If you import toys, baby products or kids’ electric ride-on cars, the Canton Fair is a major sourcing event in China. It brings overseas buyers together with Chinese manufacturers and trading companies in Guangzhou.
This guide covers the Canton Fair 2026 dates, the toy exhibition phase, buyer registration, sourcing preparation and the steps to take after the fair. It is written for distributors, wholesalers, retailers and purchasing agents looking for toys or children’s ride-on vehicles.
What is the Canton Fair?
The Canton Fair, officially the China Import and Export Fair, is a large international trade event held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn. It was established in 1957 and covers a wide range of Chinese export categories.
Recent official figures show an exhibition area of about 1.55 million square meters and more than 32,000 participating companies. The 139th session attracted more than 314,000 overseas buyers from 220 countries and regions. These figures describe recent sessions and may change from one edition to the next. Check the official Canton Fair website for the latest statistics.
For toy buyers, the main benefit is the ability to compare products, inspect samples and speak with suppliers in person during one trip.
Canton Fair 2026 dates and phases
The 140th Canton Fair takes place in three offline phases:
| Phase | Dates | Main theme | Relevant categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | October 15–19, 2026 | Advanced Manufacturing | Electronics, machinery, vehicles, new energy, hardware and tools |
| Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2026 | Quality الرئيسية Life | Housewares, gifts, home décor, furniture and building materials |
| Phase 3 | October 31–November 4, 2026 | Better Life | Toys, children’s products, baby and maternity products, fashion, textiles and sports goods |
The venue is the Canton Fair Complex at 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China. The fair changes exhibition halls between phases, so products from one phase may not be available during another phase.
Opening hours and on-site services can change. Confirm the latest schedule before booking flights or factory visits.
Which Canton Fair phase is best for toy buyers?
Toy and children’s product buyers should attend Phase 3, from October 31 to November 4, 2026. The official Phase 3 categories include Toys and Children, Baby and Maternity المنتجات.
You may find products such as:
- Electric ride-on cars, motorcycles and ATVs for children
- Baby walkers, tricycles, balance bikes and scooters
- Baby strollers and carriers
- Educational toys, plush toys and remote-control toys
If you source from more than one category, plan your trip around the relevant phases. Buyers who need both toys and home goods may need to stay in Guangzhou between phases or use the fair’s online supplier tools for initial research.
How to register as a Canton Fair buyer
Overseas buyers need an official buyer badge to enter the Canton Fair Complex. Pre-registration through the official Buyer Service System is recommended.
The usual process is:
- Create or access your account in the Buyer Service System
- Complete your personal and company information
- Upload the identification documents and photo requested by the system
- Submit the application and wait for verification
- Print the registration receipt after approval
- Collect your buyer badge at an approved registration point
Bring your original passport or other accepted identity document, your registration receipt and a business card. The exact document requirements, collection locations and verification time can change, so check the latest official buyer instructions before travelling.
The first buyer badge is free for eligible overseas buyers who complete the required registration. A service fee may apply when a badge is lost, forgotten or reissued. Do not describe RMB 200 as a general on-site admission fee without checking the latest official notice.
Visa and invitation letter information
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, travel history and the purpose of your trip. Some travellers may qualify for visa-free or transit visa-free entry, while others may need a Chinese business visa.
If you need a visa, you can apply for a Canton Fair invitation through the official buyer service system. Treat the invitation as supporting documentation, not as a guarantee that a visa will be issued. Check the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
How to prepare for toy sourcing at the fair
Shortlist exhibitors before you travel
Use the official exhibitor and product search tools to identify suppliers before the fair. Save booth numbers, product links and contact details. Message your priority suppliers before arrival and request a meeting time.
Confirm product compliance requirements
Tell each supplier where you plan to sell the products. المتطلبات vary by destination market, age group, product design and battery configuration. Depending on the product and market, you may need documents such as EN 71 test reports, ASTM F963 and Children’s Product Certificate documentation, CE-related technical documentation, or battery transport documents such as UN 38.3.
Ask for the report number, issuing laboratory, test date, product model and market covered. A supplier’s general certificate may not apply to the exact product you plan to import.
Check whether you are speaking with a factory or a trading company
Ask where the product is manufactured, whether the supplier owns the moulds and whether you can visit the factory. Trading companies can be useful, but the distinction affects pricing, minimum order quantity, customization and quality control.
Discuss MOQ and trial orders early
Ask for the supplier’s standard minimum order quantity, production lead time, payment terms and sample policy. If you want to test the market first, explain your expected trial quantity before requesting a final quotation.
Collect samples and technical information
Photograph each product with its booth number visible. Save the product model, dimensions, battery specification, packaging details, loading quantity and available colour options. After several days at the fair, these details make supplier comparison much easier.
Arrange factory visits when appropriate
A factory visit can help you review production lines, quality control, warehousing and export processes. Schedule visits after the fair and confirm the supplier’s address before making travel arrangements.
Follow up within one week
Send each shortlisted supplier a clear follow-up message with the product model, quantity, target market, packaging requirements and compliance documents you need. A specific request is more useful than a general request for a catalogue.
What to do after the Canton Fair
The fair gives you leads. It does not replace supplier verification or product testing. Use this process after returning home:
- Sort contacts into A, B and C groups based on product fit and response quality
- Request formal quotations with specifications, packaging, lead time and Incoterms
- Order samples from the strongest two or three candidates
- Verify the company’s business registration and export experience
- Arrange a factory audit or third-party inspection when the order value justifies it
- Start with a trial order before increasing volume
For ride-on cars, compare battery type, charging requirements, motor power, controller, remote control, packaging protection, spare parts and after-sales support. These details affect both import compliance and customer satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canton Fair free to attend?
The first buyer badge is free for eligible overseas buyers who complete the required registration. Fees may apply for badge replacement or reissue. Confirm the latest terms through the official Buyer Service System.
Which Canton Fair phase has toys in 2026?
Phase 3, from October 31 to November 4, 2026, includes Toys and Children, Baby and Maternity المنتجات.
Where is the Canton Fair held?
The fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex, 382 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China. Check the official travel and venue information before your visit.
How many times a year is the Canton Fair held?
The Canton Fair is held twice a year, with spring and autumn sessions. Each session is divided into three phases.
Can I attend without a Chinese visa?
It depends on your nationality and the current entry policy. Check the latest policy with the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your residence. If you need a visa, request an invitation through the official Canton Fair buyer service system.
Is online supplier research useful for toy buyers?
Yes. The official buyer platform can help you search exhibitors and products, review supplier information and prepare meetings before travelling. Online functions and availability can change, so check the official platform for current services.
Sourcing kids’ ride-on cars from China?
The Canton Fair is a useful place to compare suppliers, but you do not need to wait until October to begin sourcing. CT TOYS manufactures kids’ electric ride-on cars, motorcycles and baby ride-ons for distributors and wholesalers.
Browse the CT TOYS ride-on car catalog or send us your sourcing list. We can provide product information, available compliance documents and OEM/ODM options for your target market.
