Comprehensive Guide for Overseas Buyers Attending the 137th Canton Fair
Globalwits Co., Limited
The world's leading Foreign Trade Data online platform
The 137th Canton Fair (Spring 2025) will be grandly held from April 15 to May 5, 2025. As China’s longest-standing, largest-scale, most comprehensive, and widely attended international trade event, the Canton Fair is renowned as "China’s No.1 Trade Fair." Whether you are new to foreign trade or an experienced professional, the Canton Fair offers an exceptional platform to explore the Chinese market, expand your global clientele, and stay updated with the latest market trends. To help you register efficiently and attend the event smoothly, we have prepared a detailed guide.
I. Overview of the Canton Fair
1. Exhibition Dates & Key Products:
· Phase 1: April 15-19, 2025 (Key products: Electronics & Appliances, Industrial Manufacturing, Vehicles & Two-Wheelers, Lighting & Electricals, Hardware & Tools, etc.)
· Phase 2: April 23-27, 2025 (Key products: Household Goods, Gifts & Decorations, Building Materials & Furniture, etc.)
· Phase 3: May 1-5, 2025 (Key products: Toys & Baby Products, Fashion & Accessories, Home Textiles, Stationery, Health & Leisure Products, etc.)
2. Venue:
China Import and Export Fair Complex (No. 382, Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China)
3. Exhibition Layout:
II. Visa Requirements for Overseas Buyers
Since December 17, 2024, China has optimized its visa-free transit policy, extending the stay duration for eligible foreign travelers from 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 new entry ports have been added for visa-free transit, and the areas allowed for activities have been expanded.
Visa-Free Countries (54 Nations):
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Travelers from these countries with valid international travel documents and onward tickets to a third country/region with confirmed dates and seats may apply for visa-free transit at designated Chinese entry ports.
Additionally, from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, China has introduced a trial visa exemption for Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan, allowing 30-day visa-free stays for business, tourism, family visits, and cultural exchanges. Citizens from 38 visa-free countries can enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for these purposes.
Travelers who do not meet visa-free requirements must apply for a Chinese visa before arrival.
III. Pre-Registration for the Canton Fair
To enhance service quality and improve efficiency, all new and returning overseas buyers attending in person must complete pre-registration. After pre-registration, buyers will receive Canton Fair email updates on exhibition highlights, exhibitor & product information, and event details. Pre-registration is open from January 24 to May 5, 2025, and can be completed via the Canton Fair App or the Buyer Service System on the official website.
1. Returning Overseas Buyers (Previously Attended In-Person)
· Method 1: Email Pre-Registration
If you receive an official email from：
click the button for the intended exhibition phase in the email. Once redirected to the confirmation page, your pre-registration is complete.
· Method 2: Canton Fair App Pre-Registration
Download the Canton Fair App, go to the homepage, and click “Offline Attendance Registration” or navigate to “My Profile” > “Login/Register” > “Buyer Badge” to select your exhibition phase and complete pre-registration.
· Method 3: Online Buyer Service System Pre-Registration
Visit buyer.cantonfair.org.cn, log in or create an account, and complete the registration process.
2. New Overseas Buyers (First-Time Attendees)
· Method 1: Canton Fair App Pre-Registration (Same steps as returning buyers)
· Method 2: Online Buyer Service System Pre-Registration (Same steps as returning buyers, but new buyers must apply for a Buyer Badge first.)
IV. Invitation Letter Application Process
From January 24 to May 5, 2025, buyers can apply for an invitation letter via the Buyer Service System.
Register or log in at buyer.cantonfair.org.cn.
First-time attendees: Apply for a Buyer Badge under “Buyer Badge - Overseas Buyer Badge”, providing company and personal details. Select “Generate Invitation Letter” when submitting.
Returning buyers: Go to “Invitation Letter - My Invitation Letter”, confirm or update your details, and submit the application.
Download or print your invitation letter from the system.
V. Useful Tips for Attending the Canton Fair
1. Beware of Booth Brokers – The official Canton Fair does not authorize third parties to sell exhibition booths. Apply only through official channels.
2. Avoid Sample Fraud – Ask suppliers to label samples with “Canton Fair Exclusive” anti-counterfeit tags to prevent discrepancies in delivered goods.
3. Negotiation Strategy – After 4:00 PM, exhibitors may clear inventory before dismantling booths; this could be a good time to negotiate lower prices.
4. Badge Safety – Link your E-Badge with official channels to facilitate recovery in case of loss.
5. Data Security – Avoid transmitting sensitive contracts or data over public WiFi networks to protect confidential information.
6. Dining Shortcuts – Research available food vendors inside the venue in advance to save time during breaks.
7. Emergency Assistance – Medical stations in Zone C offer interpreter services, including urgent multilingual medical consultations.
8. Weather Advisory – April temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (77°F) with high humidity. Pack appropriate clothing for humid and warm conditions.