Canton Fair 2026 for Buyers: Phases and Invitation

The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) is China's largest multi-sector trade fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou. The 140th session runs from 15 October to 4 November 2026 in three phases, and each phase covers different product categories. If you source from China, choosing the right phase matters more than anything else you plan before the trip.

This guide explains how the three phases are split, how to register as a buyer, what the invitation letter is actually for, and how to prepare so the visit turns into usable quotations instead of a bag of brochures.

What is the Canton Fair, and is it right for you?

The fair brings thousands of Chinese manufacturers and trading companies into one venue, so you can compare suppliers, check samples and meet decision makers face to face in a few days. It works best if you already know your product category, target quantity and budget. If you are still deciding what to import, spend time on market research first, because a large fair rewards buyers who arrive with a clear shortlist.

Which phase should you attend in autumn 2026?

The 140th session has three phases of five days each, with gaps between them (20–22 and 28–30 October) when the halls are being changed over. Pick the phase that matches your product, not the one that fits your flight.

Phase	Dates (2026)	Main categories
Phase 1	15–19 October	Electronics and electrical products, home appliances, lighting, machinery and manufacturing equipment, tools, vehicles and spare parts, new energy and chemical products
Phase 2	23–27 October	Building materials and décor, sanitary ware, furniture, household items, ceramics and kitchenware, garden products, gifts and festive products
Phase 3	31 October – 4 November	Textiles, apparel and footwear, personal care and health products, medicines and medical equipment, baby and pet products, toys, food, stationery, bags, sports and leisure

The venue is the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou. Note that this category split comes from travel and trade sources that cite the official fair website, and one of them says the placement of toys can change between sessions. Confirm your category on the official Canton Fair site before you book flights.

The dates of the next session (the 141st) had not been announced in the sources we checked when this article was written.

How do you register as a buyer and get an invitation letter?

Registration is free. The invitation letter is only needed if you must apply for a Chinese visa, and it does not replace the buyer badge you need to enter the halls. According to the official Canton Fair page on invitations and the multiple-entry card, the process is:

Register as a new buyer in the Buyer Electronic Service Tool (BEST). Login details usually arrive within 3 working days. Returning buyers log in with their company account.
Request an invitation letter if you need a visa. It is free and is issued from the same system.
Apply for the multiple-entry card (IC) in advance. You can apply through the fair's representative office in Hong Kong (available all year), or at the fair complex or an approved hotel in Guangzhou during the fair, through BEST.
Wait for approval. It normally arrives by email within 3 working days.

The source states that the card is free for overseas and Hong Kong buyers, and that collecting it in Guangzhou instead of Hong Kong can cost RMB 200 per badge. Fees can change, so check the official page before you travel.

What should you prepare before you fly?

Visa first. Entry rules depend on your passport and they change often, so we do not list nationalities here. Check the current requirements with the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre in your country, and use the invitation letter if your application needs one.

Preparation checklist:

A passport with enough validity (ask your visa centre for the exact requirement)
Your buyer badge or registration approval, printed, plus original ID when collecting the badge
Business cards and a short company profile
A product list with specifications, target quantities and a rough budget
A hotel near the Pazhou complex (Guangzhou Metro lines 8 and 11 serve Pazhou station)

Plan the visit. Choose the phase for your product, then pick two or three products to cover each day instead of walking the halls without a plan. Prepare the same questions for every supplier: minimum order quantity, production lead time, payment terms and certifications. Most important, do not pay a deposit at the fair. Collect samples and quotations, compare them after you return, and verify each supplier before any payment.

Canton Fair FAQ

Do I need an invitation letter to enter the fair? No. The letter is for visa applications only. To enter, you need a buyer badge from the official registration system.

How long does registration approval take? According to the official site, usually about 3 working days, so do not leave it to the last day.

Do I need to attend all three phases? Not if your products sit in one phase. Check where your category is listed on the official site.

Can I buy directly at the fair? You can collect quotations, samples and negotiate, but the safer decision comes after verifying the supplier and comparing offers.

What if I miss this session? The next session is in spring, and its dates had not been announced in our sources. You can prepare and register early.

Need help planning your Canton Fair trip?

If you want support with invitations, registration, visit planning and supplier coordination, see ECOSAIL's business services or book a consultation where we narrow down the right phase and the suppliers you should target. Once you have bought and need freight, request a shipment. For more guides, visit the ECOSAIL blog.

Last updated: 19 October 2026. Sources: the official Canton Fair page (Hong Kong office) on invitations and the multiple-entry card, plus travel and trade sources citing the official fair website for phase dates and categories.