Canton Fair Deals: Seven Practical Legal Checks — Part 3

“Make it like this sample” can leave the buyer, sales team and factory working from different assumptions.

Before authorising production, identify the sample and link it to the correct order and specification revision. Record which characteristics were approved. Appearance, materials and performance are different questions; a photograph may not settle all of them.

Agree tolerances, testing conditions and an inspection process that people can actually follow. Resolve inconsistencies between the sample and written specifications. Record who may confirm later changes and when those changes take effect.

A reference sample supports comparison; it is not a blanket release from quality obligations. For sales by sample governed by Chinese law, the Civil Code addresses both conformity with the sample and the situation where the buyer did not know of a hidden defect in it. Cross-border orders require an applicable-law assessment.

For a specific order or inspection-clause review, agree scope and fees first, with substantive work after payment.

Mike Wu | China-licensed cross-border attorney | Guangzhou | wzklaw.com/contact.php?source=linkedin