Contents
- Check the company's registration by its unified social credit code in China's official database.
- Find out who the producer is and request the producer's documents: TDS, SDS, COA.
- For controlled and dangerous chemicals, the supplier must ask about intended use — a good sign.
- Start with a trial lot, independent inspection and bank payment under a contract.
China is the largest producer of basic chemicals, and the choice of suppliers is huge — from plants to small intermediaries. A good supplier saves months; an unreliable one costs you a prepayment or a lot that fails incoming inspection. Here is a practical vetting sequence.
7 steps to vet a supplier
- 01
Define your requirements
Product, grade, values, quantity, packaging, delivery point and documents. Without these, suppliers cannot be compared.
- 02
Check company registration
Ask for the 18-character unified social credit code and verify name, address, status and business scope in China's national enterprise information system (gsxt.gov.cn).
- 03
Producer or trading company
Both are fine. What matters is knowing who makes the product and receiving the producer's documents.
- 04
Licences for special products
For dangerous chemicals the supplier needs a trading permit; for controlled ones it must vet the buyer and intended use.
- 05
Product documents
TDS, SDS and a sample COA; if needed, a product sample for lab testing.
- 06
Independent inspection
Before dispatch you can order sampling and lot inspection from an independent inspection company.
- 07
Contract and trial lot
A written contract with Incoterms, quality requirements and a claims procedure; keep the first lot small.
Warning signs
| Sign | Why it is a risk |
|---|---|
| Price well below market | often means another grade, impurities, short weight or a prepayment scheme |
| No producer documents | origin and lot values cannot be confirmed |
| Payment to a personal account or in cash | no deal protection; for controlled substances it breaks the rules |
| Refusal of independent inspection | lot quality cannot be checked before dispatch |
| No questions about intended use for a controlled product | the supplier ignores mandatory requirements — a risky partner |
| No written contract | nothing to back quality, timing and claims terms |
Producer or trading company?
| Plant | Trading company | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | usually large lots | more flexible with small volumes |
| Range | own products | several products from different plants |
| Export | not all plants handle export | handles documents, logistics, communication |
| What to check | export experience, quality department | transparency: who is the producer, whose documents |
Qinghai Zhenhuida is a trading company. The producer, producer documents, inspection and delivery terms are agreed for each order before contracting.
Payment and contract
- pay only by bank transfer to the account of the company named in the contract;
- payment terms: prepayment, partial prepayment or letter of credit — by agreement;
- the contract should cover product, values, tolerances, packaging, Incoterms, timing, acceptance and claims, governing law and arbitration;
- contract language: Russian and/or English with a Chinese translation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Chinese company?
Ask for the 18-character unified social credit code and verify the name, address, status and business scope in China's national enterprise information system.
Is it better to work with a plant or a trading company?
It depends on volume and needs. A plant suits large regular lots; a trading company suits flexible volumes and full service. Either way you need the producer's documents.
Do I need independent inspection?
For the first lot and large orders it is advisable. Inspection confirms quantity, packaging and values before dispatch.
Why does a supplier ask about intended use?
For controlled chemicals such as chlorates and perchlorates it is mandatory. A supplier who does not ask is breaking the rules.