How to Verify a Chinese Supplier
A complete framework from document validation to factory audit.
1. Why it matters
Verifying a Chinese supplier is the process of separating a real manufacturer from a trading company or a shell before any money moves. A one-day verification costs almost nothing next to a failed container, a fake certificate, or a deposit paid to an account that does not match the licensed entity.
2. Confirm the legal entity
Ask for the business license (营业执照) and read four fields: the 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code, the registered capital (note paid-in vs subscribed), the registered business scope, and the establishment date. The scope must actually include manufacturing of your product category — many "factories" are licensed only for wholesale.
- Cross-check the credit code on the national registry (gsxt.gov.cn) — status must be "存续/在业" (active).
- The contract name, invoice name and bank account name must all match the license exactly.
- A company under 2 years old with tiny paid-in capital handling a large order is a risk flag.
3. Manufacturer or trading company?
Both can be legitimate, but you price and control them differently. A trading company adds a margin and sits between you and the line; a factory gives you direct control over QC and change orders. Establish which you are dealing with — do not assume.
- Ask for a live video walkthrough of the line with the current date shown, not a stock photo set.
- Check whether the factory address differs from the office/registered address.
- Confirm export filing (对外贸易经营者备案) and the ability to issue a VAT invoice.
4. Verify certificates at the source
Every safety and performance mark carries a number that resolves on the issuer's own database. A PDF or an image proves nothing — it is the easiest thing to forge. Verify at least the two certificates that matter for your destination market.
| Mark | Where to verify | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| UL / ETL | UL Product iQ / Intertek Directory | File number, exact model, scope |
| DLC | DLC Qualified Products List (QPL) | Model listed, efficacy tier, expiry |
| CE | NANDO notified-body register | Notified body is real and in scope |
| CCC | CNCA / issuing lab | Certificate valid, factory code matches |
5. Checklist
- 18-digit credit code verified as active on gsxt.gov.cn
- Business scope includes manufacturing of the product
- At least two certificate numbers verified on the issuer database
- Live dated factory video or third-party audit completed
- Bank account name matches the licensed entity exactly
- A paid sample inspected against a written specification