Factory Visit Risk Checklist

Overview

Factory access is business travel. The right checklist reduces wasted days, wrong-site meetings, and awkward access problems.

• A visit can fail even when the supplier is interested. Common causes include unclear factory identity, visitor filing, restricted photo areas, missing documents, or unrealistic timing.
• The checklist helps buyers prepare questions, documents, route buffers, and meeting expectations before arrival.

Who Should Use This Guide

• Trading company vs real factory: Prepare address checks, production questions, business license context, and evidence of actual manufacturing.
• M visa and invitation documents: Carry passport, business card, invitation or supplier contact details, and visit schedule where relevant.
• Photo and access limits: Production lines, R&D rooms, labs, and customer products may restrict photos or videos.
• Canton Fair season: Appointments, interpreters, vehicles, and hotels become tight around April, May, October, and November.

Operating Checklist

• Confirm whether the site is a factory, showroom, office, lab, or industrial park.
• Ask what visitor information must be filed before arrival.
• Carry passport and business visit documents where needed.
• Ask photo permission before production, QC, R&D, or customer product areas.
• Leave route buffers during Canton Fair and peak traffic periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know if a supplier is a real factory?: A visit can help, but buyers should also prepare questions about production, staff, equipment, certificates, export cases, and subcontracting.
• Do I need an M visa for factory visits?: Visa requirements depend on nationality, purpose, and itinerary. Buyers should prepare business visit documents and verify current entry rules before travel.

Related Factory Visit Guides

• Factory Visit Buyer Types: /factory-visits/buyer-types
• Supplier Visit Services in China: /factory-visits/supplier-visit-services
• China Factory Visit Workflow: /factory-visits/visit-workflow

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a supplier is a real factory?

A visit can help, but buyers should also prepare questions about production, staff, equipment, certificates, export cases, and subcontracting.

Do I need an M visa for factory visits?

Visa requirements depend on nationality, purpose, and itinerary. Buyers should prepare business visit documents and verify current entry rules before travel.