Questions You Must Ask Before Importing From China (Ultimate Guide for 2026)

Importing from China offers huge opportunities for businesses looking to reduce costs and access a wide range of products—from machinery and vehicles to building materials and consumer goods. However, many importers lose money not because China is risky, but because they fail to ask the right questions before placing an order. Issues such as poor product quality, supplier disputes, copied designs, and unsafe payment terms are common mistakes made by new buyers. This guide breaks down the most important questions you must ask Chinese suppliers, explains why quality control and inspections matter, and shows you how to protect your brand and payments—so you can import from China safely, professionally, and with confidence.

What Questions Should You Ask a Chinese Supplier Before Ordering?

Before placing your first order from China, asking the right questions is critical to protecting your money, your product quality, and your business reputation. Many import problems—such as poor quality, late delivery, or supplier disputes—happen simply because buyers fail to verify key details at the beginning.

One of the first things you should always confirm is whether your supplier is a manufacturer or a trading company, and whether they have real experience producing your exact product. This information directly affects pricing, production capability, quality consistency, and long-term reliability.

Understanding who you are working with allows you to set realistic expectations and avoid costly mistakes later in the process.

Essential Questions to Ask a Chinese Supplier

To properly screen a supplier, here are some of the most important questions every importer should ask before placing an order.

Have you manufactured this exact product before? This question helps you determine whether the supplier truly understands your product requirements. A factory with proven experience is more likely to avoid production errors and meet your quality expectations.

Can I send a third-party quality control team to your factory? A professional supplier will welcome inspections. Refusal is often a red flag. Allowing independent quality checks shows transparency and confidence in their production process.

What is your internal quality control process? Ask how defects are identified, corrected, and prevented. A structured QC system reduces the risk of mass defects and delays.

What payment terms and Incoterms do you accept? Always clarify payment methods and delivery terms such as FOB, CIF, or EXW. These directly affect your total landed cost, logistics responsibility, and financial risk.

Asking these questions early helps you filter unreliable suppliers, communicate clearly, and significantly reduce quality and delivery issues.

Why Is Quality Control Important Before Shipping Your Goods?

Once you have selected a supplier and negotiated pricing, the next critical question is: How can I ensure the goods meet my standards before shipment?

This is where pre-shipment inspection (PSI) becomes essential. A PSI is conducted after production is completed but before the goods leave the factory. It verifies product quality, specifications, quantity, labeling, and packaging.

Why Pre-Shipment Inspection Matters

• Avoid surprises on arrival Inspections catch defects, wrong specifications, or missing items before shipment—saving you from costly problems at the destination port.

• Receive detailed inspection reports You get photos, measurements, and professional findings that help you decide whether to approve or reject the shipment.

• Save money Fixing problems in China is far cheaper than returning goods, dealing with customer complaints, or writing off inventory.

Including quality control in your import process protects your business, improves customer satisfaction, and prevents disputes.

Top Questions to Ask Before Importing from China (And How to Avoid Costly Mistakes)

Importing from China can be highly profitable—but only if you understand the risks and prepare properly.

At Easy Trade Africa, we answer these questions daily from importers sourcing cars, machinery, building materials, and industrial products. From supplier verification to factory inspections, payments, shipping, and China business trips, most problems are avoidable with the right strategy.

Below are two of the most important questions every serious importer should ask.

How Can I Stop a Chinese Supplier from Copying My Brand Design and Product?

This is one of the biggest fears for importers—and for good reason.

Imagine sending your design files and prototype to a factory, only to find the same product later sold online under another brand at a lower price. Unfortunately, this happens frequently when buyers fail to use the correct legal protection.

Why Does This Happen?

Many importers rely only on a standard NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). In China, this is usually not sufficient.

The Correct Solution: NNN Agreement

To protect your intellectual property, you must sign an NNN Agreement— Non-Disclosure, Non-Use, and Non-Circumvention—before sharing any sensitive information.

This agreement must be signed before sending:

• Design files

• CAD drawings

• Samples

• Molds

• Technical specifications

What Does an NNN Agreement Protect?

A properly drafted NNN Agreement under Chinese law legally prevents the factory from:

• Using your design for their own business

• Producing similar products

• Selling your product to other buyers

• Bypassing you to reach your customers

When done correctly, it provides real legal protection inside China—not just a document for show.

Key takeaway: Never share your product design with a Chinese supplier without a signed NNN Agreement. This single step can protect your brand and years of investment.

How Can I Avoid Paying 100% Before Seeing the Goods?

Payment safety is another major concern for importers.

There is a well-known saying in China: “A new buyer focuses on price. A professional buyer focuses on payment terms and quality.”

Why Paying 100% Upfront Is Risky

Paying in full before production or inspection:

• Removes your negotiation power

• Eliminates quality control leverage

• Increases the risk of delays and defects

• Leaves you with little protection if problems occur

The Safest Payment Structure: 30% + 70%

Industry data shows the lowest dispute rates occur with this structure:

• 30% deposit before production

• 70% balance paid after inspection and before shipment

Why This Works

This system forces the supplier to:

• Take your order seriously

• Follow your specifications carefully

• Maintain quality standards

• Fix issues before shipment

They only receive the final payment once the goods pass inspection.

Professional Advice

Avoid suppliers who insist on 100% payment upfront unless:

• You have a long-term relationship

• The factory has been audited

• You fully trust their operations

For most importers—especially beginners—the 30/70 payment model is the safest and most professional option.

Final Thoughts: Import Smarter, Not Riskier

Importing from China is not just about finding low prices. It is about:

• Protecting your product and brand

• Structuring safe payments

• Controlling quality

• Managing suppliers professionally

At Easy Trade Africa, we help clients with:

• Supplier verification

• NNN agreements

• Factory inspections

• Payment structuring

• Shipping and customs clearance

• China sourcing and business trips

Importing from China can be highly profitable — if you prepare properly. Asking thorough supplier questions and performing quality checks before goods leave the factory are two essential steps that many new importers don’t take seriously enough. Taking them seriously will save you time, money, and stress — and help you build a reliable supply chain that grows your business.

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