SINOSURE Consulting Fees: Scope, Structure and Value
by Axton Global | Reviewed by Igor Sokolov, CEO
Posted:
Content Prepared & Verified by Igor Sokolov
Managing Partner, Axton Global
Key Takeaways
Working with an expert advisor accelerates your access to deferred payment terms. In this article, we outline the key stages of consulting and how a consulting fee is structured. Investing in expert consulting unlocks substantial value:
- time savings from a more efficient application process with a greater degree of compliance
- coordinating multiple suppliers and reducing procedural friction
- the degree to which working capital is freed up as a result of avoiding unnecessary prepayment
For importers who are unfamiliar with the SINOSURE process, there is often confusion about the differences between a SINOSURE consulting fee, the onboarding costs, and SINOSURE insurance premiums. A consultant can clarify which costs fall on the importer and which fall on the supplier
At Axton Global, there is no one-size-fits-all SINOSURE consulting fee, because each importer’s requirements will vary. It will depend on the scale of the importer’s business with supplier(s) in China, the complexity of their supplier relationships; and the scope of consulting services provided to the importer.
Working with an expert advisor accelerates your access to deferred payment terms. In this article, we outline the key stages of consulting and how a consulting fee is structured. Investing in expert consulting unlocks substantial value:
- time savings from a more efficient application process with a greater degree of compliance
- coordinating multiple suppliers and reducing procedural friction
- the degree to which working capital is freed up as a result of avoiding unnecessary prepayment
For importers who are unfamiliar with the SINOSURE process, there is often confusion about the differences between a SINOSURE consulting fee, the onboarding costs, and SINOSURE insurance premiums. A consultant can clarify which costs fall on the importer and which fall on the supplier
At Axton Global, there is no one-size-fits-all SINOSURE consulting fee, because each importer’s requirements will vary. It will depend on the scale of the importer’s business with supplier(s) in China, the complexity of their supplier relationships; and the scope of consulting services provided to the importer.
Why SINOSURE Consulting Doesn’t Have a "One-Size-Fits-All" Price
Axton Global doesn’t publish a price list because the consulting fee is tailored to the needs of each individual client.
A customized fee ensures that a consultant invests the necessary time to audit, prepare, and advocate for the buyer, maximizing the chance of a favorable credit limit. It also ensures transparency: The client will know exactly what services they are buying, and what the expected result will be.
A customized fee ensures that a consultant invests the necessary time to audit, prepare, and advocate for the buyer, maximizing the chance of a favorable credit limit. It also ensures transparency: The client will know exactly what services they are buying, and what the expected result will be.
How is the Axton Global Consulting Fee Calculated?
The consulting fee is calculated as a product of the scope of the project, the complexity and status of the project, and the amount of the obtained trade credit limit.
Scope of the Engagement
A client may need straightforward guidance through the steps to obtaining a SINOSURE credit limit. Or, they may need hands-on help through the entire process, as well as end-to-end coordination in obtaining not only a SINOSURE credit limit but in securing supplier credit. There are large differences between these levels of service, and the consulting fee will reflect this.
Complexity and Current Status of the Case
There are significant differences between an importer looking for guidance through their first application for a SINOSURE credit limit, and one that is seeking to overturn a credit limit denial, or to increase an existing credit limit. Axton Global will identify key challenges, such as an incorrect initial SINOSURE setup, or an unusual transaction structure between importer and supplier. All these elements will affect the consulting fee.
For instance, in the case of sailmaking and sailing equipment company North Sails, Axton Global was asked to help the company overturn an earlier SINOSURE rejection. The consultancy worked with North Sails to put together a compliant application, and identified two suppliers who aligned with North Sails’ needs and were willing to work with the importer on securing a SINOSURE credit limit. SINOSURE approved the company for a USD$2 million credit limit, enabling North Sails to scale procurement.
