The bearing party of import agency fees usually depends on the agreement of the trade contract. In general trade, if there is no special agreement, it is common for the importer to bear the import agency fees. This is because the importer is the demander of the goods and entrusts the agency company to handle import matters. From process arrangement to customs clearance and a series of operations, the importer is the direct beneficiary, so it is reasonable for it to bear the fees.
If there is a special agreement in the contract, for example, the exporter bears part or all of the import agency fees to facilitate the transaction, then it shall be implemented according to the contract. Under the FOB (Free on Board) terms, the importer is responsible for transportation and related customs clearance, etc., and it is highly likely that the importer bears the fees; while under the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) terms, the exporter bears the transportation and insurance fees, but for inland fees such as customs clearance involved in the import agency, if there is no special agreement, the importer still bears them. In short, the contract agreement shall be followed first, and if there is no agreement, follow the industry routine.
Professional consultant answers
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
The bearing party of import agency fees usually depends on the agreement of the trade contract. In general trade, if there is no special agreement, it is common for the importer to bear the import agency fees. This is because the importer is the demander of the goods and entrusts the agency company to handle import matters. From process arrangement to customs clearance and a series of operations, the importer is the direct beneficiary, so it is reasonable for it to bear the fees.
If there is a special agreement in the contract, for example, the exporter bears part or all of the import agency fees to facilitate the transaction, then it shall be implemented according to the contract. Under the FOB (Free on Board) terms, the importer is responsible for transportation and related customs clearance, etc., and it is highly likely that the importer bears the fees; while under the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) terms, the exporter bears the transportation and insurance fees, but for inland fees such as customs clearance involved in the import agency, if there is no special agreement, the importer still bears them. In short, the contract agreement shall be followed first, and if there is no agreement, follow the industry routine.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Usually, it is the importer who bears the fees. After all, it is the importer who finds the agency company to help handle the import affairs. It's like asking someone to help with something, so naturally, you have to pay for it.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
If the exporter wants to win the order, it may take the initiative to bear the import agency fees as a preferential condition to attract the importer.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Sometimes the two parties will negotiate to share the fees, for example, each party pays a part. This situation is more common between importers and exporters who have long-term cooperation and a good relationship.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
It mainly depends on the trade terms and the contract agreement. Different trade terms have an impact on the cost division, and the contract agreement is crucial. The contract terms need to be carefully studied.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
If both the importer and the exporter have business with the same agency company, the agency company may coordinate to make the bearing of fees more flexible, and it may not necessarily be borne entirely by one party.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
If it is a large-scale project import, the importer may require the exporter to bear part of the import agency fees in order to control costs. It depends on the negotiation ability of both parties.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
For some special commodities, the state has relevant subsidy policies, and part of the import agency fees may come from the subsidies. The specific proportion of bearing shall be determined according to the policies.
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
In consignment trade, it is possible that the consignor (usually in a role similar to that of the exporter) bears the import agency fees to ensure the smooth progress of the consignment business.