5 Things to Check Before Importing Pet Products from China

Importing pet products from China can be a great way to expand your product line — but only if you know what to check before placing an order.

Here are 5 things every buyer should verify before committing to a supplier.

Certifications: Do They Cover Your Market?

Every market has its own requirements. If your supplier can’t provide the right certifications, your shipment may be stopped at customs.

For the US:

FCC (for wireless products)
UL or ETL (electrical safety)
FDA (for food-contact parts)

For Europe:

CE (LVD, EMC, RED if wireless)
RoHS
REACH

For Japan and Korea:

PSE and TELEC (Japan)
KC (Korea)

Ask for certificate scans and confirm they cover the exact model you’re buying. If a supplier says “no certification needed,” that’s a red flag.

MOQ: Can You Start Small?

A high MOQ means more upfront cash and more risk if the product doesn’t sell.

Good suppliers offer:

Small trial orders (100 units or fewer)
Flexible MOQ for repeat orders
Sample orders before bulk production

If a factory insists on 1,000 units for a first order, ask if they can lower it for a trial. If not, look for a supplier that will.

Quality Control: Who Checks the Product?

Quality problems are the most common complaint in cross-border sourcing. Before you order, ask:

Is there in-house QC, or do they use a third party?
Can you get a pre-shipment inspection report?
What’s the defect rate, and how are defects handled?

A good supplier will welcome inspection. A bad one will avoid the topic.

Shipping: What’s the Real Cost and Time?

Shipping is often more expensive than expected — especially for large or battery-powered items.

Ask your supplier:

What shipping methods do you support? (express, air, sea)
What’s the cost per unit to your target country?
How long does delivery take?
Can you ship to a warehouse or fulfill orders directly?

For small orders, air or express is faster. For bulk, sea freight is cheaper but slower. Factor shipping into your total cost before setting your retail price.

After-Sales: What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Even good products have issues sometimes. What matters is how the supplier handles them.

Check:

Warranty period and what it covers
Return and replacement policy
Response time for support tickets
Whether they help with customer complaints

A supplier who disappears after the sale is not a partner. Look for one who answers questions and solves problems.

Bonus: Payment Terms

For first orders, 30% deposit + 70% before shipping is standard. Be cautious if a supplier asks for 100% upfront.

Final Thoughts

Importing pet products from China can be smooth and profitable — if you work with the right supplier.

At Hanfay, we support small trial orders, provide full certification documentation, and answer every inquiry within 24 hours. If you’re looking for a reliable partner for smart pet hardware, we’d love to hear from you.

Request a Quote