For instance, in the case of sailmaking and sailing equipment company North Sails, Axton Global was asked to help the company overturn an earlier SINOSURE rejection. The consultancy worked with North Sails to put together a compliant application, and identified two suppliers who aligned with North Sails’ needs and were willing to work with the importer on securing a SINOSURE credit limit. SINOSURE approved the company for a USD$2 million credit limit, enabling North Sails to scale procurement.
Buyer Documentation and Financial Review
Some importers will require a greater degree of guidance in reviewing and organizing the corporate, financial and trading documentation needed for a successful SINOSURE credit limit application and/or for suppliers to feel comfortable moving forward with trade credit terms.
In the case of household and kitchen products brand Lebenlang, Axton Global carried out its own review (including a professional audit) of the company’s situation in order to identify existing opportunities. Lebenlang received advice on documentation standards and workflow processes, and Axton Global conducted targeted briefings with the company’s suppliers to clarify the process and ensure proper communication. The result was a tripling of Lebenlang’s SINOSURE credit limit.
In the case of household and kitchen products brand Lebenlang, Axton Global carried out its own review (including a professional audit) of the company’s situation in order to identify existing opportunities. Lebenlang received advice on documentation standards and workflow processes, and Axton Global conducted targeted briefings with the company’s suppliers to clarify the process and ensure proper communication. The result was a tripling of Lebenlang’s SINOSURE credit limit.
Supplier Coordination and Negotiation Requirements
As SINOSURE insurance policies are held by exporters in China, Axton Global works with clients’ suppliers in obtaining a trade credit limit.
The degree of complexity rises with the number of suppliers involved in a transaction. While Axton Global’s fee is not calculated on a “per supplier” basis, it will vary depending on each supplier relationship, and how much individual communication, alignment and supplier-side action is required. Axton also handles complex structures, such as indirect import, which requires additional documentation and negotiations.
Axton Global’s Shanghai-based team can adapt to the needs of a supplier as well as it can adapt to those of an importer.
When working with air conditioning and firefighting supplies company Fakhri Brothers, Axton Global maneuvered the complexity of the importer’s multiple suppliers in China and the irregular pace of the company’s orders. The consultant liaised with each supplier to guide them through SINOSURE’s requirements and operational procedures. Axton’s efforts helped secure a USD$1.5 million trade credit limit with SINOSURE and 90-day payment deferral terms.
The degree of complexity rises with the number of suppliers involved in a transaction. While Axton Global’s fee is not calculated on a “per supplier” basis, it will vary depending on each supplier relationship, and how much individual communication, alignment and supplier-side action is required. Axton also handles complex structures, such as indirect import, which requires additional documentation and negotiations.
Axton Global’s Shanghai-based team can adapt to the needs of a supplier as well as it can adapt to those of an importer.
When working with air conditioning and firefighting supplies company Fakhri Brothers, Axton Global maneuvered the complexity of the importer’s multiple suppliers in China and the irregular pace of the company’s orders. The consultant liaised with each supplier to guide them through SINOSURE’s requirements and operational procedures. Axton’s efforts helped secure a USD$1.5 million trade credit limit with SINOSURE and 90-day payment deferral terms.
Ready to begin? Schedule a free consultation with our specialist.
What is Included in the Axton Global Fee?
Buyer Profile Review
Before deciding on the appropriate course of action, Axton Global will review the importer’s current business profile, trade relationships and financial situation. The consultant will seek to identify procedural weaknesses early in the process, and determine what is needed: SINOSURE onboarding, a credit limit request, or other types of support.
Financial and Other Document Preparation
Axton Global can guide an importer through the often complicated process of collecting and submitting all the required corporate, financial and trade documentation. The focus here is on the completeness and consistency of the information provided.
