How Nigerian buyers can check a Chinese supplier

Establish who will supply and contract with you

For a Nigerian buyer sourcing from China, the first question is the legal identity behind the quotation. Ask for the registered Chinese company name, business licence details, address and the role of any agent. The English storefront name may differ from the legal entity; ask the seller to explain the relationship.

Have company details checked against the relevant official Chinese registration information, using a qualified translator or local professional where needed. SAMR's credit-supervision resources are an official starting point for understanding enterprise information. A registration record establishes particular facts about a company; it does not guarantee product quality, financial strength or performance.

Check the factory claim against your order

Ask whether the seller manufactures the goods, trades them or uses another factory. Request an explanation of the production location, processes it controls and any subcontracting. A trader can be a legitimate contracting party; the important point is knowing who is responsible for your specification and remedies.

Evaluate evidence for the actual product, not a polished catalogue. Agree sample specifications and acceptance criteria before evaluating the sample. Where appropriate, commission an independent inspection with a written scope covering your order. A video call or factory photograph alone cannot establish that your batch meets the agreed quality.

Treat account changes as a separate verification event

If payment details change, contact the supplier through a route verified before the change. Confirm the legal beneficiary and ask why another entity or individual is receiving funds. Do not rely only on contact information in the message announcing the new account.

Keep the signed order, invoice, approved sample record and payment milestones together. Ask what recourse the agreement provides for failed inspection, non-delivery or a disputed specification. Any marketplace protection has its own terms and deadlines; check them rather than assuming a badge insures the purchase.

• Legal name, business evidence and contracting entity
• Manufacturer, trader and agent relationships
• Approved sample and production specification
• Independent inspection scope where appropriate
• Beneficiary verification and agreed payment milestones
• Written defect, cancellation and dispute terms

Check whether the goods can enter Nigeria

Supplier checks and import compliance answer different questions. Confirm the Nigerian product requirements before the batch is shipped, including SON or NAFDAC processes where applicable. A Chinese product certificate or a seller's assurance should not be assumed to establish Nigerian approval.

Use the converter to understand the quote's currency direction and naira budget. LagosXchange does not maintain an approved-supplier list, perform inspections or endorse sellers. This checklist helps organise evidence and questions; it cannot eliminate sourcing risk.