Does the import agency fee include customs duties? Come and find out!

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I have a batch of goods to import recently and found an agency company to help handle import-related matters. They quoted me an import agency fee, but I'm not sure if this fee includes customs duties. I want to ask everyone, does the import agency fee include customs duties or not? If not, how are customs duties generally calculated and paid?
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Emma Zhao
Emma ZhaoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat

The import agency fee typically does not include customs duties. The import agency fee is the charge collected by the agency company for providing a series of services to the importer, such as booking space, customs declaration, inspection declaration, and document processing. Customs duties, on the other hand, are taxes levied by the customs on imported and exported goods when they pass through a country's customs territory.

The calculation of customs duties is generally based on the dutiable value multiplied by the customs duty rate. The dutiable value is usually determined based on the CIF price (cost, insurance, and freight). Different commodities have different customs duty rates, which can be checked on the official website of the customs for specific commodity tax rates.

For customs duty payment, it is generally declared and paid to the customs by the importer or their agent when the goods actually enter or exit the country. In import agency services, the agency company may assist in handling customs duty payment procedures, but the fee is not included in the agency fee.

References: How to proceed if I want to become an agent for an imported bearing brand?
Sophia Wang
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0

International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat

Import agency fees and customs duties are two different things. The agency fee is remuneration for the agency company's work, and customs duties are taxes collected by the state. The two are not mixed.

Daniel Kim
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0

Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat

It does not include them. Customs duties are calculated based on factors such as the value of the goods, while the import agency fee is merely the fee for the agency's operations. Customs duties must be calculated separately.

Robert Tan
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

The import agency fee does not cover customs duties. Customs duties are determined based on the type and value of the goods, and specific details depend on customs regulations.

Thomas Li
Thomas LiYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0

Import Licensing AdvisorStart a Chat

It definitely does not include them. The agency fee is for agency services, and customs duties are legally levied by the customs. The charging entities are different.

Michael Zhang
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat

The import agency fee does not include customs duties. The calculation of customs duties is complex and related to commodity codes, etc. Accurate calculation requires detailed knowledge of the commodity information.

Anthony Luo
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat

Agency fees and customs duties are different. Agency fees are service fees, and customs duties are taxes in the trade process. They are not included in the agency fees.

Linda Guo
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat

The import agency fee does not include customs duties. Customs duties are calculated and paid according to the procedures and tax rates stipulated by the customs. The agency company generally only assists.

David Chen
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

Of course, it does not include them. The agency fee is collected by the agency company, and customs duties are paid to the state. They are independent of each other.

Kevin Huang
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0

E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat

Import agency fees and customs duties are calculated separately. Customs duties are calculated based on the goods, and agency fees are charged based on the scope of agency services.

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