How to Get a Buyer Badge for the Canton Fair

What the buyer badge is

The buyer badge is your entry pass to the Canton Fair halls. Without a valid badge you cannot get past security at the Pazhou complex, no matter how legitimate your business is. It is a physical or digital pass that identifies you as a registered overseas buyer, and it is completely separate from your China business visa. Many first time Indian delegates assume the visa alone is enough, then discover at the gate that they also need this badge. You need both documents, and they serve different purposes: the visa lets you enter China, the badge lets you enter the fairgrounds.

Register online before you travel

1. Go to the official Canton Fair buyer registration portal and select the buyer registration option for overseas visitors.
2. Create an account and enter your passport details, company name, and the product categories you are interested in sourcing.
3. Upload a clear passport style photo and any supporting company documents requested, then submit your application.
4. Save your confirmation email and badge number. Print a copy or keep it accessible on your phone, since you may be asked for it at the venue.

Registering online is faster, avoids queues entirely, and lets you start planning your supplier meetings around a confirmed entry pass rather than hoping registration goes smoothly on arrival.

Register on site at Pazhou

If you did not register online, or your online application is still pending when you land, you can register at the badge counters at the Pazhou complex. Bring your passport, a business card, and any company proof such as a GST certificate, import export code document, or company letterhead. Expect queues, especially on the first morning of a new phase when thousands of buyers arrive at once. Arrive at least an hour before the halls open if you plan to register on site, and keep a second form of identification as backup in case the counter staff ask for it.

Documents you actually need

Most Indian buyers need a valid passport, a company business card or letterhead showing your business name and role, and a passport style photograph. Depending on your product category, you may also be asked for your import export code (IEC) or a business licence copy. If you are attending as part of a group or with a sourcing agency, some registration categories ask for a formal introduction letter from the organising company, which reduces friction at the counter and speeds up approval.

Common badge mistakes to avoid

The most frequent mistake is leaving badge registration until the flight is already booked, which means arriving in Guangzhou with an unconfirmed pass and no buffer day to fix problems. Another common mistake is submitting a blurry or informal photo that gets the online application rejected or delayed, costing valuable days. A third mistake is assuming your badge from a previous Canton Fair edition still works. Badges are issued fresh for each edition, so a badge from a past fair will not get you into the 140th edition in October 2026.

Badge versus visa: do not confuse them

Your buyer badge and your China business visa are approved by two entirely different bodies, on two entirely different timelines. The visa is issued by the Chinese consulate and usually needs three to four weeks of lead time for Indian applicants, including an invitation letter in many cases. The badge is issued by the Canton Fair organisers and can often be approved in a matter of days once submitted correctly. Because the visa takes longer, start that process first, and treat badge registration as something to finish well before your travel dates rather than as an afterthought. For the visa side, our Canton Fair visa requirements guide for Indian visitors walks through the full process, and our invitation letter guide explains when you need one.

Save time with delegation support

We complete buyer badge registration for every delegate as part of the package, cross checking your documents before submission so nothing gets rejected or delayed. Delegates travelling with us skip the on-site queues entirely and walk straight into the halls with their badge and schedule already confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Canton Fair buyer badge free?

Yes, obtaining a buyer badge is free. You only pay for travel, visa and your own costs.

Do I need a new badge for each phase?

No. One badge works across all three phases of the same fair.

What documents do I need for online badge registration?

You typically need a passport copy, a company business card or letterhead, and a clear photo. Some categories also ask for a business licence or import export code.

How long before the fair should I register my badge?

Register online at least two to three weeks before you travel. Online approval can take a few days, and this avoids on-site queues entirely.

Related Canton Fair guides

• Do I Need an Invitation Letter to Attend the Canton Fair?
• Canton Fair Visa Requirements for Indian Visitors
• Canton Fair 2026 Dates and Phases

Back to all Canton Fair guides