Manufacturer Verification and Factory Audits: A Guide for NZ Importers

Last updated: 2 November 2026

Verify a manufacturer before you pay a deposit, and audit the factory before your first order. Verification checks the paperwork: is the company registered and who it says it is? A factory audit checks the floor: can this site make your product to your standard?

Together they are your best protection against losing a deposit. Here is what each one covers and how to read the results.

What is the difference between verification, an audit and an inspection?

Each answers a different question. Most new suppliers need all three.

What does manufacturer verification check?

It is a desk check of the business. It is quick, and it filters out many risky suppliers early.

• Legal name: the Chinese name on the business licence, not just the English trade name.
• Registry record: search it on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.
• Business scope: the licence allows it to make your type of product.
• Address: the registered address matches the factory.

Sourcing Hack: If bank details change by email, stop. Call the supplier on a number you already have before you pay.

What does a factory audit look at?

An audit is an on-site visit to see if the factory can deliver your order to your standard.

• Site and size: the factory exists and is big enough for your order.
• Equipment: machines suit your product and work.
• Your product on the line: the model you want is in production, not just in a catalogue.
• Quality control: checks on incoming materials, during production and before packing.
• Records: proper quality and production records.

Read why we think on-site factory visits are non-negotiable.

How do you read an audit or inspection report?

Look at the result for each item, not just the summary.

• Pass: meets the golden sample and your drawing.
• Pending: your tolerance was not given, so the inspector will not guess. Decide and reply.
• Fail or no confirm: a serious defect. Do not ship until it is fixed and checked again.

Ask for photos of every defect, the number found in the sample, and the likely cause. A good report tells you what to fix, not just what is wrong.

When should you verify or audit a supplier?

Before your first deposit, every time. After that, recheck when something changes.

• Before the first order: verify, then audit.
• Before a big jump in volume: check the factory can cope.
• When details change: new bank account, address or factory.
• After a quality problem: find the cause and confirm the fix.

Run through our manufacturer red flags checklist as well.

What are the warning signs during verification?

Some answers should make you slow down and ask more questions before you pay.

• Name mismatch: the company on the licence is not the one on the invoice or contract.
• Wrong business scope: the licence does not cover making your product.
• Personal bank account: a request to pay a person, not the company.

One warning sign is not always a reason to walk away. It is a reason to check further before any money moves.

What should a good audit report include?

A useful report gives facts you can act on, not just a score.

• Cover details: factory, product, date, inspector and the standard used.
• Summary result: a clear pass, pending or fail, with the main reasons.
• Defects found: what was found, how many in the sample, and why it matters.
• Photos and video: proof for every finding.
• Next steps: what the factory must fix, and when to check again.

Our free sample report shows each of these parts in a redacted Epic inspection.

FAQs

What is manufacturer verification?

A desk check that confirms a supplier is registered, licensed for your product, and that its name and address match.

What is a factory audit?

An on-site visit that checks the factory, equipment, quality control and records.

Is verification enough on its own?

No. A registered company can still be the wrong factory for your product. Audit before the first order.

How do I check a Chinese company is registered?

Get the Chinese legal name from the business licence, then search it on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.

What is the difference between an audit and an inspection?

An audit checks the factory. An inspection checks your goods.

Can I do the checks myself?

You can do the desk checks. A site visit needs someone on the ground who knows what to look for.

How often should I re-audit a supplier?

For key suppliers, on a regular cycle, and after any big change or quality problem.

What are red flags when verifying a supplier?

Name mismatches, the wrong business scope and payment to a personal account.

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