How to Register for Canton Fair: A Step-by-Step Guide

ATI

China Sourcing

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a biannual trade fair held in Guangzhou, China. It is the largest trade fair in China and attracts thousands of buyers and sellers from all over the world. The fair is divided into three phases, each lasting five days, and features a wide range of products, including electronics, textiles, and machinery.

Registering for the Canton Fair is a straightforward process, but it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth experience. The first step is to obtain an invitation letter, which is required for most foreign visitors to apply for a visa to enter China. The invitation letter can be obtained through the Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST) or by contacting a local representative office of the Canton Fair. Once the invitation letter is obtained, buyers can proceed to register for the fair.

Buyers can register for the Canton Fair online or in person at the fair complex. To register online, buyers must create an account on the Canton Fair website and provide their personal information. They must also upload a scanned copy of their passport and the invitation letter. Buyers who register in person must bring their passport, invitation letter, and a passport-sized photo to the registration office at the fair complex. After completing the registration process, buyers will receive a buyer badge, which is required for entry to the fair.

Understanding the Registration Process

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To attend the Canton Fair, buyers need to register and obtain a buyer badge. The registration process can be completed online or on-site at the Canton Fair Complex or appointed hotels.

Required Documents for Registration

Non-invitation buyers who have not attended the Canton Fair before are required to provide personal documents, a recent photo (5cm X 4cm), name card, and a service charge. Personal documents may include an overseas passport, overseas Chinese ID card, or Chinese passport. For local representatives, a business registration certificate and employee’s ID card or IC card are necessary.

Registration Venues

Registration can be done at the Overseas Buyers’ Registration Office in the Canton Fair Complex or in appointed hotels. Non-invitation buyers can register at the registration office or through the official website.

Registration Time

The registration time for the Canton Fair varies depending on the session. The spring session is held in April and the fall session is held in October. Each session is divided into three phases, and registration is open before the beginning of each phase.

Buyers who have attended the Canton Fair before can re-apply for their buyer card online or at the registration office. The buyer card provides official admission to the Canton Fair and allows buyers to enter the fair without the need for a separate entry badge.

Registration for the Canton Fair is free and convenient, especially for those who pre-register online. However, buyers should be aware of service charges for non-invitation buyers and paper invitations.

The Canton Fair Experience

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Attending the Canton Fair is an exciting experience for buyers and sellers alike. The fair is divided into three phases, each featuring different products.

Fair Phases and Products

Phase 1, held in the spring, showcases electronics, lighting equipment, machinery, gifts, and furniture. Phase 2 features household items, textiles, and garments. Phase 3 includes food, vehicles, chemicals, and medical devices. With such a wide range of products, attendees are sure to find something that interests them.

Accommodation and Logistics

To make the most of the Canton Fair experience, attendees should plan their accommodation and logistics in advance. The fair complex in Guangzhou, also known as the China Import and Export Fair Complex, is massive and has multiple sessions. There are several hotels near the complex, as well as in Hong Kong, which is a short train ride away.

Attendees can register for the fair at registration offices or at their foreign company’s representative office in China or Hong Kong. They can also register at appointed hotels or registration venues. Representatives of foreign company’s representative office in China or Hong Kong can also register attendees on their behalf.

In terms of logistics, attendees should plan to spend several days at the fair to see everything. The fair is divided into sections based on product categories, and attendees should plan their time accordingly. They can also take advantage of the market outside the fair complex to find additional products.

Overall, the Canton Fair is a must-attend event for anyone in the market for electronics, machinery, textiles, garments, and more. With its wide range of products and convenient location, attendees are sure to have a successful and enjoyable experience.

Special Considerations for Overseas Buyers

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Overseas buyers attending the Canton Fair must keep in mind a few special considerations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Invitation

Overseas buyers must obtain an invitation before they can register for the Canton Fair. The invitation can be obtained from the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) or any of its overseas offices. The invitation is required to apply for a visa to enter China.

Registration

Overseas buyers can register for the Canton Fair online or on-site. Online registration is recommended as it saves time and allows buyers to avoid long queues. However, buyers must still collect their buyer badge at the Canton Fair or their hotel to gain entry to the exhibition halls. The first buyer badge is free of charge and valid for multiple sessions.

Travel Documents

Overseas buyers must have a valid passport and visa to enter China. Buyers from Taiwan must have a Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificate. Overseas Chinese holding foreign passports must have a valid Chinese visa or a Chinese ID card. Overseas buyers who are in China for employment purposes must have an employment visa.

Buyers’ Registration Office

Overseas buyers can register for the Canton Fair at the Overseas Buyers’ Registration Office, which is located at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The office is open during the fair and offers a range of services, including registration, badge collection, and information on the fair.

In summary, overseas buyers attending the Canton Fair must obtain an invitation, register online or on-site, have valid travel documents, and visit the Overseas Buyers’ Registration Office for assistance. By keeping these special considerations in mind, buyers can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience at the Canton Fair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for registering for Canton Fair?

The process for registering for Canton Fair is straightforward. Buyers can register online or in person. Overseas buyers can register online by visiting the official Canton Fair website and clicking on the “Overseas Buyer” option. After filling out the registration form and submitting it, buyers will receive a confirmation email. They can then use this email to apply for a visa to China.

Can I register for Canton Fair in Guangzhou?

Yes, buyers can register for Canton Fair in Guangzhou. They can do this by visiting the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou and registering at the registration desk. Buyers who register in person will need to bring their passport and a business card.

How do I obtain an invitation letter for Canton Fair?

Buyers can obtain an invitation letter for Canton Fair by contacting the relevant trade association or chamber of commerce in their country. They can also request an invitation letter from the Canton Fair website. Buyers who have attended previous sessions of Canton Fair can obtain an invitation letter by logging into their account on the Canton Fair website.

What is the registration process for visitors at Canton Fair?

The registration process for visitors at Canton Fair involves filling out a registration form and providing identification documents. Visitors can register online or in person. Those who register online will receive a confirmation email, which they can use to apply for a visa to China. Visitors who register in person will need to bring their passport and a business card.

How can I register for Canton Fair online?

To register for Canton Fair online, buyers can visit the official Canton Fair website and click on the “Overseas Buyer” option. After filling out the registration form and submitting it, buyers will receive a confirmation email. They can then use this email to apply for a visa to China.

What are the steps to apply for Canton Fair 2023?

Buyers who wish to attend Canton Fair 2023 can apply online or in person. To apply online, they should visit the official Canton Fair website and click on the “Overseas Buyer” option. They will need to fill out the registration form and submit it. After receiving a confirmation email, they can apply for a visa to China. Buyers who wish to apply in person can visit the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou and register at the registration desk. They will need to bring their passport and a business card.

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