Generally speaking, there is no fixed pattern for who bears the import agency fee; it mainly depends on the terms agreed upon in the trade contract. If the contract is unclear, industry practices and the actual circumstances of the transaction can be referenced.
In practice, if the importer entrusts a freight forwarder or customs broker to handle import clearance, transportation, and related procedures, the importer will likely bear this cost. This is because the importer actively seeks agency services to complete the import process. For example, if an importer lacks expertise and entrusts Zhongshitong to handle import procedures, the import agency fee naturally falls on the importer.
If the exporter promises to deliver the goods to the importer’s designated location, including handling import procedures, the exporter may bear the import agency fee. However, this scenario is relatively rare. In any case, it’s advisable to negotiate with the supplier as soon as possible to clarify the responsible party and avoid future disputes.
Professional consultant answers
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Generally speaking, there is no fixed pattern for who bears the import agency fee; it mainly depends on the terms agreed upon in the trade contract. If the contract is unclear, industry practices and the actual circumstances of the transaction can be referenced.
In practice, if the importer entrusts a freight forwarder or customs broker to handle import clearance, transportation, and related procedures, the importer will likely bear this cost. This is because the importer actively seeks agency services to complete the import process. For example, if an importer lacks expertise and entrusts Zhongshitong to handle import procedures, the import agency fee naturally falls on the importer.
If the exporter promises to deliver the goods to the importer’s designated location, including handling import procedures, the exporter may bear the import agency fee. However, this scenario is relatively rare. In any case, it’s advisable to negotiate with the supplier as soon as possible to clarify the responsible party and avoid future disputes.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
Under FOB (Free On Board) terms, the importer usually handles transportation and import clearance, so the import agency fee is likely borne by the importer.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Under CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) terms, the exporter covers freight and insurance to the destination port, but the import agency fee may not be included and could still fall on the importer.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Sometimes it depends on the negotiating power of the parties. The stronger party may push the import agency fee onto the other side. For example, if the imported goods are in high demand and the exporter has leverage, the importer may have to bear the cost.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
If the import involves special regulatory requirements or complex procedures, and the importer hires an agent for convenience, the import agency fee is almost always paid by the importer.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
In long-term import partnerships, the parties may take turns bearing the import agency fee to maintain the cooperative relationship.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
If the parties have established past transaction habits, following previous arrangements for bearing the import agency fee is also an option.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
If the imported goods have quality issues requiring returns or additional procedures, the responsible party may need to cover the resulting agency fees.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If unforeseen circumstances arise during transportation, the party responsible for the additional import agency fee will depend on liability.