Canton Fair 2026: a practical guide for first-time buyers

The autumn 2026 dates

The official Canton Fair website lists three phases for the 140th session in Guangzhou. Check the current product categories and buyer attendance instructions on the official website before booking your trip.

• Phase 1: 15–19 October 2026
• Phase 2: 23–27 October 2026
• Phase 3: 31 October–4 November 2026

Before you go: write a one-page product brief

We recommend preparing the same short brief for every supplier. It makes the replies easier to compare and helps you avoid spending time on products that do not fit your market.

• Product name, reference photos or links, materials and dimensions.
• Expected order quantity and a realistic target budget, with the currency stated.
• Destination country, packaging needs and required delivery window.
• Questions about minimum order quantities, samples and customisation.

At the booth: collect comparable answers

Ask each contact which company will issue the quotation and handle the order. A display sample is a useful starting point, but it is not evidence that a future production batch will meet your requirements.

• Record the company name, contact person and booth number beside your notes.
• Ask which processes are performed in-house and which are outsourced.
• Request a written quotation for the same specification and quantity.
• Clarify what is included in the quoted price: packaging, tooling, testing and shipping.
• Ask permission before taking photos or recording a video of products.

After the fair: compare before you commit

Build a shortlist using specification fit, communication, sample quality and clear commercial terms—not price alone. Confirm sample arrangements, document your quality expectations and resolve differences between the quotation and your brief before placing an order. A booth meeting is not a substitute for supplier verification or a factory check.

How BEINCHINA can support your next step

Based in Guangzhou, we help with product sourcing, supplier checks, quality control and shipping support. Send us your product brief and the supplier information you collected. We can discuss which follow-up checks are appropriate for your project.

A note on this guide

Dates were checked against the organiser’s website on 29 September 2026. Travel arrangements, product categories and attendance requirements should be reconfirmed with the organiser. BEINCHINA is an independent sourcing business, not the Canton Fair organiser. The checklists above are our practical planning suggestions.