China-Based Negotiations
Axton’s services include a Shanghai-based team that leverages its deep experience in the Chinese export sector to communicate effectively with suppliers on behalf of the importer. Where necessary, Axton’s consultants will explain deferred payment arrangements, proposed credit amounts, and timing and process requirements. The point is to overcome communication and procedural barriers, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
SinoRating and Onboarding Coordination
Axton Global guides importer clients through the process of establishing or improving their profile with SinoRating. This is the credit information arm of SINOSURE that produces the credit report used in the assessment process. Axton’s role includes guiding clients through collecting the documentation needed for a complete application. It also includes follow-through to ensure that SinoRating’s credit report is accurate and complete, and that the importer receives a Buyer ID through which suppliers can insure their orders with the client.
Credit Limit Case Management
Axton Global can coordinate a supplier’s actions through the credit limit application process, from assessing the client’s position to collecting documentation. The consultancy will address information requests, keep stakeholders aligned, and help the importer understand next steps at each phase of the process.
Our Services
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- Credit limit approvalSinosure credit assessment and credit limit approval process to secure supplier trade credit.
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Consulting
Advisory on Sinosure-related matters and structuring of complex supplier trade credit transactions.
What is Not Included in the Axton Consulting Fee?
The consulting fee covers Axton Global’s independent consulting services for a SINOSURE application. It doesn’t cover the insurance premium, which is paid by the supplier in China, as they are the policyholder.
Axton Global’s consulting fee vs. SINOSURE insurance costs
There are several different cost categories that an importer may encounter during the process:
The consultant’s professional services fee for onboarding or credit investigation: This covers the cost of a consultant’s services in coordinating the SINOSURE application process and, where applicable, in coordinating supplier negotiations for trade credit terms. Axton Global’s free structure includes a flat rate based on the client’s needs plus 1% to 3% of the credit limit obtained. This cost falls on the importer.
The SINOSURE insurance premium: As the actual holder of the SINOSURE trade credit insurance policy, it is the supplier who pays the insurance premiums. However, suppliers may wish to pass that cost on to the importer through an increase in the per-unit cost of orders.
The consultant’s professional services fee for onboarding or credit investigation: This covers the cost of a consultant’s services in coordinating the SINOSURE application process and, where applicable, in coordinating supplier negotiations for trade credit terms. Axton Global’s free structure includes a flat rate based on the client’s needs plus 1% to 3% of the credit limit obtained. This cost falls on the importer.
The SINOSURE insurance premium: As the actual holder of the SINOSURE trade credit insurance policy, it is the supplier who pays the insurance premiums. However, suppliers may wish to pass that cost on to the importer through an increase in the per-unit cost of orders.
More detail can be found on Axton Global’s SINOSURE explainer page.
When Do You Pay the Axton Consulting Fee?
After assessing a client’s needs, Axton Global will offer a fee structure that includes a prepayment, with the remainder due upon delivery of the agreed-upon services.
Is a consultant worth the cost?
For an importer, partnering with a consultant unlocks significant competitive advantages:
Is a consultant worth the cost?
For an importer, partnering with a consultant unlocks significant competitive advantages:
- The financial benefit of better trade credit terms than would have been negotiated without consulting services.
- The time (and therefore money) saved through a more efficient SINOSURE application process.
- The working capital freed up as a result of improved trade credit terms.
Examples of Complex SINOSURE Cases Managed by Axton Global
Axton Global has handled numerous SINOSURE applications that involved multiple suppliers with differing order schedules, cases of declined SINOSURE trade credit limit applications, and existing trade credit limits in need of modification.
In one case where an importer faced an unsuccessful credit limit application, Axton Global identified new suppliers and coordinated between them and the importer to secure USD$2 million in trade credit and 90-day payment terms.
In another case, an importer aimed to scale operations and required a higher trade credit limit to do so, but had been previously declined for an increase by SINOSURE. After an in-depth analysis, Axton Global identified four suppliers that aligned with the client’s scaling requirements, resulting in a USD$1.9 million increase in the trade credit limit (to USD$2.9 million), with 90-day terms for three of the suppliers and 45-day terms for the fourth.
