A polished profile and a professional website don't tell you much about a factory's actual ability to deliver. Real verification happens on a completely different level.
Confirm the Business License
Request the factory's business license, and cross-check the registered name, address, and business scope against China's national enterprise credit information system. Any discrepancy between the name on the license and the name used on invoices deserves further investigation.
Understand Their Registered Business Scope
A registered business license specifies exactly which categories a company is permitted to operate in. A factory claiming to manufacture automotive spare parts but registered only as a general trading company may actually be reselling another factory's products — not necessarily a problem, but better to know upfront.
Ask for Export History
Established factories can usually share export records or client references, at least in general terms, showing prior success shipping to international markets.
Video Calls and In-Person Visits
A live video walkthrough of the actual production line — ideally on short notice or unscheduled — reveals far more than photos in a product listing ever will. An in-person visit, where possible, is the strongest verification available.
Core Verification Checklist
| Verification Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business license | Confirms official registration |
| Registered business scope | Reveals whether they're a real factory or a middleman |
| Export history | Assesses international experience |
| Video call or visit | Direct visual verification of the production line |
| Paid sample request | Tests response speed and packaging quality |
A Warning About Undisclosed Subcontracting
Some factories quietly pass an order to a third party without telling the buyer, which can change quality and timelines without your knowledge. Directly asking whether your order will be produced in-house is a completely fair and reasonable question.
FAQ
How do I check a Chinese factory's business license myself?
By cross-referencing the registered name and credit code against China's national enterprise credit information system (available in Chinese; a bilingual sourcing partner can do this quickly on your behalf).
Is an in-person visit always necessary?
Not for every order, but it's the strongest verification available for large orders or a first-time relationship with a new supplier.
Reliable Verification Before Any Commitment with Keerki Limited
Keerki Limited runs business license verification, and on-the-ground visits when needed, before recommending any supplier to our clients in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — a non-negotiable step. Contact us before sending any deposit.
