Quick Answer
A legitimate Chinese factory can produce a business license (营业执照), an export license or export-capable status, valid product certifications, and a bank account in the registered company name. Each should be verified with the issuing authority, not accepted as a PDF.
The Core Documents
- Business license (营业执照) — registered name, unified social credit code, registered capital, legal representative, and business scope covering your product.
- Export license / export rights — confirms the company can legally export.
- Product certifications — ISO 9001, CE, FDA, RoHS, or product-specific marks, verified with the issuer.
- Bank account in the company name — must match the registered name exactly.
How to Verify Each One
Cross-check the business license details for internal consistency and confirm the scope includes manufacturing of your product. Verify certifications directly with the issuing certification body or official database — altered certificates are common. Confirm the bank account name matches the registered company name; a mismatch is a stop signal.
For meaningful orders, combine document checks with a factory audit to confirm the documents describe a real production site.
Key Takeaways
- Business license proves legal registration and scope.
- Verify certificates with the issuer, not the PDF.
- Bank account must match the registered company name.
- Pair documents with a factory audit for real proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important document for a Chinese factory?
The business license (营业执照) is the foundation — it shows the registered name, credit code, and business scope. The scope must cover manufacturing of your product, and the registered name should match the invoice and bank account.
Can I trust a certificate a supplier emails me?
No. Certificates can be altered or borrowed. Always verify CE, ISO, FDA, and similar certifications directly with the issuing body or official database before relying on them.
Why does the bank account name matter?
Payment should go to an account in the registered company name. A mismatch between the bank account name and the company name is one of the clearest fraud indicators.
Does a business license prove the company is a factory?
No — it proves legal registration and business scope, but a trading company also has one. Confirm manufacturing capability through a factory audit or live video of the production line.
Can Plutonia verify these documents for me?
Yes. Plutonia verifies business registration, export status, certifications, and bank details, and audits the factory — typically within a few business days. Submit the supplier details to start.