5 Red Flags When Verifying Chinese Suppliers (And How to Avoid Them)

Image: Our team conducting a factory audit in Shenzhen

#1: Missing Essential Certifications
Always verify:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
• BSCI (Social Compliance)
• Product-specific certifications (e.g., CE, FCC)

Pro Tip: Use China Certification Database to cross-check2,4.

#2: Unusually Low MOQs
Legitimate suppliers typically require:

• $MOQ \geq 500$ units for standard products
• $MOQ \geq 1000$ units for customized items

#3: Vague Production Timelines
Demand detailed breakdown:
$$T_{production} = T_{material} + T_{processing} + T_{QC}$$
Example: A Ningbo electronics supplier provided this transparent schedule:

#4: No Physical Address Verification
Use tools:

• Google Earth coordinates check
• Third-party verification services like QIMA

#5: Poor Communication Channels
Warning signs:

• Only WeChat communication
• Delayed email responses (>24 hrs)
• No dedicated account manager

Case Study: A German client avoided $200k loss by rejecting a “supplier” that failed 3/5 checks1,6.