The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
Contract Textile Fire Safety: BS 5852, Crib 5 and What Hotels Require
BS 5852, Crib 5, EN 1021 and NFPA 701 — which fire tests contract curtains and upholstery must pass for hotels and restaurants, and what to lock into a China order.
Certificates and Standards for Importing from China: CE, RoHS and Local Rules
Which certificates you need to import from China: CE, RoHS, REACH, EAC, TISI, SNI, ESMA. What to request from the factory to avoid customs delays.
Color Temperature and CRI Explained: Choosing Light When Sourcing From China
Kelvin scale 2700–6500K, color rendering index CRI/Ra, SDCM tolerance and dimming protocols — how to lock light parameters into a spec when sourcing lighting from China.
Types of LED Strips and Drivers: How to Choose When Sourcing From China
SMD and COB strips, LED density, IP rating, 12V/24V voltage, Meanwell-class drivers — a breakdown for sourcing lighting from China.
Contract Furniture for HORECA: How It Differs From Residential
How contract furniture for hotels and restaurants differs from residential: EN 15372 and BIFMA testing, BS 5852 fire safety, frame, fabric and foam density.
Outdoor Kitchens, BBQ Grills and Poolside Zones from China: A Turnkey Guide
How to source an outdoor kitchen and poolside BBQ zone from China: 304 vs 201 stainless steel, grills, countertops, range hoods, plumbing, HS codes.
The Real Cost of Decoupling from China: EY-Parthenon's $23.6T Estimate and What It Means for Sourcing
EY-Parthenon estimated the cost of the West cutting ties with Chinese supply chains at $23.6 trillion through 2050. What the numbers mean for furniture and building material sourcing.
Kitchen Sink Types: Stainless Steel, Quartz, Ceramic — How to Choose
Stainless steel, quartz composite, ceramic and granite composite sinks: steel gauge, chip and stain resistance — how to choose when sourcing a kitchen from China.
Shower Systems and Enclosures: Types, Glass, and Installation
Concealed or exposed mixers, thermostatic vs manual, 6-10 mm tempered glass, and tray types — how to choose a shower system when sourcing from China.
Bathtub Types: Acrylic, Cast Iron, Steel, Engineered Stone
Acrylic, cast iron, steel and engineered stone bathtubs: weight, heat retention, lifespan and price — how to choose a material when sourcing from China.
How to Negotiate Price with a Chinese Factory Without Losing Quality
Cut factory prices in China by 10-25% without losing quality: how factory pricing works, negotiation tactics that work, and traps where discounts hit materials.
Bathroom Sink Types: Countertop, Undermount, Materials
Countertop, drop-in, undermount and pedestal sinks: mounting types, ceramic, engineered stone and glass — how to choose when sourcing from China.