Write a product brief suppliers can quote
Describe the item in terms that can be tested: material, dimensions and tolerances, finish, performance, packaging, labels, quantity and delivery window. Include any Indian standard or approval you have confirmed applies. Ask every supplier to quote against the same brief so prices mean the same thing.
Build a small, comparable shortlist
Look across B2B marketplaces, trade fairs, industry directories and referrals from businesses already buying the product. Shortlist a few firms that can answer technical questions, provide the required documentation and explain whether they manufacture the product or source it elsewhere. A trading company can be useful; the important point is knowing who is responsible for quality and delivery.
| Check | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Legal identity | Chinese registered name, Unified Social Credit Code, address and current status |
| Business role | Manufacturer, trading company or agent; who actually makes and exports the goods |
| Product proof | Sample against your specification, test reports that you can verify, and an inspection plan |
| Commercial fit | Minimum order, lead time, defect remedy, packaging and payment terms |
Verify the registered company
Ask for the full Chinese legal name and Unified Social Credit Code from the business licence. Search the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System and compare the name, address and status with the quotation and contract. The registry confirms basic registration information; it does not prove that the company can make your product or fulfil your order.
Ask who will issue the commercial invoice and who owns the bank account. A mismatch may have an explanation, but get that explanation and supporting paperwork before payment. If you cannot independently read the registry result, use a trusted translator or local verification service.
Prove the sample meets your brief
Buy or request a sample identified with the exact model and specification you intend to order. Record the results you can measure. If the item is safety-critical or regulated, confirm which laboratory report and certification India accepts; a generic “CE” claim or a photograph of a mark is not a substitute for the applicable Indian approval. The product approvals guide explains where to check.
For a larger order, consider an independent pre-shipment inspection against your agreed specification. State the sampling method, acceptable defects and remedy in writing before production begins.
Control the first payment and shipment
- Put the product specification, quantity, price, packaging and delivery date in the purchase order.
- Name the Incoterm and place, and specify who pays for testing, freight, insurance and origin charges.
- Agree when you can inspect goods and what happens if they fail.
- Confirm the beneficiary account against the contracting company by a separate known channel, especially if details change.
- If ordering through a marketplace protection programme, read the current eligibility, payment and dispute terms for your actual order.
When the goods are ready, use the shipping and customs guide to check the transport documents before dispatch.
Questions
Does a marketplace 'verified' badge prove product quality?
No. A platform badge or company check is one signal about the seller, not acceptance testing of your specific order. Check samples, documents and production before committing to a larger purchase.
How can I check a Chinese company exists?
Ask for its registered Chinese name and Unified Social Credit Code, then search China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System. Compare the result with its business licence, contract and payment beneficiary. The registry is in Chinese, so use a reliable translator or local adviser if needed.
Should I pay a personal account for a company order?
Treat a request to pay a different person or company as a reason to stop and verify. Ask your bank about the correct import-remittance documents and confirm bank details through a known contact channel before sending money.