You found a supplier online, but are they legitimate? Sending money overseas feels like a huge gamble, and a fake license could mean losing your entire investment before a single collar is even made.
You can verify their legitimacy by checking key documents like their business license1 and export permissions. These official papers, combined with their export history, prove they are a real, operational business with experience in international trade.
I remember a client who almost sent a $20,000 deposit to a "supplier" with a beautiful website and great prices. Something felt off, so he asked me to take a quick look at their business license. It took me five minutes to see it was a fake. The company name didn't match the official registration number. That simple check saved him from a disaster. These documents might seem intimidating because they're in Chinese, but they are your first and most powerful line of defense. Let's walk through how you can check them.
How can you verify a supplier's business license authenticity?
Your supplier sent you their business license, but it's entirely in Chinese. You have no idea what it says or if it's even a real document.
Every legitimate Chinese company has a unique 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code2. You can ask for their license and use this code to look them up on China's official National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System website. This check provides undeniable proof of their existence and legal status.
I remember a client who almost sent a $20,000 deposit to a "supplier" with a beautiful website and great prices. Something felt off, so he asked me to take a quick look at their business license. It took me five minutes to see it was a fake. The company name didn't match the official registration number. That simple check saved him from a disaster. These documents might seem intimidating because they're in Chinese, but they are your first and most powerful line of defense. Let's walk through how you can check them.
How can you verify a supplier's business license authenticity?
Your supplier sent you their business license, but it's entirely in Chinese. You have no idea what it says or if it's even a real document.
Every legitimate Chinese company has a unique 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code. You can ask for their license and use this code to look them up on China's official National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System website. This check provides undeniable proof of their existence and legal status.
The business license, or "Yíngyè Zhízhào" (营业执照), is the single most important document for proving a company is real. Don't be shy about asking for a clear, scanned copy. A legitimate supplier will provide it without hesitation. If you're not sure how to navigate the Chinese government websites or what to look for, feel free to send the document to our team at BoonPets. We're happy to do a quick check for you. The most important field is the "Business Scope" (经营范围, Jīngyíng Fànwéi). If they claim to be a manufacturer, this section must include words like "production" (生产, shēngchǎn) or "manufacturing" (制造, zhìzào).
Key Sections of a Chinese Business License
| Section (Chinese) | Section (English) | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 统一社会信用代码 (Tǒngyī Shèhuì Xìnyòng Dàimǎ) | Unified Social Credit Code | A unique 18-digit code. This is the number you use for official verification. |
| 名称 (Míngchēng) | Company Name | Must match the name they use in their emails and on their proforma invoice. |
| 类型 (Lèixíng) | Company Type | This will tell you if they are a "Limited Liability Company," etc. |
| 经营范围 (Jīngyíng Fànwéi) | Business Scope | Crucial check. Must include "manufacturing" or "production" if they are a factory. |
| 成立日期 (Chénglì Rìqī) | Date of Establishment | Shows how long the company has been in business. |
Why does having direct export permission indicate a supplier's capability?
Your supplier says they don't have an export license and use an "agent." It sounds plausible, but you're worried about what that really means for your business.
A supplier with their own export license is generally more experienced, professional, and committed to international trade. Using an agent often means they are smaller or less experienced, which can create a potential risk of shipping delays, incorrect paperwork, and communication issues.
While it's true that some smaller factories use agents to export, it's a yellow flag you should pay attention to. Investing in and maintaining an export license requires a certain scale of business and a dedicated team that understands global logistics. A supplier who has this license has proven they are serious about exporting. They know how to prepare a Bill of Lading, a packing list, and a commercial invoice correctly. They understand the customs requirements for your country. This direct experience dramatically reduces the chances of your shipment getting stuck at the port, which is a nightmare no importer wants to deal with. At BoonPets, having our own export license means we have full control over the shipping process, ensuring a smooth journey from our factory to your warehouse.
Why is a supplier's export history so important?
A supplier claims to have "10 years of experience" on their website. But how can you be sure they have actually been exporting products, especially to your region?
A supplier's export history is the real-world proof of their experience. You can verify it by checking Chinese customs data or, more directly, by asking for customer references in your country. A long history of successful shipments indicates they are reliable and understand your market's standards.
Talk is cheap, but data doesn't lie. A supplier's actual shipping records are a powerful indicator of their capabilities. While gaining access to official customs data can be tricky, there's a much simpler way: ask for references. A confident, established manufacturer will have no problem connecting you with one or two of their long-term customers, particularly one in your country or region. When you speak to a reference, you can ask critical questions that no document can answer: How is their communication? How do they handle problems? Is their quality consistent from one order to the next? Hearing positive feedback from a fellow importer is one of the most reassuring steps you can take before placing your first order. We are always proud to connect potential partners with our long-term clients who can speak to our reliability.
Conclusion
Verifying a supplier is not about being suspicious; it's about being professional. By asking for and checking their business license, confirming they have direct export permission, and validating their export history through references, you can build a foundation of trust and significantly reduce your risk in international trade.
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