strong negotiating leverage.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
It depends on the trade terms. Under terms like DAP or DDP, where the supplier has more responsibilities, they might bear the agency import fee. But for FOB or CIF, the importer is more likely to cover it.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
If it’s a long-term supplier with a good relationship, you can try negotiating for them to share part of the cost, which helps reduce import expenses.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Sometimes, agency companies offer preferential policies that reduce the importer’s burden. Importers can compare quotes from multiple agencies.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
If the imported goods are non-essential for the importer but the supplier is keen to close the deal, the supplier is more likely to bear the cost.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Generally, the importer bears the fee, but if the importer has large purchase volumes and strong supply chain influence, they can demand the supplier share part of the cost.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
You can specify the agency import fee responsibility during the bidding process to avoid disputes later.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
When market competition is fierce, suppliers may agree to bear the agency import fee to secure orders. Importers can leverage this to negotiate favorable terms.