Practical Resource — Checklist & Toolkit
China Factory Risk Checklist & Supplier Disclosure Toolkit
A practical checklist for foreign product founders before sharing drawings, samples, CAD files, tooling details, or production files with a Chinese factory.
PDF Checklist
6 pages
Includes
- Factory stage risk checklist
- Supplier disclosure email template
- Internal disclosure log
- Chinese business licence check
- NNN / exclusivity / manufacturing agreement risk prompts
How to use this resource
Work through each stage in order. If any preview question reveals a gap — especially in the earlier stages — address it before moving further. The full checklist with all 30 items and appendices is in the PDF.
Stage-by-Stage Preview
Stage 1 Before First Factory Outreach
5
Have you prepared a China NNN agreement to sign before sharing anything — not just a standard NDA?
Is your brand name filed as a trademark in China, or at least assessed for third-party risk?
+ 3 more items in this stage — see the full PDF.
Download PDF for all 5 items Stage 2 Sampling and Prototype Stage
5
Is a signed China NNN agreement in place before sending drawings, samples, or CAD files?
Does the agreement include non-use and non-circumvention provisions — not just confidentiality?
+ 3 more items in this stage — see the full PDF.
Download PDF for all 5 items Stage 3 Tooling, Mold, and Pre-Production Stage
5
Is there a written agreement specifying that you own the tooling and molds created for your product?
Are subcontracting restrictions in place — preventing unauthorized third-party production?
+ 3 more items in this stage — see the full PDF.
Download PDF for all 5 items Stage 4 Production Order and Supply Terms
5
Is there a signed OEM or manufacturing agreement covering delivery, quality, and brand use terms?
Does the agreement restrict unauthorized product listings on Alibaba, Global Sources, or similar platforms?
+ 3 more items in this stage — see the full PDF.
Download PDF for all 5 items Stage 5 Exclusivity and Scaling Stage
5
Is manufacturer exclusivity defined in writing with a specific product or category scope?
Do exclusivity terms cover factory affiliates and subcontractors — not just the factory itself?
+ 3 more items in this stage — see the full PDF.
Download PDF for all 5 items Stage 6 Copycat Risk or Suspected Breach
5
Do your signed agreements provide a clear legal basis to act — with enforceable liquidated damages?
Do you have registered China trademark or patent rights to support market-level action?
+ 3 more items in this stage — see the full PDF.
Download PDF for all 5 itemsDownload PDF
The full 6-page PDF includes all 30 checklist items, a supplier disclosure log, business licence check, and agreement timing guide.
Download PDFSupplier-Risk Intake
Not sure whether this checklist is enough?
Tell us your current factory stage and what protection is in place. We will recommend the right next step.
Start Supplier-Risk IntakeSupplier-Risk Intake
Not sure whether this checklist is enough?
Tell us your current factory stage, what you have already shared, and whether you have a signed NNN, exclusivity agreement, manufacturing agreement, trademark, or patent/design protection.