Verifying a supplier before you pay a deposit is the single most effective way to reduce risk when importing from China. Verification combines document checks, capability assessment and, where needed, on-site confirmation.
1 — Check business documents
Review the business license, unified social credit code, and any export records. Confirm the legal entity matches the one you will contract with. Inconsistent names are a common red flag.
2 — Assess capability and capacity
Look at the factory’s relevant experience, equipment and capacity. A supplier strong in one product may be a reseller for another. Match capability to your specific product.
3 — Validate certifications
Request certifications required for your market (CE, FCC, RoHS, UL, etc.) and verify they apply to your exact product, not a similar one. See our Supplier Search & Verification service.
4 — Use on-site verification
For larger orders, an on-site visit or third-party verification confirms the factory exists, operates as described, and can make your product. Photos and a written report reduce uncertainty.
5 — Check references and track record
Ask for references from export customers and review the supplier’s platform and web presence. Consistent, verifiable history is a positive signal.
| Check | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Business license | The entity is real and matches the contract |
| Export records | Experience shipping to markets like yours |
| Certifications | Compliance for your destination |
| On-site visit | Factory exists and operates as described |
Verification reduces risk but cannot guarantee future performance. It is one layer of a sound sourcing process that also includes samples and inspection.
Send us a supplier name and we will outline a verification plan appropriate to your order size.