Canton Fair Sourcing Agent

The Canton Fair in brief

The China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, is held twice a year at the Canton Fair Complex in Haizhu District, Guangzhou. The spring session takes place in April and May, the autumn session in October and November.

Each session is split into three phases, each dedicated to a group of product categories. The halls close between phases while exhibitors change over, so you need to plan your visit around the phase that matches your products.

Autumn 2026: the 140th session

Phase	Dates	Main categories
Phase 1	October 15–19, 2026	Electronics, electrical appliances, lighting, vehicles, machinery
Phase 2	October 23–27, 2026	Consumer goods, gifts, home décor, ceramics, furniture, building materials
Phase 3	October 31 to November 4, 2026	Textiles, garments, shoes, bags, office supplies, health and medical products

If you buy across several categories, for example home décor and textiles, you may need to stay for two phases or split your trip. We recommend checking the official Canton Fair website for the detailed category list before booking travel.

Before the fair: preparation

A few days at the fair go fast. The buyers who get the most out of it arrive with a plan.

• Buyer badge: foreign buyers need a buyer badge, which requires pre-registration online. We can guide you through the process.
• Product brief: we help you define your product list, target prices, quantities and requirements such as packaging or private label.
• Exhibitor shortlist: we review exhibitors in your categories and prepare a list of stands worth visiting.
• Schedule: which phase, which halls, how many days, and whether to add supplier visits before or after.

During the fair: on the stands with you

A member of our Guangzhou team accompanies you through the halls. We interpret in Chinese, ask the questions that matter and keep track of every conversation:

• Is this company the manufacturer or a trader?
• What are the MOQ, lead times and payment terms?
• Can they do OEM or ODM work, private label and custom packaging?
• Have they exported to Europe, and which certifications or test reports can they provide?

We collect quotes and catalogues, take photos and notes, and open the first round of negotiation.

If you cannot travel, we can visit the fair on your behalf and send you a report with photos, indicative prices and contacts for the suppliers that match your brief.

After the fair: where most of the work happens

Business cards and catalogues are only a starting point. Prices quoted on a stand are indicative, and the company on the stand is not always the one that manufactures. After the fair, we:

• compare quotes on a like-for-like basis;
• verify shortlisted suppliers, including on-site factory audits;
• negotiate prices and terms in Chinese;
• order samples and consolidate them into one parcel for you;
• follow production with weekly updates and photos;
• run AQL quality inspections (pre-production, in-line, pre-shipment), with a photo report before you pay the balance;
• organise shipping by sea (FCL or LCL), air or rail China–Europe, on FOB, EXW or DDP terms, with customs clearance through our freight forwarder partners.

How we work

1. Tell us your plans: the products you are looking for, the phase you want to attend and whether you will travel to Guangzhou.
2. Free quote within 48 hours: for preparation, fair days and follow-up, as needed.
3. Preparation: badge registration guidance, exhibitor shortlist and schedule.
4. Fair days: we accompany and interpret for you, or visit the fair on your behalf.
5. Follow-up: supplier checks, samples and negotiation.
6. Order management: production follow-up, inspection and shipping to your door or warehouse.

Combine the fair with a market or factory visit

Many buyers use the trip to China to visit factories or to spend a few days in Yiwu, where the wholesale market is open most of the year and MOQs are often lower. Our teams in Guangzhou, Yiwu and Shanghai can organise both. See our Yiwu sourcing agent service.

If you are also considering buying from China's domestic platforms, read our Alibaba vs 1688 guide.

FAQ

When is the next Canton Fair?

The autumn 2026 session (140th) runs in three phases: October 15–19, October 23–27 and October 31 to November 4, 2026. The spring session usually takes place in April and May, with dates announced by the organisers.

Do I need a badge to enter the Canton Fair?

Yes. Foreign buyers need a buyer badge, which requires pre-registration online. We can guide you through the process when we prepare your visit.

Can you attend the Canton Fair on my behalf?

Yes. We visit the stands in your categories, collect quotes and catalogues, and send you a report with photos and supplier contacts. We then handle verification, samples and negotiation.

Are all Canton Fair exhibitors manufacturers?

No. Exhibitors include both factories and trading companies. Traders can be useful, but you should know who you are dealing with. We check this at the stand and verify it after the fair, with an on-site audit if needed.