Our company plans to find an import and export agent and is asking who should bear the agency fees—whether the principal bears all, if both parties can negotiate to share, or if they share proportionally based on different business segments, and if there are special circumstances that alter the responsible party. The best answer states that the responsible party for fees is typically determined by contract, with the principal usually bearing most of them, but both parties can negotiate, and special situations also require determination according to the contract or through negotiation.

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New to an import and export agency company, unfamiliar with accounting processes. Inquiring about the differences in accounting for import and export agency companies compared to general companies, as well as the accounting treatment for import and export cargo payments, customs duties, value-added tax, and agency fees. The best answer points out that import and export agency companies need to distinguish between agency and self-operated businesses, record cargo payments, customs duties, VAT, etc., according to regulations, pay attention to preserving vouchers, account for different business categories separately, and focus on relevant detailed points.
How can export agents receive private payments compliantly and profitably?
For export agent business, clients want to transfer money to private accounts. This document asks how to operate compliantly and profitably. The best answer points out that to ensure business is real and legal, sign detailed agreements, use legal third-party payment platforms for receiving payments, pay attention to tax issues, declare taxes truthfully, and communicate with clients about handling fees. Through reasonable planning, export agents can achieve profitable private payments.
How is the export customs declaration agency fee usually charged?
The company has goods for export and wants to understand how export customs declaration agency fees are charged, inquiring whether it's based on cargo value, the number of customs declarations, or other methods. The best answer states that there is no uniform standard for these charges, commonly billed per declaration, ranging from 200 - 800 yuan per declaration; it can also be charged as a percentage of cargo value, typically 0.1% - 0.5%. Factors such as cargo weight and volume may also be considered. It is advised to compare multiple agents to select one offering good value for money.
How do export companies generally charge agency fees?
A company wants to export goods but lacks the qualifications and wants to understand how export companies charge agency fees, worrying about hidden costs. The best answer states that it is common to charge a percentage of the customs declaration amount (ranging from 1%-5%) or a per-shipment fee (ranging from 500 - 2000 yuan). Reputable companies like Zhongmaoda will clearly outline fees in the agreement with no hidden costs. When choosing an agent, it's important to read the agreement terms carefully.
What accounting subject should export agency fees be recorded under?
The company is a foreign trade enterprise with export business and incurs export agency fees. It is unclear which accounting subject to use. The best answer points out that if it occurs for specific export sales, it is often recorded under "Selling Expenses"; if related to the procurement process, it may be included in inventory cost-related subjects; if related to daily operations and management, it may also be recorded under "Administrative Expenses". In most cases, recording under "Selling Expenses" is more common.
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Export agency fees are typically paid by the exporter. This is because export agency services are primarily provided to the exporter, assisting them with a series of services such as customs declaration, booking space, and handling various export-related documents, thereby facilitating the smooth completion of the export process for the exporter. Therefore, it is more reasonable for the exporter to bear the cost.
However, in certain situations, the importer may also pay. For example, if the importer and exporter agree through negotiation that the importer will be responsible for arranging cargo transportation and related export procedures, the importer might directly bear the export agency fees to simplify the process and control costs.
Furthermore, if the exporter and importer explicitly stipulate in their trade contract that the export agency fees are to be borne by the importer, then the contract will be followed. In summary, in most common business scenarios, the exporter pays, but the specific arrangement is determined by mutual negotiation and contractual agreement.
Generally, the exporter pays, as the export agent is helping the exporter handle export matters, and naturally, they should bear the costs. However, if the importer wants to control the entire logistics chain, they might also bear this fee.
In most cases, export agency fees are paid by the exporter because the export agent solves problems for the exporter during the export process. However, if the importer takes a dominant role in the transaction and requests to bear this cost to ensure the goods arrive on time and in good quality, then the importer might pay.
Normally, the exporter pays the export agency fees, as the agency's work revolves around export business. However, if the importer proposes to cover this cost during negotiations, that's also fine; it mainly depends on the agreement between the two parties.
Usually, the exporter pays export agency fees because the export agent provides services for the export process. However, if the importer has special requirements for cargo transportation and other aspects, it is also possible for them to voluntarily bear the cost.
Generally, export agency fees are borne by the exporter, as the agent assists the exporter in completing export operations. However, in some cooperation models, the importer might pay this fee to better control the goods.
Commonly, the exporter pays, as the export agent handles matters for the exporter. However, if the importer is willing to bear this fee to protect their own interests, it's fine as long as both parties reach an agreement.
Generally, export agency fees are paid by the exporter, as the export agent's work is to serve the exporter. If the importer has special needs, they can also bear the cost after discussing it with the exporter.
In most cases, export agency fees are paid by the exporter, as the export agent serves export matters. If the importer wants to simplify the process, they can also pay after negotiation.
Under normal circumstances, the exporter pays the export agency fees because the agent helps the exporter handle export procedures, etc. If the importer has special arrangements, they can also pay after the parties agree.