If you’re an international buyer like me, sourcing from China feels like a goldmine—until you realize how easy it is to fall into a trap. One wrong turn, and you’re dealing with fake suppliers, poor-quality products, or vanishing deposits.
To verify a Chinese supplier’s legitimacy, always start by checking their business license, confirm their Unified Social Credit Code on the NECIPS database, and look for red flags in documentation, communication, and operations. This multi-step verification helps ensure the supplier is authentic, reliable, and legally authorized to export.
Don’t stop at surface checks. The deeper you dig, the better you understand who you’re dealing with. Read on for a step-by-step guide that reveals the tools, tips, and tactics I use as a China sourcing agent to protect my clients from fraud.
What documents should I request to verify a Chinese supplier’s legitimacy?
How do I check if a supplier has a valid business license in China?
Can I verify supplier registration through a government database?
How do I identify red flags when verifying a new supplier?
I’ve seen buyers lose tens of thousands of dollars because they didn’t ask for basic documents. One client of mine once skipped verification because the supplier’s English was great—they ended up with fake headphones and zero refunds.
To verify legitimacy, request the supplier’s Chinese business license, check their 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code on China’s NECIPS website, and match all company details. Inconsistencies and vague information are strong red flags. Let's go sourcing in China.
Request and Verify the Business License
The business license (营业执照) is the most fundamental document a Chinese supplier should have. It includes:
Registered company name (in Chinese)
Unified Social Credit Code (18 digits)
Registered address
Legal representative
Business scope
Establishment date
Ask for a scanned copy and verify the details at the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS) website: http://www.gsxt.gov.cn. You’ll need the exact Chinese name or the 18-digit code. Even though the site is in Chinese, you can use Google Translate to navigate.
Why NECIPS is Crucial
This government-run site helps you:
Confirm the supplier is legally registered
See who owns the company
Review their business activities and registered capital
Check if they have been penalized or blacklisted
If a supplier refuses to provide their business license or gives excuses like “we’re new, we’ll send it later,” that’s your cue to run.
Cross-Check Information Online
After NECIPS, take your research further. Use tools like:
Qichacha (企查查) or Tianyancha (天眼查): These are Chinese platforms that go deeper into company structure, litigation history, financials, and shareholder changes.
WHOIS Lookup: Check their website’s domain age. A one-month-old website for a “10-year-old factory”? That's a red flag.
Archive.org: View the website’s history. Real companies evolve; scams pop up overnight.
Look for Operational Clues
Sometimes, the best clues come from behavior. Ask yourself:
Did they pressure you to pay fast?
Did they switch payment accounts after your deposit?
Do they refuse video calls or factory visits?
If yes, it’s time to step back. Legitimate factories welcome inspections.
Validate Additional Documents
Also request:
Export license or customs registration: Without this, they can’t legally ship goods internationally.
Bank account certificate: To ensure the company owns the bank account you’re sending money to.
Sample VAT invoices: These show they are actively doing business and paying tax in China.
Spot the Red Flags Early
Watch out for:
Mismatch between business license name and bank account name
Too-good-to-be-true pricing with vague shipping or payment terms
Residential addresses instead of industrial zones
Frequent email changes or no company email (Gmail/QQ addresses scream scam)
Verifying a supplier’s legitimacy in China isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of risk-free sourcing. Use government databases, demand real documentation, and follow through with independent checks to protect your business. Let's go sourcing in China.
