China Factory Audits: What to Check Before You Buy
2 resources tagged with "Audit"
A factory audit is the on-site verification that separates an export-grade OEM manufacturer from a trading company reselling someone else's output. The audit checks real production capability — equipment, lines, QC systems, certifications, and worker count — against what the supplier claims on Alibaba. Disqualifying failures we look for include a 'factory' with no production floor, expired or borrowed certificates, and no traceable quality records. A standard supplier audit typically runs one to two days on site.
When you commission an audit, the goal isn't a pass/fail score — it's matching the supplier's stated capability to physical reality before you wire a deposit. The most common pitfall is auditing only the showroom; a real audit walks the production lines, checks the incoming-inspection area, and verifies that the certificates on the wall actually belong to that legal entity.
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FAQ
How long does a China factory audit take?
A standard supplier audit is usually one to two days on site, depending on factory size and scope. A focused verification (is this a real factory or a trader?) can be done in a single visit.
What disqualifies a factory in an audit?
No actual production floor, expired or borrowed certificates, no incoming-inspection or QC records, and a worker count that doesn't match claimed capacity. Any of these means the supplier can't deliver what they promised.
Can I tell a factory from a trading company without visiting?
Partially — business license scope, VAT invoice capability, and direct technical answers are signals, but a trading company can fake all of these on paper. An on-site or video audit is the reliable way to confirm.
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