How to verify a Chinese supplier before signing
12 May 2026
Most problems in an import operation from China do not arise in production or at customs: they arise the moment the wrong supplier is chosen. A serious check, carried out before signing, drastically reduces risk and completely changes the balance of power in negotiations.
Below are the checks Liwola considers essential before starting any relationship.
1. The factory really exists and is the right one
Many interlocutors who present themselves as “manufacturers” are in fact trading companies reselling third-party goods. That is not necessarily a problem, but it changes margin, quality control and lead times. The first check is therefore to distinguish the real manufacturer from the intermediary, through the business licence, declared production capacity and a direct inspection of the plant.
2. Corporate documents and licences
The Chinese business licence states the company name, capital, scope of activity and year of incorporation. It is the first document to request and to cross-check against public data. A company set up a few months ago, with minimal capital and a scope of activity inconsistent with the product, is a warning sign.
3. Samples and pre-production
No order should start without an approved sample and, for significant orders, a pre-production check. The sample must be assessed technically, not just aesthetically: materials, tolerances, finishes and compliance with the regulations of the destination market.
4. Factory inspection
An on-site inspection, whether direct or through a trusted contact, is what separates a formal check from a real one. It allows you to observe production lines, internal quality control, the warehouse and working conditions. It is also the moment when the relationship becomes concrete and the supplier realises they are dealing with a competent interlocutor.
A serious supplier does not fear inspection. Only those with something to hide do.
5. Terms, payments and safeguards
Payment terms, defect handling, mould ownership and delivery times must be defined in writing before the order. The best conditions are not obtained from the outside: they are obtained when you are already on the inside, with the right network and credibility.
Supplier verification is not a bureaucratic formality: it is the part of the job that determines the outcome. This is precisely where direct presence on the ground makes the difference between a successful purchase and an uncalculated risk.
For supplier verification on a specific project, contact Liwola.