Resources · Sourcing in China
The complete process for sourcing in China: 8 steps from finding products and sampling to shipping
A China sourcing guide for African importers and Chinese traders in Africa: define requirements, find suppliers, verify them, sample, negotiate, order, inspect and arrange logistics.
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Sourcing in China usually takes 8 steps: define product specs and destination-country requirements, find suppliers, verify their credentials, approve samples, negotiate price and terms, place the order and pay the deposit, inspect before shipment, and arrange logistics and clearance. Problems most often come from skipping verification and inspection.
Information updated: 2026-10-03
The 8 steps
- Define requirements: specs, material, packaging, quantity, target price, and whether the destination country requires certification or labelling.
- Find suppliers: online platforms, wholesale markets, trade fairs, industry referrals. Compare at least 3.
- Verify credentials: check the business licence, confirm factory or trading company, and check that the receiving account matches the company name.
- Approve samples: pay for samples, and once approved keep a sealed "approved sample" as the standard for bulk production.
- Negotiate terms: write price, payment method, lead time, packaging, quality standard and liability for breach into the contract.
- Place the order and pay the deposit: a common split is 30% deposit and 70% before shipment.
- Inspect before shipment: check quantity, appearance, function and packaging against the approved sample.
- Arrange logistics: confirm the delivery term (EXW, FOB, etc.) and give the invoice and packing list to your forwarder.
What to watch for in African markets
- Do certification early: regulated products exported to Nigeria need SONCAP, food, drugs and cosmetics need NAFDAC, and Kenya and Tanzania have PVoC.
- Labels and manuals: some countries require English labels, country-of-origin marking and importer details.
- Voltage and plugs: Nigeria, Ghana and others mostly use 230V, and plug types differ from China's, so confirm in advance.
- Packaging strength: long sea transport plus last-mile road conditions mean packaging must be sturdier than domestic standards.