Electronics Sourcing Checklist — 2026
https://china-sourcing-agents.com/guides/how-to-source-electronics-from-china/

Use this checklist before releasing any deposit to a Chinese electronics supplier.

SPECIFICATION
[ ] Functional specification written
[ ] Key components listed by model number
[ ] Certifications required for target market confirmed
[ ] Target unit cost (maximum) defined
[ ] Initial order quantity and 12-month forecast set
[ ] Sample and production timeline documented

SUPPLIER DISCOVERY
[ ] 15-30 candidates identified on Alibaba / 1688 / trade-show lists
[ ] Each candidate checked on China's National Enterprise Credit Information System
[ ] Company name searched on 1688.com to verify factory vs trader status
[ ] List cut to 6-10 qualified suppliers before sending RFQ

RFQ & QUOTE EVALUATION
[ ] Identical RFQ sent to all qualified suppliers
[ ] Product described by specs, not by category
[ ] Certification requirements listed by market
[ ] Annual volume estimate included
[ ] Target unit price stated as ceiling
[ ] Packaging and timeline requirements included
[ ] Red flags reviewed: 30%+ below market, generic photos, missing certs

FACTORY AUDIT
[ ] Audit completed before first production order
[ ] Facility size and claimed capacity match
[ ] Equipment verified for your product
[ ] Quality process observed
[ ] Similar products shown
[ ] SMT equipment, ESD procedures, and in-house testing verified
[ ] PCB-specific capability checked if applicable

QUALITY CONTROL
[ ] Pre-production inspection scheduled
[ ] During-production inspection (DUPRO) scheduled at 10-20% completion
[ ] Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) scheduled at 100% / 80% packed
[ ] AQL 2.5 sampling plan agreed
[ ] Inspector briefed on critical specs and certifications

PAYMENT & DOCUMENTATION
[ ] Payment terms protect the deposit: 30/70 with PSI milestone, or Trade Assurance for first order
[ ] Pro-forma invoice matches approved spec exactly
[ ] Bank account name matches business license
[ ] Certification files verified for exact model and market
[ ] Packaging artwork, labeling, and manual approved before mass production
[ ] Freight terms and customs documentation confirmed with broker/forwarder

TIMELINE & RISK
[ ] First-order timeline planned: typically 8-14 weeks
[ ] Hard launch deadline has a 4-week buffer
[ ] Chinese New Year / Q4 peak season accounted for