The Canton Fair — the world’s largest trade exhibition — attracts over 245,000 overseas buyers from more than 200 countries each session. Before you can walk through the doors of the Pazhou Complex, you need one essential item: your buyer badge.
Many first-time buyers fly into Guangzhou hoping to sort out their credentials on arrival, only to hit slow queues and unexpected delays. This guide covers everything you need to know about registration — from pre-registration and required documents to where and how to collect your badge. Written from the perspective of a Guangzhou-based sourcing team, it focuses on helping you get through the entry process as smoothly as possible.If you are new to this trade show, read our full overview: [What Is the Canton Fair and Why Should You Attend? A Complete Canton Fair Guide]
Why Pre-Registration Matters
Starting from the 139th session, all overseas buyers attending the offline exhibition are required to complete pre-registration in advance. This applies to both first-time visitors and regular buyers.
Pre-registration unlocks several benefits:
- Faster entry: Pre-registered buyers can use express badge collection channels and skip long on-site queues.
- Official updates: You receive emails about exhibitors, exhibits, and on-site activities.
- Complimentary gifts: Pre-registered buyers can collect souvenirs on arrival.
- Priority services: You can submit sourcing needs early and get priority access to matchmaking events.
The 140th session also brings a major change: pre-registration is now year-round. You no longer need to wait for a specific window. You can register as soon as you decide to attend.
The Buyer Service System: Your Registration Portal
Starting from the 136th session, the Buyer E‑service Tool was upgraded to the Canton Fair Buyer Service System – the central platform for online registration. You can access it here: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register.
How to get started:
| If you have… | What to do |
|---|---|
| A BEST account | Log in with your existing account — your information has been transferred |
| No BEST account | Register as a new user. If you have attended before, you can bind your old badge number to retrieve your information |
Steps to complete :
- Register/login to the Buyer Service System
- Apply for an invitation letter (if you need one)
- Complete your pre-registration — fill in personal and company details
- Submit your badge application (this is part of the registration process for new buyers)
The process takes about 5–10 minutes, provided you have your passport and company details ready.
Required Documents for Badge Application
To complete your foreign buyer registration for the Canton Fair , you need :
| Document | Requirement |
| Original valid ID | Foreign passport, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, or Chinese passport with overseas permanent residence permit/visa |
| Pre-registration receipt | Generated after completing online registration |
| Business card | Your company business card (bring several copies) |
Photo requirements :
- Your passport photo is digitally uploaded during registration.
- The system automatically recognizes ID information after you upload the image.
- Supported formats: jpg, jpeg, or png.
Entry reminder: Your passport must be valid for at least six months. It must also have at least two blank pages.
How to Apply for the Invitation Letter
For many overseas buyers, the invitation letter is essential for applying for a Chinese business visa.
Important note: An official Canton Fair invitation letter only supports your visa application. It does not guarantee visa approval. Final visa decisions rest entirely with your local Chinese consulate or embassy.
How to apply :
- Log in to the Buyer Service System
- Click “Invitation Letter” → “My Invitation Letters” on the left menu
- Click “Apply for Invitation Letter”
- Review your personal and company information — update if needed
- Submit your application
Important dates:
- For the 139th session, invitation letters were available from February 14, 2026
- For the 140th session, the invitation letter opening date will be announced separately
Who can apply: Overseas regular buyers who have attended before, and new buyers completing their Canton Fair buyer registration . People under 18 cannot apply .
Once submitted, you can view, download, or print your invitation letter directly from the system.
Where to Collect Your Buyer Badge
You have two main options for collecting your badge: outside the complex (recommended) or on-site.
