Your China Purchase Contract: A Review Checklist
The commercial details to put in front of your lawyer when reviewing a purchase agreement with a Chinese supplier.
Property, Corporate & Trade
Describe the Deal
Who Is Selling to You?
Bring the seller's legal name and business details, and identify any separate factory, agent or payment recipient. Explain each party's role in the transaction.
What Exactly Are You Buying?
Document the product, quantity, materials, dimensions, packaging and approved samples. Explain which requirements are essential to your intended use.
How Will Payment Work?
Set out the currency, recipient, payment stages and the event attached to each stage. Flag any proposed change to the receiving account for discussion.
Explain the Delivery Plan
Dates and Milestones
Describe production, inspection, shipment and delivery milestones. Include your actual business deadlines so the review reflects the commercial context.
Inspection and Acceptance
Explain who will inspect, which specifications will be checked and how results will be recorded. Bring any existing inspection or acceptance arrangements.
Changes to the Order
Explain how changes to quantity, design, price or dates have been communicated. Collect each version and the parties' written confirmations.
Discuss Unresolved Terms
When Things Go Wrong
Ask the reviewing lawyer to explain unclear provisions about delay, defects, refunds and dispute handling. The meaning and suitability of a term depend on the full agreement.
Prepare for Contract Review
Provide the full draft and related commercial records, together with a list of priorities and questions. This checklist is a preparation aid, not a substitute for review of the actual contract.
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