Suppliers & quality

Almost every sourcing failure traces back to the supplier decision or to what was verified before production. A factory that quotes well is not the same as a factory that can build your product consistently.

These guides cover telling factories from trading companies, auditing and inspecting, the compliance obligations you inherit as importer, protecting your designs, and reducing the risk of depending on a single supplier.

How to tell a real factory from a trading companyA trading company buys from factories and resells to you. Check the business licence and its registered scope against the official Chinese register, then ask for a live video walk of the line.6 min readFactory audit: what to check before you orderA practical checklist for vetting a Chinese factory — from the business licence to the production line — before money changes hands.5 min readQuality inspection explainedWhen to inspect, what the common inspection types are, and why checking before shipment is far cheaper than after.5 min readCE, UKCA and ISO: which certifications you needWhat these marks mean, the current UK position on CE vs UKCA, and how to check a factory's certificates are genuine.6 min readProtecting your IP and tooling when sourcingPractical steps to reduce the risk of your design, brand or moulds being copied when you manufacture in China.5 min readHow to use Alibaba and B2B platforms safelyThese platforms are directories with a payment layer, not a quality system. Verify the company yourself, write a specification with numbers in it, pay in stages and inspect before shipment.7 min readHow to avoid China sourcing scamsMost sourcing fraud follows a few predictable patterns. Learn the red flags and the simple habits that keep your money safe.6 min readChina Plus One: a UK importer's guide to a second supplierWhy UK SMEs are adding a second source alongside China, and how to do it without disrupting the supplier that already works for you.6 min readDe-risking your China supply chain: a practical UK guideA plain-English way for UK SMEs to spot where their China supply chain is fragile, and the practical steps that reduce the risk.5 min readPSTI: importing smart and connectable products into the UKAnything that connects to the internet or another device needs a statement of compliance before you can sell it. What importers must hold, and what to ask the factory for.3 min readWEEE: what importing electricals into the UK obliges you to doImport any electrical or electronic equipment and you are a producer under WEEE. There is no minimum, and 5 tonnes changes how you comply.4 min readToy safety for UK importers: EN 71, technical files and who is liableImport toys and you carry the manufacturer's responsibility in the UK. The standards that apply, the documents you must hold, and how to check them.7 min readFood contact materials: importing kitchenware from ChinaPlastic kitchenware from China needs a declaration and a laboratory report before it can be imported. What is tested, and the limits that matter.4 min readUK REACH: when chemicals rules apply to what you importMost buyers import finished goods, not chemicals — so when does UK REACH actually bite? The one-tonne rule, the deferred deadlines, and what to ask suppliers.4 min read