Canton Fair 140: what should you prepare before sourcing products in October 2026?

Choose the schedule based on the product categories you want to meet

Information published by China's Ministry of Commerce on 24 July states that the 140th Canton Fair will take place in Guangzhou in three phases: 15–19 October, 23–27 October, and 31 October–4 November 2026. The first phase focuses on manufacturing, machinery, and electronics; the second includes home and furniture categories; and the third features textiles, personal items, and consumer goods categories. As of 9 October, this is still an upcoming event.

Compare the exhibition catalogue and booth listings on official channels before scheduling your visit. The International Pavilion has its own scope; its schedule should not be used to infer the schedule of all booths across the entire fair.

Prepare one requirements sheet for every supplier

The editorial team recommends that sourcing visitors select several priority SKUs in advance, with each SKU specifying its use, material, dimensions, quality level, and expected purchase volume. For customized products, add drawings or images highlighting the parts that need to be changed. A shared requirement set makes it easier to compare responses between booths rather than collecting multiple prices for different configurations.

Booth checklist

1. Record the legal entity providing the quotation, the person in charge, the booth number, and the sample codes reviewed. Ask permission to photograph samples together with identifying labels. If the expected contract-signing or payment-receiving party is another entity, ask for an explanation of the relationship between the parties before making a deposit.

2. Request quotations tied to specific configurations: minimum order quantity, materials, packaging, sample lead time, production lead time, and delivery point. Separate mold, sample, or printing fees where applicable so total costs can be compared.

3. Ask which catalogues, label photos, specifications, and related documents the supplier can provide. Clearly note which documents have been received and which have only been promised for later delivery. Do not mark the documentation as “complete” simply because you see a certification image at the booth.

After the fair, choose evidence over impressions

It is advisable to consolidate samples in the same group into a comparison table immediately. Select candidates for sampling or further verification based on the criteria already set, then clarify pre-shipment inspection conditions. If the displayed sample differs from the mass-production version, request confirmation of the configuration and a new reference sample before adding it to a purchase order.

Limits to keep in mind when making decisions

Participation in the fair does not by itself prove a supplier's fulfillment capability or a product's import eligibility in Vietnam. This article does not confirm prices, entry conditions, or attendance registration for any individual. The schedule should be checked again through organizer channels, and the import plan should be reviewed before finalizing a transaction.