How to buy industrial machinery from China

By I&R Group, Jiaxing. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.

To buy a machine from China safely, fix the specification in writing, including capacity, material and your power supply; confirm the certifications your country requires; tie the balance payment to a factory acceptance test you can watch; insist on export crating; and agree installation support, manuals and a spare parts kit before you order.

1. Write down the specification

• Output or capacity you need, and the material, part size or product it will process
• Options and automation level, for example loaders, feeders or software
• Space available, foundation requirements and how the machine will enter the building
• Your power supply: voltage, phase and frequency at the site

2. Match the power supply

Machines built for the Chinese grid run on 50 Hz. Many markets run on 60 Hz, and industrial voltages differ by country and by site. Motors, pumps and control components must be ordered for your supply, so state it in the contract.

3. Confirm certifications

Europe requires CE marking for machinery. North American buyers often require UL or CSA listed electrical components and control panels built to UL 508A, with wiring to NFPA 79. Other markets have their own rules. Put the requirement in the quote, because changing components after production is expensive.

4. Test before the balance payment

1. Agree the factory acceptance test procedure and pass criteria in the contract.
2. Run the test with your own material or drawings where it applies.
3. Watch it on video or attend in person.
4. Pay the balance only after the test passes.

5. Ship it properly

Machines travel in fumigated or heat-treated wooden crates, fixed and protected against moisture. Large machines may need a flat rack or open-top container. Check that the crating meets the wood packaging rules of your country.

6. Plan installation and spare parts

• Manuals and wiring diagrams in your language
• A spare parts kit and a list of wear parts with prices
• Installation and training by video call or with an engineer on site
• Warranty terms in writing, including what is covered and how parts are shipped