If you’re looking to source a rooftop tent for your next outdoor adventure — or even stock your store with quality gear — choosing the right supplier is more challenging than it seems. The global market is full of companies making big promises, but not all have the credibility, capacity, or track record to deliver. That’s where the Canton Fair comes in.
As China’s largest and most established trade event, the Canton Fair only admits manufacturers who meet strict participation requirements and export volume thresholds. In other words, if a rooftop tent company is exhibiting there, they’ve already proven themselves as a serious player with the product quality, supply chain reliability, and business scale to back it up.
In this blog, you’ll discover exactly what makes Canton Fair exhibitors stand out, how the event works, and why buying from one can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. By the end, you’ll know how to spot a genuine Canton Fair supplier — and make confident, risk-free sourcing decisions.
Canton Fair (officially the China Import and Export Fair) is the largest and oldest trade fair in China, held twice a year (Spring and Autumn) in Guangzhou.
Quick Facts
Detail
Info
Founded
1957
Location
Guangzhou, China (Pazhou Complex)
Size
1.2 million m², 60,000+ booths
Exhibitors
\~25,000–60,000 pre-vetted Chinese companies
Visitors
200,000+ from 200+ countries
Frequency
Spring (April–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Phases
3 phases per session (Electronics → Machinery/Textiles → Consumer Goods)
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Why It Matters
Only top-tier Chinese exporters qualify (strict export volume, compliance, and quality checks).
One-stop sourcing for 50+ industries: electronics, machinery, textiles, home goods, etc.
Face-to-face deals with factory owners and verified suppliers.
Free buyer entry (just register online for a badge).
Bottom Line: The Canton Fair is China’s #1 trade gateway — where serious global buyers meet China’s most capable exporters.
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Who Can Apply for a Canton Fair Booth?
The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) primarily features Chinese exhibitors in its main export halls, with a separate International Pavilion for foreign companies. Eligibility is strict to ensure high-quality participants. Below, I outline the key criteria for both, based on official and regulatory guidelines. Note that applications are handled through official channels like the "Exhibitor Easy Access" system (参展易捷通) or local trade delegations (交易团) for Chinese firms.
1. Chinese Exhibitors (Main Export Halls)
Eligibility Overview: Must be enterprises legally registered in mainland China with export-oriented products. Focus is on manufacturers, traders, or circulation-type firms (e.g., wholesalers) that meet quality, compliance, and performance standards. Not all Chinese export firms qualify—only about 25,000–60,000 are selected per session due to limited space.
Key Requirements:
Valid corporate business license, foreign trade operator filing registration, and import/export enterprise code.
Membership in the relevant industry association or chamber of commerce (for the applied exhibition zone).
Products must fall within the fair's 55 sections (e.g., electronics, textiles, machinery) and comply with quality laws (no IP infringements, poor quality records, or prohibited items).
No ongoing penalties (e.g., for booth violations, trade disputes, or regulatory issues from MOFCOM, customs, etc.).
Commitment to fair rules, including booth usage, surveys, and events. canton fair china (9)
Minimum Export Amount Requirement: Based on the previous year's export turnover (under Canton Fair statistics: general/processing trade exports, excluding bulk commodities like rice, oil, or minerals). Thresholds vary by enterprise type (circulation vs. non-circulation) and region (coastal areas like Guangdong have higher bars). Figures are in USD million:
Region
Enterprise Type
Minimum Export Amount (USD million)
Coastal (e.g., Guangdong, Shanghai)
Circulation-type
1.5
Coastal
Non-circulation-type
0.75
Central & Northeast
Circulation-type
0.75
Central & Northeast
Non-circulation-type
0.4
Western (e.g., inland provinces)
Circulation-type
0.4
Western
Non-circulation-type
0.2
Exceptions for Lower/No Export: Firms with branded products (e.g., national/provincial famous trademarks registered abroad), high-tech innovations (patents), or emerging export potential can qualify even if below thresholds, subject to review.
Brand Booths: Average exports over the past 2 years must exceed general thresholds; priority for verified foreign trademarks.
Special Zones (e.g., New Energy/Pet Products): ≥0.75 USD million in exports OR ≥5 million RMB in domestic sales (verified via VAT declarations).
Application Process: Apply via local trade delegation (e.g., city/province level) by deadlines (typically 2–3 months before the fair). Submit online via the official system, then provide stamped forms, licenses, customs data, and invoices for verification.
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Why You Should Choose a Company Exhibiting at the Canton Fair?
When sourcing from China, select exhibitors from the Canton Fair — not just any export firm. Here’s why:
Not all Chinese export firms qualify — only about 25,000–60,000 are selected per session due to limited space.
This means every Canton Fair exhibitor has passed strict government vetting by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), local trade delegations, and customs authorities. They are pre-screened for credibility, export performance, and compliance — saving you from risky suppliers.
To secure a booth, Chinese companies must meet verified export thresholds (based on the previous year’s customs data):
Region
Enterprise Type
Minimum Export Amount (USD)
Coastal (e.g. Guangdong, Shanghai)
Circulation-type
$1.5 million
Coastal
Non-circulation-type
$0.75 million
Central & Northeast
Circulation-type
$0.75 million
Central & Northeast
Non-circulation-type
$0.4 million
Western (inland)
Circulation-type
$0.4 million
Western
Non-circulation-type
$0.2 million
Exceptions: Companies with international trademarks, patents, or high domestic sales (≥5M RMB) may qualify even below thresholds.
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What This Means for You (The Buyer)
Benefit
Explanation
Verified Export Capacity
They’ve shipped real volume — not just samples or small orders.
Stable Supply Chain
Proven ability to fulfill large/regular orders.
Lower Risk
No booth = possible red flags (e.g., no export license, IP issues, past penalties).
Quality & Compliance
Products meet fair standards; no banned or low-quality items.
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Pro Tip: How to Spot a Real Canton Fair Exhibitor
Ask for Booth Number (e.g., 12.1L07 or Company English Name) — verify on cantonfair.org.cn
Check Exhibitor Badge (during the fair) — only qualified companies get them.
Request Export Records — real exhibitors can share customs data (with sensitive info redacted).
Choose Canton Fair exhibitors = Choose pre-vetted, export-proven, reliable suppliers.
Skip the guesswork. Go straight to the 25,000+ elite exporters who earned their booth through performance — not promises.
Enjoin – The Leading Rooftop Tent Company in China
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Enjoin specializes in high-quality rooftop tents built for durability, weather resistance, and easy installation. Each tent features a reinforced aluminum frame, waterproof ripstop fabric, and a comfortable memory foam mattress — delivering the perfect balance of comfort and reliability for camping and overland adventures.
We offer a full range of styles and sizes, from hard-shell to soft-shell designs, with optional awnings, annex rooms, and custom color finishes. Backed by full OEM/ODM services, including private-label branding, technical support, and tailored packaging, Enjoin provides complete solutions for global outdoor equipment distributors and retailers.
We attend the Canton Fair every year — a great chance to meet face-to-face and explore business opportunities.
Contact Enjoin today for quotes, sample requests, or partnership inquiries.
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About Author
ENJOIN- Ms. Apple
Hi there, I’m Apple! With years in the rooftop tent industry and an 88km Gobi race under my belt, I blend expertise with real adventure. Let’s explore together!
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