Ready to unlock the Canton Fair’s vast opportunities? As Asia’s largest trade show, the Canton Fair brings together buyers, sellers, and industry leaders from around the world. This guide breaks down each step of the registration process—from account setup to badge collection—so you can register smoothly, whether it’s your first time or a return visit. Jump ahead to any section for quick, actionable tips to get started.
140th Canton Fair, autumn 2026: registration at a glance
- Dates: Phase 1 runs October 15–19, Phase 2 October 23–27 and Phase 3 October 31–November 4, 2026.
- Pre-registration is required for every overseas buyer, on the Buyer Service System or the Canton Fair app. It is open all year.
- The buyer badge is free, whether it is a new badge, a replacement or a renewal. A badge issued at an earlier session still works.
- You may not need a visa. Citizens of 50 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, and the waiver explicitly covers business and exhibitions. It runs until December 31, 2026 for most of them.
Sources: cantonfair.org.cn, the official badge guide (September 2026) and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Why Attend the Canton Fair?
Why is the Canton Fair a must-attend event for global businesses? As the largest trade fair in Asia, it offers a huge range of suppliers, direct contact with manufacturers and firsthand exposure to industry trends. The spring 2026 session drew 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions, and the 140th session opens with more than 32,000 exhibitors on over 75,000 booths, according to the organizers.
Key Benefits of Attending the Canton Fair
- Access to Verified Suppliers: Meet reliable manufacturers and suppliers directly, with products ready for export.
- Networking with Global Buyers: Make contacts with professionals across various industries, opening doors to partnerships and collaborations.
- Insight into Industry Trends: Discover the latest trends, innovations, and product lines that are shaping the global market.
Overview of Canton Fair Phases
| Phase and dates | Official theme | Main sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1, October 15–19, 2026 | Advanced Manufacturing | Electronics and appliances, lighting, machinery, tools and hardware, new energy, vehicles and spare parts |
| Phase 2, October 23–27, 2026 | Quality Home Life | Building and decorative materials, furniture, kitchenware, ceramics, household items, gifts and home decor |
| Phase 3, October 31–November 4, 2026 | Better Life | Toys, children’s products, clothing, shoes, home textiles, office supplies, health products and food |
Each phase caters to specific industries, so attendees can focus on the products most relevant to their business. The fair counts 54 exhibition sections in 13 categories.
Registration Requirements for the Canton Fair
Wondering if you’re eligible to attend the Canton Fair? The Canton Fair is open to international visitors, verified companies, and VIP attendees—each with specific registration criteria. Understanding these requirements can save you time and help ensure a smooth registration process.
Who Can Register?
Overseas buyers: business professionals from outside mainland China with a genuine interest in sourcing or purchasing products.- Adults only: invitation letters cannot be requested for buyers under 18.
- Returning buyers: a valid badge from a previous session gives access without any new activation.
Step 1: Create Your Account on the Buyer Service System
Registration now runs through the Buyer Service System (buyer.cantonfair.org.cn) and the official Canton Fair app. It replaced the older BEST platform from the 136th session onward, so ignore guides that still send you to BEST. Use the same name, passport number and company details you will show on arrival.
Required Information:
- Your passport details, exactly as they appear in the passport.
- Your company name and contact details.
- A business email, where confirmations and updates are sent.
Step 2: Apply for Your Buyer Badge
Every overseas buyer attending the fair in person must pre-register by applying for a badge online. Pre-registration is open all year and the badge is free of charge. When you submit, you receive a pre-registration QR code: keep it, you will need it to collect the badge.
Step 3: Generate Your Invitation Letter, If You Need a Visa
The invitation letter is a visa document. You need it only if your nationality requires a visa for China.
How to get it:
- First-time buyers tick “Generate invitation letter simultaneously” when they apply for the badge.
- Returning buyers request it in the Buyer Service System.
- The letter is generated when you submit the request. Each buyer can request up to five letters per session.
Step 4: Check Whether You Need a Visa at All
Citizens of 50 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, and the waiver explicitly covers business and exhibitions. It runs until December 31, 2026 for most of them, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travelers from 57 countries, including the United States, Mexico and Singapore, can also use the 240-hour visa-free transit if they fly on to a third country, as set out by the National Immigration Administration. Everyone else applies for an M (business) visa, using the invitation letter from Step 3.
Collecting Your Badge in Guangzhou
Once you are pre-registered, you collect the physical badge in Guangzhou or Hong Kong. You do not have to collect it at the fair itself: several collection points open in the days before each phase.
