Quick answer
To verify a Chinese supplier, check its business licence and 18-character Unified Social Credit Code on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, make sure the bank account name matches the registered company, confirm it is a factory or a trading company, request certifications and references, and have the factory visited or audited before paying a deposit.
The 9-point verification checklist
- Business licence. Ask for a copy. Check the company name (Chinese and English), registration date, registered capital and business scope.
- Unified Social Credit Code (USCC). Look up the 18-character code on China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System to confirm the company exists and is active.
- Bank account name. The beneficiary on your payment must match the registered company. Be very cautious about personal accounts or third-party companies.
- Factory or trader. Manufacturing in the business scope and an industrial registered address point to a factory.
- Export experience. Ask which countries they ship to and for sample shipping documents with buyer details hidden.
- Certifications. ISO 9001, CE, RoHS and — for India — BIS licences or CRS registration where applicable. Verify certificate numbers with the issuing body.
- Live video call from the production floor, not a showroom.
- References from existing buyers, ideally in your country.
- On-site audit. The only way to confirm capacity, machines and working conditions.
Red flags
- Prices far below every other quote.
- Requests to pay a personal or offshore account, or a sudden "change of bank details" email.
- Refusal to do a video call or allow inspection.
- Business scope that has nothing to do with your product.
- Pressure to pay 100% upfront.
Bank-detail change emails are one of the most common frauds in China trade. Always confirm new bank details by phone with a contact you already know.
How LIT International verifies suppliers
Our team in China runs these checks in Mandarin, visits the factory and sends you a written report with photos and video. You can use it for a supplier we found or one you found yourself. See supplier verification.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alibaba Gold Supplier status proof that a supplier is genuine?
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No. Gold Supplier is a paid membership. Verified or audited badges add some assurance, but you should still check the business licence and bank details yourself.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Duty rates and import rules change — confirm current requirements for your HS code with DGFT, CBIC or a licensed customs broker.
