Legal support before, during, and after the fair
The Canton Fair is a commercial opportunity, but it is also a contract-risk environment. Buyers often sign pro forma invoices or purchase orders without confirming the supplier's legal identity, inspection rights, penalty terms, delivery obligations, or dispute resolution clause. Once payment is made, fixing those gaps becomes harder.
As a Guangzhou-based lawyer, I support foreign buyers with practical legal review around the fair: supplier verification before meetings, same-day comments on purchase documents, negotiation support on payment and delivery terms, and post-fair follow-up before final signing.
Common Canton Fair legal risks
- Supplier booth name does not match the contracting company or bank account.
- Product specifications are described only as "same as sample".
- Payment terms leave the buyer with no leverage before shipment.
- No clear inspection right or remedy for defective goods.
- Dispute clause points to an impractical or unclear forum.
- Buyer shares product designs without a China-law NNN agreement.
How I can help
For contract review, I focus on the clauses that actually matter in a China supplier transaction: legal entity, product specifications, quality standards, inspection procedure, delivery term, payment trigger, late delivery consequences, defect remedy, governing law, and dispute resolution. For supplier checks, I look at the business licence, registry status, legal representative, business scope, and bank account match.
Remote support is often enough
Many buyers do not need a lawyer standing next to them at every booth. They need fast, clear comments before signing or paying. You can email documents, supplier details, and your commercial concerns. I can then identify red flags and suggest specific revisions or questions for the supplier.
What to send for review
- Supplier's quotation, pro forma invoice, draft purchase order, or contract.
- Supplier business card, company name, booth information, or business licence.
- Payment terms, delivery terms, and order value.
- Product specifications, samples, inspection plan, and deadlines.
- Your main concern: price, refund, delivery, quality, IP, or supplier identity.