Where to Collect It
| Collection point | Dates and hours for the 140th session |
|---|---|
| Baiyun Airport, Terminal 2 Exit A7 and a Terminal 3 counter | October 12–19, October 22–27 and October 30–November 1, 08:00–24:00 |
| Guangzhou South Railway Station | October 12–17, October 22–24 and October 30–November 1, 10:00–21:00 |
| Pazhou Ferry Terminal | October 14–19, October 22–27 and October 30–November 1, 10:00–20:00 |
| Registration offices in Areas B, C and D of the complex | 09:00–18:00 the days before each phase, 08:30–18:00 on show days |
| 60 designated hotels in Guangzhou, and the Canton Fair office in Hong Kong | See the official badge guide |
What to Bring
- The original of your passport, or another accepted ID listed in the official guide.
- A business card.
- Your pre-registration QR code.
New badges, replacements and renewals are all free.
Do You Need a Visa for the Canton Fair?
Check this before anything else, because the answer changed recently for many buyers.
Visa-Free Entry for 50 Countries
Ordinary passport holders from these countries can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa, for business, trade fairs and exhibitions, tourism or visits:
- Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
- Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The waiver runs until December 31, 2026, except for Brunei, which has no end date, and Russia, until December 31, 2027. It does not cover work, study or journalism. Source: the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Citizens of 57 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Singapore, Indonesia, the UAE and Qatar, can stay up to 240 hours without a visa when they continue to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket. Business activities are allowed. Source: the National Immigration Administration.
Everyone Else: the M Visa
If neither scheme applies to you, apply for an M (business) visa at the Chinese embassy or visa center in your country, with the invitation letter generated in the Buyer Service System.
Tips for Smooth Processing:
- Check your nationality first: the visa-free list changes, so confirm it on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page before you book.
- Apply early if you need an M visa: processing times and fees depend on your country and on the visa center.
- Match every detail: the name and passport number on your invitation letter, your visa application and your badge must be identical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need an invitation letter to attend the Canton Fair?
Only if you need a visa. The invitation letter is a visa document. Citizens of the 50 countries covered by China's 30-day visa waiver, including most of Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, can attend without one. Others generate it in the Buyer Service System when they apply for their badge.
Can I register for the Canton Fair on-site?
Pre-registration online is required for every overseas buyer attending in person. Once pre-registered, you collect your badge in Guangzhou: at Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou South Railway Station, the Pazhou Ferry Terminal, 60 designated hotels or the registration offices of the complex.
How long does the registration process take?
The online application takes a few minutes, and the invitation letter, if you need one, is generated when you submit. Collecting the badge is quickest at the airport or railway station counters before your phase opens.
What documents do I need to collect my badge?
The original of your passport or another accepted ID, a business card and your pre-registration QR code.
Do I need a visa to attend the Canton Fair?
Not if you hold an ordinary passport from one of the 50 countries in China's 30-day visa waiver, which covers business and exhibitions until December 31, 2026 for most of them. Citizens of 57 countries can also use the 240-hour visa-free transit. Everyone else applies for an M (business) visa with the Canton Fair invitation letter.
How can I speed up badge collection?
Pre-register early and collect your badge at the airport or railway station counter when you arrive, rather than at the complex on the first morning of a phase.
Can I visit several phases with one badge?
Yes. The badge is valid for the session, and a valid badge from a previous session still gives access without a new activation.
Is there a fee for Canton Fair registration?
No. New badges, replacements and renewals are all free of charge. Your only costs are travel, accommodation and, depending on your nationality, a visa.
Top Tips for a Smooth Canton Fair Registration
Want a hassle-free Canton Fair experience from start to finish? Registering smoothly requires a bit of planning, but with the right approach, you can save time and avoid common mistakes. Here are some essential tips to streamline your registration and make the most of your time at the fair.
Practical Tips for Efficient Registration
- Register Early: pre-registration is required, and early registration leaves time for a visa if you need one.
- Double-Check Your Documents: Make sure your invitation letter, passport, and any business documents are accurate and up-to-date. Minor errors, like a mismatched name, can lead to delays.
- Print Important Documents: Have physical copies of all essential paperwork, even if you’ve registered online. Paper backups can be lifesavers if digital copies aren’t accessible on-site.
Recommended Apps for Navigating the Canton Fair
- Canton Fair Official App: This app offers venue maps, exhibitor listings, and a schedule of events. Download it beforehand for easy access to fair details.
- WeChat: Widely used in China, WeChat is ideal for communication and offers translation features. Set up an account if you haven’t already.
- Google Translate: While some signage is in English, a translation app helps with instant translations for signs or discussions with local vendors.
With these tips and tools, you’ll navigate the Canton Fair with ease, allowing you to focus on building connections and exploring new business opportunities.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Ready to get started with your Canton Fair registration? Following these steps ensures you’re fully prepared to make the most of this dynamic event. Here’s a quick recap to keep you on track.
Key Registration Steps
- Create your account on the Buyer Service System or the Canton Fair app.
- Apply for your free buyer badge: this pre-registration is required.
- Check your visa situation: visa-free for 50 countries, 240-hour transit for 57, an M visa with the invitation letter for everyone else.
- Collect your badge at the airport, a railway station, a designated hotel or the complex, with your passport, a business card and your QR code.
