What is the specific export tax rate for freight forwarders, does anyone know?

Resolved
NO.20260313*****

[Challenge] *****, [Solution] *****, [Process & Cost] *****

Access Full Plan
I am in the foreign trade business, and recently it involves freight forwarder export business, and I am not very clear about the relevant tax rates. I want to know, what is the general export tax rate for freight forwarders? Is it a unified standard, or does it vary depending on different business types, cargo types, etc.? I hope knowledgeable friends can explain it to me in detail, so that I can make advance budget and planning in subsequent business.
Trade Experts Q&A
Trade Experts Q&A

Consult with Our Trade Experts

Quick, reliable advice for all your trade needs, from sourcing to shipping.

Trade Expert Insights Answers

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

Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat

Freight forwarder export business generally involves VAT. In China, freight forwarders belong to logistics auxiliary services, and the VAT rate for general taxpayers is 6%. The collection rate applicable to small-scale taxpayers is 3%. However, in actual business, if the freight forwarder provides international freight forwarding services, according to relevant policy regulations, since September 1, 2014, international cargo transportation agency services provided by pilot taxpayers have been exempted from VAT. International cargo transportation agency services here refer to receiving entrustment from the cargo consignee or its agent, the shipper or its agent, the owner of the transportation tool, the charterer of the transportation tool, or the operator of the transportation tool, and in the name of the principal or in its own name, without directly providing cargo transportation services, directly handling international transportation of goods for the principal, port entry and exit of transportation tools engaged in international transportation, and contacting and arranging pilotage, berthing, loading and unloading and other related business procedures for cargo and ship agency services.

Therefore, you need to clarify whether your business belongs to domestic or international freight forwarding first, and then determine the applicable tax rate.

References: What are the different forms of entrusted agency export? Please help me answer!
Kevin Huang
Kevin HuangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat

If it is domestic freight forwarding, general taxpayers will calculate VAT at 6%. If the business includes international transportation agency services and meets the exemption conditions, then this part is tax-exempt.

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

International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat

For small-scale taxpayer freight forwarders exporting, regardless of domestic or international related business, the collection rate is basically 3%, but international freight forwarders are also exempt from tax if they meet the conditions.

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

Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat

It should also be noted that some special cargo transportation agencies may have special regulations, but most of them still follow the tax rates or collection rates for general taxpayers and small-scale taxpayers.

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

Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat

The document fees, handling fees, etc. involved in the business are usually taxed at the freight forwarder service tax rate.

Emma Zhao
Emma ZhaoYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0

Export Documentation SpecialistStart a Chat

Before determining the tax rate, be sure to look at the nature of the business, as the tax rates for domestic and international freight forwarders differ significantly.

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

Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat

In actual operations, it is best to confirm with the local tax authorities to ensure accurate implementation of the tax rate policy.

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

Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat

When issuing invoices and filing tax returns, enterprises should use the correct tax rate to avoid tax risks.

Sophia Wang
Sophia WangYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0

International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat

If it involves freight forwarder export for cross-border e-commerce, policies may sometimes be adjusted, so pay attention in a timely manner.

User-submitted questions and answers reflect personal opinions, not the official stance of this website.

You May Also Like

How to Successfully Get Tax Refunds When Using an Export Agent? Come Share Your Tips!

Our company plans to find an agent for export, but we don't know how to get tax refunds. We used to export ourselves and are unfamiliar with this process. The best answer suggests first choosing a reliable agent company, such as Zhongmaoda, and preparing documents like customs declarations. After the goods are exported, the agent will collect the documents and file for the refund. Once the tax authorities verify the information, they will issue the refund to the agent, who will then transfer it to the client. It's important to maintain good communication and ensure the accuracy and completeness of documents throughout the process.

Where is it more reliable to choose an agency for export tax refunds?

Our company has export business and wants to find a reliable agency for export tax refunds. With many agencies in the market, we don't know how to choose and are concerned about risks. The best advice suggests looking at qualifications and experience; reputable and experienced ones are reliable, such as Zhongmaoda. A professional team is key, familiar with policies and regulations. Reputation is important and can be checked through various channels. Also, pay attention to service content and fees; comprehensive services with reasonable and transparent charges are more dependable.

How to operate export tax rebates for foreign trade agents?

A company finds a foreign trade agent to export products and is unsure how to operate the export tax rebate. They inquire about the process and required documents. The best answer states that the principal and agent first sign an agreement, the agent provides documents, the principal makes a pre-declaration and formal declaration within the specified period, and provides documents such as the agency export agreement. After the tax authority reviews and approves, the principal receives the tax refund. They can also consult Zhongmaoda for assistance.

Who Owns Export Tax Rebates in Agency Import and Export Business? Let's Discuss!

Want to know who owns export tax rebates in agency import and export business and avoid disputes. The best answer indicates that export tax rebates generally belong to the principal, based on the principal-agent relationship and policies. However, the parties can agree otherwise by contract. But agreeing that the tax rebate belongs to the agent carries risks. It is recommended to follow the normal attribution: the principal receives the tax rebate, and the agent receives the agency fee, to protect interests and comply with tax regulations.

What is the general tax rate for foreign trade agency export and who can explain it in detail?

The company plans to find a foreign trade agent to export products and wants to know the typical tax rate for foreign trade agency export, and whether it is affected by factors such as product type and export region. The best answer states that the tax rate for foreign trade agency export is not fixed. In terms of value-added tax, when products are eligible for the VAT credit/offset and refund policy, the refund rate varies by product. The VAT rate for agency services is generally 6% for general taxpayers and 3% for small-scale taxpayers, and also involves surcharges, requiring comprehensive consideration of multiple factors.

Which agency is good for professional export tax refund agency? Come and give some advice!

The company is involved in export business and is not familiar with the export tax refund process. It wants to find a professional agency for export tax refund. It does not know how to choose and hopes for recommendations for professional services, good reputation, and reasonable fees. The best answer suggests considering professional capabilities, reputation, and fees. For example, Zhongmaoda has a professional tax team, pays attention to policy changes, has a good reputation, and transparent fees, making it a good choice.