How to Register for the Canton Fair in China: Step-by-Step Instructions

Dreaming of entering the Chinese market? Looking for new partners and clients for your business? Then the Canton Fair is what you need. It is one of the most important trading platforms in the world, gathering thousands of participants from different countries. In this article, we will explain in detail how to register for the Canton Fair.

About the Fair

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is held twice a year—in spring and autumn. The next one will take place from April 15 to May 5, 2025.

The exhibition is divided into three phases, each focusing on specific categories of exhibits.

• Phase 1. April 15-19: electronics and home appliances, audio and video equipment, machinery, lighting, energy resources, hardware and tools, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles and their parts, construction and agricultural machinery, chemical products.
• Phase 2. April 23-27: building and decoration materials, plumbing and bathroom equipment, household items, ceramics, furniture and decor, gifts and souvenirs, gardening.
• Phase 3. May 1-5: toys and children's products, maternity products, clothing, footwear and bags, textiles and fabrics, sports and tourism products, medical goods, pet products, food and provisions, leisure products.

The Canton Fair is a great opportunity for buyers to find new suppliers, get acquainted with the latest trends, and make profitable deals. Sellers, on the other hand, have the opportunity to present their products to a wide range of potential clients, find new partners, and expand their business.

Registration and Invitation Receipt

Registration for the Canton Fair is free. To do this, you need to fill out an online form on the official event website. For this:

1. Go to the official Canton Fair website: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US.

2. Select the "Register" option and fill out the online form.

Online form for registration at the Canton Fair

3. Enter personal information and contact details.

4. Select the type of participation: buyer, seller.

5. Upload the required documents:

• your electronic photo;
• a copy of the first page of your passport;
• a copy of your business card.

6. Confirm registration.

After successful registration for the Canton Fair, it is necessary to arrange an invitation. This document will subsequently be sent to your email. The invitation is an integral part of the document package required to obtain a visa to China.

1. Fill out the online form on the website: https://invitation.cantonfair.org.cn/.
2. Enter information about your company and the purpose of your visit.
3. Receive the invitation via email.

Upon completing these steps, you ensure your ability to participate in the exhibition, which promises a vast array of opportunities for business development and establishing new contacts.

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Hotel Booking and Visa

You can book a hotel through the official Canton Fair website or independently. We recommend booking in advance, as there may be no available rooms during the exhibition.

A visa is required to visit China. It can be obtained at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. The documents needed to apply for a visa are:

• passport;
• invitation;
• visa application form;
• photograph and other documents.

How to Find a Reliable Supplier at the Canton Fair

To make your search for supplier in China as effective as possible, follow these simple tips:

• Preparation is key. Before going to the fair, determine the list of products you want to purchase. Study the fair’s participant catalog in advance and create a list of companies that produce the products you’re interested in. This information can be found on the fair’s website.
• Plan your time. Print out a map of the fair from the website, divide it into thematic zones, and allocate time for visiting each booth. Dedicate around an hour to priority booths, and 30 minutes or less to others. This way, you can visit a sufficient number of suppliers.
• Effective communication. If you don’t speak Chinese, be sure to bring a translator. Prepare a list of questions in advance and clearly state your requirements regarding the product, quality, and price. Don’t hesitate to ask important questions about production capacity, quality certifications, minimum order quantities, and other crucial details. It’s better to clarify everything on the spot.
• Compare offers. Ask suppliers for product samples to evaluate the quality and compare offers from different companies. It’s also helpful to read online reviews about the companies.
• Be cautious when signing contracts. If you’ve found a supplier and want to sign a contract, do it carefully. Thoroughly review all contract terms before signing. Ensure that the company has all necessary licenses and quality certifications and agrees to your proposed payment and delivery terms.

Participating in the Canton Fair is a great opportunity to grow your business. Contact DiFFreight, and we will assist with the delivery of goods to the fair, as we offer air freight from China and sea freight services. We also provide customs documentation services and have a warehouse in China.