A China factory audit checklist helps buyers verify whether a supplier can produce, control quality, document compliance, and support the order being discussed. The goal is not a generic factory tour. The goal is to connect factory evidence to buyer risk.
What should a factory audit check?
- Business identity, site address, ownership clues, and factory-versus-trader role.
- Production lines, machinery, tooling, subcontracting, and capacity fit.
- Incoming material checks, in-process controls, final inspection, and defect records.
- Sample room, testing equipment, calibration, and corrective-action process.
- Worker safety, restricted goods controls, document retention, and audit readiness.
- Order tracking, packaging area, warehouse condition, and shipment handover process.
When is a factory audit necessary?
Buyers should consider a factory audit before custom tooling, high-value deposits, regulated goods, new supplier relationships, or when the supplier claim affects commercial risk.
What evidence should the buyer keep?
Useful audit evidence includes dated photos, facility observations, document samples, process notes, open risks, and a clear pass/follow-up/reject recommendation.
Use this checklist with factory verification, supplier verification, quality control, and compliance review.