The Chinese supply chain is home to some of the most sought-after and trusted international trading companies, but for those who are just coming in, one of the early questions posed is usually, “How do I verify a manufacturer in China?”
In general, it’s a challenge that businesses face when importing raw materials from other corners of the world. But in this particular article, we’re focusing on the verification process that you can efficiently do with your Chinese supplier.
What Documents are Authenticated in China?
Business Licence
Like in most countries, a business license is the most fundamental document that you should request from any Chinese company.
To give you an idea, this legal document is issued by the Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC). Essentially, you’ll find the following essential information about the Chinese manufacturer:
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Registration number
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Chinese (official) company name
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Unified Social Credit Code
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The type of company
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The registered address
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The company’s legal representative
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The date of establishment
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The expiry date of the business license
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The date the business license was established
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Business scope
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Registered capital
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For your part, you just have to do your due diligence in scrutinizing the document as well as ensuring that the license is up-to-date.
Just take note that the look of the business license may vary from province to province, though, the core information in the document can easily be verified by contacting local authorities or cross-checking with the local administrative government website.
Bank Account Certificate
A bank account certificate is a reliable indicator that the company has an active corporate banking account in China. As a supporting document, the bank certificate can attest to the financial legitimacy of the trading company.
Notably, Chinese banks are strict in their own verification process, so the document itself a good supporting file to support that the Chinese suppliers have gone through the necessary legal procedures to open a corporate bank account.
ISO 9001 Certificate
The ISO 9001 Certificate is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems.
In general, Chinese companies that have acquired this certificate are able to demonstrate that they follow a set of quality management principles that lead to consistent quality in their products and services.
At a minimum, an ISO 9001 certificate should include the accompanying details:
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Certificate number
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Name of the company
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The company addresses which earned the certification
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Standard number (ISO 9001)
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Scope of certification
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Issue and expiry date
A legitimate business in China may have procured an ISO 9001 Certificate, but the document itself is an excellent sign that it likely meets international quality standards.
Foreign Trade Registration Certificate
The Foreign Trade Registration Certificate, issued by the Ministry of Commerce, is required for any Chinese wholesale suppliers involved in importing and exporting goods.
This document signifies that the supplier has been authorized to facilitate international trade. On the other hand, you should avoid any company that’s unable to present this certificate, as they are likely not able to meet the requirements needed to export goods to international partners. Pushing through a deal with these suppliers can lead to ramifications, shipment delays, and other complications with Chinese customs.
In an update, China has also made some changes to the registration requirements for foreign trade activities.
Customs Registration Certificate
The Customs Registration Certificate is another essential trading document for manufacturers that offer foreign trade deals. It’s one of the primary qualifications you need to look out for as you verify Chinese suppliers, regardless of the industry they’re from.
This certification indicates that your potential Chinese supplier complies with China’s customs regulations and can legally ship products overseas.
Export Licence Certificate
The Export Licence Certificate is a special permit for exporting specific supplies subject to export controls, such as technology, agricultural products, or items with potential military applications. Hence, if your goods fall under China’s export controls set by the Chinese government, this certificate should immediately jump to your priority list.
How to Check a Registered Company in China?
One way to verify a registered company in China is through the local administrative government databases. Alternatively, though, you can use Konnektii’s database for a list of Chinese manufacturers. All listed manufacturers in Konnektii are qualified traders for the Canton Fair, China’s largest international trade expo.
Does China Have a Company Registry?
China’s company registry is managed by the Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) at both the national and local levels. Each province has its own AIC company search website that you can use for verification.
Ways to Verify a Manufacturer in China
Visit the Factory in Person
One of the most effective, though laborious, ways to verify a trading company is to visit their Chinese factory in person. On the bright side, the site visit allows a buyer to inspect not only the product but also the production facilities.
Additionally, it presents an opportunity to meet the management team and evaluate the quality control processes. Unfortunately, a site visit is admittedly an expensive and time-consuming option that many SMEs cannot afford right away.
Engage a Third Party to Conduct a Factory Audit
If visiting the facilities through a company representative isn’t possible, then hiring a third-party China-based inspector is an excellent alternative. Thankfully, there are dedicated firms that ply their trade like this, so securing a third-party auditor isn’t that uncommon.
Find Trusted International Chinese Suppliers Online
If you don’t have all the time and resources to stay hands-on in verifying manufacturers from China, an intuitive alternative you can use is Konnektii. The platform boasts a comprehensive list of Canton Fair attendees who already specialize in international trade.
Therefore, if you wish to reinforce your supply chain and get access to some of the best trading partners from China, we recommend using Konnektii’s database to optimize your search. Here, you’re only a matter of clicks away from finding the best Chinese manufacturer according to your custom needs and preferences.
