Export agentHow are tariff responsibilities allocated in business operations?

In a typical export agency business,The party responsible for tariffs depends on the agreed trade terms.。According to the INCOTERMS? 2020 rules:

• Under EXW/FOB terms, the buyer bears the import duties.
• Under DDP terms, the seller is responsible for the import duties in the destination country.
• Agency service fees are usually calculated separately and do not include customs duty costs.

In practice, it is advisable to clearly stipulate tariff handling clauses in the agency agreement. We once assisted a machinery export company in reducing tariff-related risks by 15% through DAP clause optimization.

How to accurately check the tariff rates for 2025?

It is recommended to adoptTriple Verification MethodEnsure accuracy:

• Official channel inquiry
  • HS Code Query System on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China
  • Official customs website of the destination country (e.g., the USITC database in the United States)
• Professional tool verification
  • Global Trade Data Platform (Panjiva/ImportGenius)
  • The customs declaration system has a built-in tax rate module.
• Practical Experience Review
  • Historical customs clearance records of similar products
  • Applicability of Special Agreement Tariff Rates by Industry

What are the three common misconceptions in tariff calculation?

Based on our experience in handling over 300 tariff dispute cases, special attention should be paid to:

• Misconception 1: Calculating solely based on the value of goods.

  The actual should includeFreight + Insurance + Additional Fees such as Commission(CIF value basis)

• Misconception 2: Neglecting Rules of Origin

  Free trade agreements such as RCEPRules of Origin AccumulationPossible changes in tax rate application

• Misconception 3: Neglecting Anti-Dumping Duties

  In 2025, specific electromechanical products from China will still be subject to U.S. tariffs.25% additional tariff, requires special verification.

What are the significant changes in the 2025 tariff policy?

Notable policy adjustments for this year include:

• The upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Agreement has been fully implemented.

  The newly added list of 87 tariff-free products includesNew EnergyAutomotive parts, etc.

• The trial operation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

  Exports of steel and aluminum products require declaration.Carbon emission data, affecting tariff costs

• Review of U.S. Section 301 Tariffs

  It is recommended to continue monitoring the updates released by the USTR.Update of the Exemption List

How to Legally Reduce Tariff Costs?

Based on 20 years of agency experience, the following compliance solutions are recommended:

• Utilization of Free Trade Agreements

  A certain textile enterprise has achieved...RCEP accumulation rulesSuccessfully reduced the tariff from 12% to 0%.

• Optimization of Commodity Classification

  A precision instrument company achieved through HS code correction.Tax rate bracket span

• Duty Deferral Policy

  EU imports can be applied for.Deferred Value-Added Tax (PVA)Alleviate financial pressure

(Note: The specific plan requires professional compliance evaluation, and this article does not provide specific operational recommendations.)

What is the most effective way to handle tariff disputes?

It is recommended to establishFour-level response mechanism:

• Phase One: Pre-classification Dispute

  Apply to CustomsAdvance Ruling Decision(Average processing period: 15 working days)

• Phase Two: Administrative Reconsideration

  Complete evidence chain must be submitted within 60 days.

• Phase Three: Judicial Litigation

  The success rate of customs administrative litigation in 2024 is approximately 38%.

• Phase IV: WTO Dispute Settlement

  Applicable to trade barrier disputes between nations