Can the cost of handling the import and export rights actually vary by 5 times?

"Mr. Zhang, we want to expand into overseas markets, but we heard that the cost of handling the import and export rights can vary by tens of thousands of yuan?" Last week, an entrepreneur anxiously consulted the Zhongshitong consultant. In fact, many business owners have a vague understanding of the cost of this "foreign trade pass", and even waste money due to information asymmetry. This article will break down the cost structure and help you figure out this account.

Handling the import and export rights involves three major aspects: administrative official fees, agency service fees, and qualification maintenance fees. Taking common small and medium-sized enterprises as an example:

• Administrative official fees: About 2,000 - 3,000 yuan (including customs filing, electronic port cards, etc.)
• Agency service fees: 3,000 - 8,000 yuan (varying depending on the region and service content)
• Qualification maintenance fees: The average annual cost for annual inspections, changes, etc. is 500 - 2,000 yuan

Some agencies attract customers with low prices but then add additional fees later:

• Charging separately for filing with the Foreign Exchange Administration (which should actually be included in the basic services)
• Repeatedly charging customs annual inspection fees (most agencies already include the first year's service)
• Forcing the purchase of high-priced customs declaration software (you can freely choose the free basic version)

The following two situations are worth increasing the budget for:

• Expedited handling: An additional 1,500 - 3,000 yuan is required to obtain the certificate within 3 working days
• Tax planning: Export tax rebate filing service (about 2,000 yuan, but it can save tens of thousands of yuan in future taxes)

Based on the ten years of service experience of Zhongshitong, the following suggestions are made:

1. Compare prices from more than 3 agencies: Focus on the service content rather than the total price
2. Verify qualifications: Confirm that the agency has the certification of the Customs Brokers Association
3. Pay in installments: Choose the "60% down payment + pay the balance upon receiving the certificate" model

Handling the import and export rights is like getting a "foreign trade driver's license". Behind the cost differences lies the competition of service values. Why not share your experiences in the comment section: Have you ever paid for information asymmetry, or have you found the king of cost-performance? The Zhongshitong team will select 5 high-quality comments and provide free foreign trade qualification diagnosis services.