How to verify Chinese suppliers: checklist
Most losses when buying from China happen before the first order: the deposit goes to a company that does not exist as described, or to an account that does not belong to the supplier. These seven checks help you verify a supplier before money moves.
1. Check the business license
Ask for a copy of the business license. It shows the company name and the Unified Social Credit Code (USCC, 18 characters). Match both against the official Chinese company register (National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System). Look at founding date, business scope and company status. A scan alone proves nothing, because it can be forged.
2. Clarify factory or trading company
Ask directly whether the supplier manufactures the goods itself. The business scope on the license gives a hint: "production" points to a factory, "trading" to a trader. A trader is not automatically bad, but price and quality responsibility then sit with one more party. Ask for photos or a video call from the production floor.
3. Match the payee
The bank account must be held in the company name shown on the business license. Payments to personal accounts or to a different company are a clear warning sign. If the supplier later changes bank details, confirm by phone or video, never by email alone. Fake bank-change emails are a common fraud pattern.
4. Verify certificates with the lab
Which documents you need depends on product and target market, for example CE, RoHS, REACH or FCC. A PDF from the supplier is not enough. Have the test report confirmed by the issuing lab, using the report number, product model and date. Check that the report covers the model you are ordering, not a similar product.
5. Order samples and test them against the specification
Order samples before production and check them against your written specification: material, dimensions, labeling, packaging, function. Record your approval in writing. The approved sample becomes the reference for the inspection.
6. Use a payment plan with a safeguard
A common plan is 30% deposit and 70% after a passed inspection before shipping. Never pay the full amount upfront. You are the importer, and payment goes directly to the factory. With FOB terms the supplier is responsible up to loading at the port, while transport and customs clearance are handled by your forwarder.
7. Inspect before shipment
An independent inspection company checks the finished goods before loading, using a sampling plan and the approved sample as reference. Pay the balance only after the inspection passes. If the goods fail, negotiate rework or replacement before they leave the factory.
What platform badges do not cover
Badges such as "Gold Supplier" or "Verified" on trading platforms show that a company paid fees and submitted documents. They do not replace checking the license, samples or inspection.
Help with the checks
I run these checks on behalf of buyers and coordinate samples and inspection. You pay the factory directly, and I never hold customer money. I am not a testing lab and do not give legal advice. If your product needs additional approvals for your market, clarify that with a specialist where needed.
As of: October 2026