Is Your Chinese Supplier Real? A 5-Step Verification Guide

You're about to wire thousands of dollars to a company halfway across the world. It's a nerve-wracking moment, and it's underpinned by one crucial question: "Is this company legitimate?" In the world of international trade, the risk of scams is real. A professional website and a friendly sales representative are easy to fake.

Fortunately, you don't have to operate on blind faith. There are concrete steps you can take to verify if a Chinese company legally exists and is in good standing. At Befach.com, supplier verification is the non-negotiable first step of our process. This guide will show you how to do it.

Step 1: Ask for the Business License

Every legally registered company in China has a business license. This is your single most important piece of evidence. Ask your potential supplier for a clear, scanned copy. The key piece of information on this license is the 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code. This is the company's unique identification number.

Step 2: Use the Official Government Database (NECIPS)

Once you have the 18-digit code or the company's exact Chinese name, you can verify it on China's official National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS).

• The Portal: You can access the official database here: www.gsxt.gov.cn.
• How to Use It: The website is in Chinese, but you can use your browser's built-in translation feature (like in Google Chrome). Enter the 18-digit code into the search bar. If the company is legitimate, a profile will appear showing its registration status, legal address, and business scope. If nothing appears, it's a major red flag.

Step 3: Check Their Export License

Just because a company is registered doesn't mean it has the right to export directly. Many smaller factories use third-party trading companies to handle their exports. Ask the supplier if they have an export license. If they don't, ask for the details of the trading company they use. This clarifies the supply chain and who you are legally contracting with.

Step 4: Cross-Reference Contact and Location Details

Perform some basic "common sense" checks.

• Bank Account: The beneficiary name on the bank account they provide for payment should match the company name on the business license. Never pay into a personal bank account.
• Address: Look up the registered address from the NECIPS portal on a map. Does it look like an industrial area or a residential apartment?

Step 5: The Ultimate Verification - Professional Sourcing

While the steps above are powerful, they still require time, effort, and a degree of trust. The most foolproof method is to have a professional on the ground who can perform these checks and more.

This is the foundation of the Befach sourcing service. Our verification process is exhaustive. We don't just check databases; we conduct factory audits and build relationships. We ensure that by the time you're ready to talk business, you're dealing with a thoroughly vetted, legitimate, and capable supplier. This initial security is vital for the entire import process, from smooth logistics to compliant customs clearance in India.

Import with Certainty, Not Anxiety

Don't let the fear of scams hold your business back. By using these verification methods—or by partnering with an expert who does it for you—you can import with confidence.

Ready to connect with verified, high-quality suppliers without the risk? Contact Befach today and let us secure your supply chain from day one.