How to accurately account for the freight forwarding fees of imported equipment?

Three Major Principles for Calculating Freight Forwarding Costs of Imported Equipment

According to the latest revised "Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises No. 4 - Fixed Assets" in 2025, the freight forwarding fees for imported equipment must comply withThe principle of capitalization priority:

• Customs clearance fees and port miscellaneous expenses directly related to the equipment should be included in the original value of the asset.
• Segmented Transportation Cost Processing Standards:
  • The overseas transportation cost shall be capitalized at a limit of 1% of the FOB value stated on the customs declaration form.
  • The domestic transportation cost is fully included in the equipment value.
• The insurance cost shall be capitalized based on the proportion determined by the coverage scope of the policy.

Freight Forwarding Cost Breakdown and Account Setup

It is recommended that enterprises establish tertiary accounts for detailed accounting:

• 6601.03 Transportation Cost for Imported Equipment (Capitalized Account)
• 6602.05 Logistics Agency Service Fee (Expense Account)
• 2202.08 Customs Temporary Estimated Tax (Transitional Account)

A 2025 case study from an electromechanical enterprise shows that by refining account categories, the accuracy rate of equipment capitalization costs increased by 27%, while the tax audit adjustment rate dropped to 0.8%.

Key Points of Customs Duty-Paid Price Adjustment

According to the "Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the Valuation Measures" issued by the General Administration of Customs in March 2025, special attention should be paid to:

• The portion of overseas transportation costs exceeding 1% of the FOB price shall not be included in the dutiable value.
• Proof of time nodes is required for demurrage and storage fees.
• Equipment transported in batches must have transportation documents matched accordingly for each batch.

Special Scenario Handling Solution

Providing solutions to common industry challenges:

• Multi-batch LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping: Allocate costs using the weight-volume proportion method.
• Interim tariff deposit: Accounted for through the "Other Receivables - Customs Deposit" account.
• Handling of Returned Equipment: Capitalized expenses are transferred to profit and loss on disposal of assets at net value.

New Tax Processing Regulations for 2025

In accordance with the requirements of Announcement No. 1 of 2025 issued by the Ministry of Finance:

• The value-added tax deduction for the transportation costs of imported equipment requires the provision of a complete chain of shipping documents.
• Cross-border payment agency service fees require completion of tax filing procedures.
• Maritime TransportationAdditional charges (CAF/BAF) must be listed separately to be tax-deductible.