If your case involves several suppliers, a previous application, or an existing SINOSURE profile, Axton can review the situation and define the scope of work before you proceed.
In one case where an importer faced an unsuccessful credit limit application, Axton Global identified new suppliers and coordinated between them and the importer to secure USD$2 million in trade credit and 90-day payment terms.
In another case, an importer aimed to scale operations and required a higher trade credit limit to do so, but had been previously declined for an increase by SINOSURE. After an in-depth analysis, Axton Global identified four suppliers that aligned with the client’s scaling requirements, resulting in a USD$1.9 million increase in the trade credit limit (to USD$2.9 million), with 90-day terms for three of the suppliers and 45-day terms for the fourth.
If your case involves several suppliers, a previous application, or an existing SINOSURE profile, Axton can review the situation and define the scope of work before you proceed.
+ US$ 3 M
+ payment terms
+ payment terms
+ US$ 1,5 M
+ payment terms
+ payment terms
+ US$ 1,5M
+ 90 day payment terms
+ 90 day payment terms
+ US$ 2 M
+ 90 day payment terms
+ 90 day payment terms
+ US$ 700 k
+ 90 day payment terms
+ 90 day payment terms
+ US$ 600 k
+ 30 day payment terms
+ 30 day payment terms
Frequently Asked Questions About SINOSURE Consulting Fees
How much does a SINOSURE consultant cost?
No. The consulting fee is paid by the importer client, while the insurance premium is paid by the supplier, who holds the actual insurance policy.
Who pays the SINOSURE insurance premium?
The supplier/exporter in China pays the SINOSURE insurance premium. This is because they are the actual policyholder: It’s the supplier who is insured against non-payment by the buyer.
Does the consulting fee depend on the requested credit limit?
Partially. Axton’s fee structure includes a portion for the SINOSURE onboarding process, and if the application for a trade credit limit is successful, Axton will charge a small percentage (between 1% and 3%) of the credit limit granted by SINOSURE.
Does working with several suppliers cost more in consulting fees?
Working with more than one supplier generally increases the complexity of a case, which can result in a higher fee. However, the fee is not based on a “per-supplier” basis, and is case-specific, depending on the importer client’s unique situation.
Can Axton guarantee SINOSURE approval and/or trade credit terms from a supplier?
Axton Global provides independent consulting and case coordination. Final credit-limit decisions are made by SINOSURE, while commercial deferred-payment terms are agreed between the importer and suppliers.
Can I get an exact quote before starting?
Once Axton has assessed a client’s needs, it will provide an exact price for the onboarding process, and an exact percentage of the SINOSURE trade credit limit that Axton charges for a successful application. The final price will depend partly on the amount of the trade credit limit offered.
Get a Fee Estimate for Your Case
You can obtain a quote for Axton Global’s SINOSURE consulting services by providing company and trade information, and your company’s specific circumstances regarding trade credit with suppliers in China. Axton Global will assess what sort of application support will be needed and provide a quote.
Ready to begin? Schedule a free consultation with our specialist.
Igor Sokolov
Managing Partner, Axton Global
Content Prepared & Verified by Igor Sokolov
Managing Partner, Axton Global | Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Igor Sokolov is a trade finance consultant with more than 10 years of advising clients on Sinosure (China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation). He advises international importers on Sinosure credit limits, buyer onboarding, and risk management in transactions with Chinese suppliers. Under his leadership, Axton Global has supported companies from more than 80 countries in obtaining trade credit terms with Chinese exporters.
Connect with Igor on LinkedIn
Managing Partner, Axton Global | Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Igor Sokolov is a trade finance consultant with more than 10 years of advising clients on Sinosure (China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation). He advises international importers on Sinosure credit limits, buyer onboarding, and risk management in transactions with Chinese suppliers. Under his leadership, Axton Global has supported companies from more than 80 countries in obtaining trade credit terms with Chinese exporters.
Connect with Igor on LinkedIn