There is no absolute fixed standard for the bearer of the import customs declaration agency fee, mainly depending on the agreement of the trade contract. In common trade terms such as FOB, CIF, etc., there is no clear regulation on the customs declaration agency fee, so both parties can negotiate and determine.
If the importer obtains more favorable terms in the trade contract, such as EXW (Ex Works), at this time, the exporter only needs to deliver the goods to the carrier designated by the importer at its location, and the importer will be responsible for subsequent customs declaration and other matters and expenses. Naturally, the customs declaration agency fee will also be borne by the importer. Under the DAP (Delivered at Place) term, the exporter has to bear all risks and expenses of transporting the goods to the designated destination, and the import customs declaration agency fee may also be negotiated to be borne by the exporter. In short, when signing the trade contract, it is necessary to clearly agree on who will bear the import customs declaration agency fee to avoid subsequent disputes.
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
There is no absolute fixed standard for the bearer of the import customs declaration agency fee, mainly depending on the agreement of the trade contract. In common trade terms such as FOB, CIF, etc., there is no clear regulation on the customs declaration agency fee, so both parties can negotiate and determine.
If the importer obtains more favorable terms in the trade contract, such as EXW (Ex Works), at this time, the exporter only needs to deliver the goods to the carrier designated by the importer at its location, and the importer will be responsible for subsequent customs declaration and other matters and expenses. Naturally, the customs declaration agency fee will also be borne by the importer. Under the DAP (Delivered at Place) term, the exporter has to bear all risks and expenses of transporting the goods to the designated destination, and the import customs declaration agency fee may also be negotiated to be borne by the exporter. In short, when signing the trade contract, it is necessary to clearly agree on who will bear the import customs declaration agency fee to avoid subsequent disputes.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Generally speaking, if you find a freight forwarder to help with customs declaration, the import customs declaration agency fee is most likely to be paid by the importer. But if the supplier is fully responsible for transportation and customs clearance, then the supplier may pay this fee.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
It depends on the specific situation. If the importer and the supplier have a good relationship and the importer has a certain say in the cooperation, they can try to let the supplier bear part or all of the customs declaration agency fee.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Usually, whoever is responsible for customs clearance pays the import customs declaration agency fee. If the importer is responsible for the customs clearance process, then the importer has to pay the fee out of their own pocket.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
If the contract is not clear, usually the importer is more likely to bear it. However, it is still recommended to write it clearly in black and white in the contract to avoid wrangling.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Some suppliers, in order to facilitate the transaction, will take the initiative to bear the import customs declaration agency fee. The importer can strive for it during the negotiation.
Emily LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Settlement and payment expertConsult
In some large-scale project imports, both parties may share the import customs declaration agency fee according to the overall situation of the project, which also needs to be discussed in advance.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
If the imported goods are urgent and the importer is eager to pick up the goods, in order to complete the customs clearance as soon as possible, the importer may bear the customs declaration agency fee on their own.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
If the goods provided by the supplier have special regulatory requirements and the customs clearance is more complex, at this time, it can be negotiated to let the supplier bear more customs declaration agency fees.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Sometimes the freight forwarder will also participate in coordinating who will bear the customs declaration agency fee. For example, if the freight forwarder has a good relationship with one party, it will help strive for a more favorable sharing method.