China Supplier Contract for Indian Importers: What to Put in the Agreement

Chat messages and a proforma invoice are not enough when you pay a Chinese supplier. A written contract sets what you ordered, when it ships and what happens if something goes wrong. IFC – Imports From China (20+ Years Import Experts, trusted since 2004) helps Indian business importers with supplier verification and contract support through its China office. This guide is for B2B importers only.

What a China supplier contract should include

1. Full legal names and addresses of buyer and supplier, matching the supplier’s business licence.
2. Product description: model, material, size, colour, packaging and approved sample reference.
3. Quantity, unit price and total, with currency.
4. Payment terms: advance, balance, and when each is due. The bank account holder name should match the supplier’s licence name.
5. Production and delivery date and what happens if the supplier is late.
6. Quality standard and inspection: who inspects, when, and what happens if goods fail.
7. Packing and marking requirements for shipping to India.
8. Dispute handling and which documents each side keeps.

Verify the supplier before you sign

A contract with a fake supplier is worth little. Verify first: business licence, bank account name, and a live video from the factory gate through production, QC, warehouse and office. IFC’s remote video audit costs about Rs 2,000, and a physical inspection by IFC staff in China costs Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on location.

How IFC helps

IFC’s China office makes a contract with the Chinese supplier and verifies all the supplier’s details, giving payment security for all payments in China. IFC has its own offices in Guangzhou and Yiwu with English-speaking staff and translators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a written contract with a Chinese supplier?

Yes. A written contract records the product, price, payment terms and delivery date, and protects you better than chat messages alone.

Can IFC make the contract with my China supplier?

Yes. IFC’s China office makes a contract with the Chinese supplier and verifies all the supplier’s details.

Should the contract be signed before or after verification?

After verification. Check the licence, bank account name and factory by live video first, then sign.

How much does verification cost?

A remote video audit is about Rs 2,000. A physical inspection by IFC staff in China is Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on location.

Who can use this service?

Indian business importers only. B2C and individual retail buyers are not served.