How to Verify a Chinese Manufacturer Before Placing Your First Order

Request the business licence

Ask for a copy of their Chinese business licence (营业执照). Cross-check the company name, registration number and business address against the Alibaba profile. Mismatches are a red flag.

Video call the factory

Schedule a 30-minute video call where they walk you around the production floor. A legitimate manufacturer will do this readily. You want to see machines running, workers present, and product in process — not a conference room.

Request third-party test reports

For any regulated category (toys, electronics, kids items, cosmetics), ask for recent lab test certificates from SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or TÜV. The report should have a date within the last 12 months and reference the specific product, not just a company name.

Order a sample before your first batch

Non-negotiable. Pay for the sample ($50–200 including courier) and evaluate against your spec sheet. Common issues: paint smell, joint quality, colour variance from photos, weight inconsistency.

Use Trade Assurance for first payment

Document the product spec clearly in the Trade Assurance order agreement — dimensions, materials, certification requirements, quality standards. This is your protection if the batch is non-conforming.

Do a pre-shipment inspection

For orders above ₹5L landed value, hire a third-party inspector (QIMA, SGS, or a local agent) to inspect 10–15% of the batch at the factory before it ships. Typical cost: $200–300. Catch problems before they cross the ocean.