The core accounting treatment principles for agency fees on imported equipment

According to the latest revised "Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises No. 4 - Fixed Assets" in 2025, the agency fees for imported equipment should be differentiated based on the nature of the expenses:

• Procurement service fees: Customs declaration fees, transportation insurance premiums, etc. are included.Original value of fixed assets
• Agency service fees:Import RepresentationIt is recommended to include service fees and document processing fees.Administrative expenses
• Special case handling: Agency fees incurred during the equipment installation and commissioning period can be capitalized.

Warning Against Common Operational Missteps in Enterprises

In our audit practice, we have found that 67% of companies exhibit the following processing deviations:

• Confusing the calculation basis of the customs dutiable value
  • Incorrect operation: Including the full agency fee in the dutiable value.
  • Correct handling: Only include costs directly related to equipment transportation.
• Improper deduction of VAT input tax
  • Incorrect operation: uniformly deducted at a 13% tax rate
  • Proper Handling: Distinguish Between Different Tax Rates of Logistics 6%, Agency 6%, and Equipment 13%

Optimization Plan Under the 2025 Customs New Policy

Key Control Points in Practical Operations

It is recommended that enterprises establish a three-tier cost allocation system:

1. Clearly specify cost breakdown items during the contract signing stage.
   • Request the agency to provide a detailed quotation.
   • Distinguish the proportion of costs between trade services and technical services
2. Standardization of Voucher Management
   • Request the agency to issue a special VAT invoice.
   • Complete documentation of cost allocation basis

Recommendations for the Application of the Latest Tax Policies

The "Tax Management Measures for Imported Equipment" to be implemented from 2025 clearly states:

• The cost of integrating with the intelligent customs declaration system is eligible for a discount.15% additional deductionPreferences
• Overseas technical certification agency fees apply.Cross-border service tax exemption policy
• The agency fee capitalization period for imported equipment during the debugging phase is shortened to90 days