Option 1: Outside the Complex (Recommended)
If you hold a foreign passport, you can collect your badge at these locations before reaching the venue :
| Location | Service Period | Hours |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Terminal 1 & 2) | During fair period | 8:00 – 24:00 |
| Guangzhou South Railway Station | During fair period | 10:00 – 21:00 |
| Pazhou-Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal | During fair period | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Hong Kong Office | All year round | Weekdays: 10:00–12:30, 14:00–17:00 |
| 60 designated hotels | During fair period | Varies by hotel |
Practical tip: Badge collection at designated hotels is available only for registered guests staying at that property. Non-guests cannot use these hotel pickup points.
What to bring: Your original ID document, pre-registration receipt, and business card.
For overseas Chinese buyers (Chinese passport with overseas permanent residence permit/visa), go directly to the on-site registration offices. These off-site locations do not process your badge type.
Option 2: On-Site at the Complex
If you haven’t collected your badge before arriving, you can do it at the complex :
| Registration Office | Location | Metro Access |
| Area B | No. 382 Yuejiang Middle Road | Pazhou Station (Line 8, Exits A/B) or Pazhou Station (Line 11, Exit F) |
| Area C | No. 980 Xingang East Road | Pazhou Station (Line 8, Exit C) |
| Area D | No. 168 Yuejiang Middle Road | Xingangdong Station (Line 8, Exit A) |
Self-service kiosks are available for ID verification and badge printing. They can process your badge in about 30 seconds if you pre-registered.
Badge Validity and Fees
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Buyer badges are valid for multiple sessions — keep it for future fairs |
| Fees | All new applications, reissues, and renewals for overseas buyers are free of charge |
| New feature | Badges now feature QR codes for the official APP and the ASKME AI Agent |
Lost your badge? Reissue is also free.
Accompanying personnel (interpreters or assistants for overseas buyers) have separate fee requirements — RMB 300 per day plus RMB 50 administrative fee. They must be pre-registered at least 2 days in advance.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Pre-register online
- Visit the official website or download the official App
- Create your buyer account (or log in if you already have one)
- Complete your profile with passport and company information
Step 2: Obtain your pre-registration receipt
- The system generates a receipt after successful registration
- Save it digitally and print a paper copy
Step 3: Apply for invitation letter (if needed)
- Use the Buyer Service System to apply
- Submit personal and company details for verification
Step 4: Collect your buyer badge
- Choose a collection point (airport, hotel, ferry terminal, or on-site)
- Bring your original ID, receipt, and business card
- Use the self-service kiosk for fastest processing — 30 seconds
Step 5: Enter the fair
- Walk through security with your badge
- Travel light. Large suitcases and prohibited items will cause delays.
Key points summarized below
The registration process is designed to handle hundreds of thousands of overseas buyers, but the key to a smooth experience is simple: start early. Complete your badge application online, apply for your invitation letter, and collect your badge at one of the many off-site locations. The 30-second self-service kiosks make it faster than ever.
For buyers who need hands-on support with registration — or with any other aspect of attending — working with a Guangzhou-based team can make the experience far less complicated. At SourcingYuan, our local team helps international buyers navigate everything from pre-registration and badge collection to supplier sourcing and follow-up after the fair. And if you are sourcing apparel during Phase 3, our Guangzhou office is just minutes away from the complex—ready to help you turn a busy trade fair into a productive sourcing trip.
About the Author
Jeff Lee
Founder of Sourcingyuan
Jeff Lee is the founder of Sourcingyuan, a China-based sourcing and product development company. He has more than 10 years of experience helping overseas businesses source products, develop new products, identify reliable manufacturers, manage production, and build supply chains in China.
Canton Fair Guides:
Before the Fair
→ What Is the Canton Fair and Why Should You Attend? A Complete Canton Fair Guide
→ Canton Fair Guide: How to Prepare for Your First Visit as an International Buyer
At the Fair
→ How to Navigate the Canton Fair and Find the Right Suppliers | Canton Fair Guide
After the Fair
→ What to Do After the Canton Fair: A Complete Follow‑Up Guide for Buyers | Canton Fair Guide
Full‑cycle support: Contact SourcingYuan
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