With the 139th Canton Fair approaching, the application portal for the overseas buyer assistant badge will open on April 3. Under new rules, buyers must complete their applications at least two days before their intended visit date.
To maintain a streamlined entry process, the Fair emphasizes that the application must be initiated exclusively by the overseas buyer through the official Canton Fair website.
Unlike standard attendee badges, local assistants and interpreters are unable to apply independently. Buyers must plan their schedules carefully, as all applications must be submitted at least two days before the intended date of attendance.
The badges for accompanying personnel are categorized into two roles: "Assistants" and "Interpreters."
While the assistant role is more general, those applying for an "Interpreter" badge are required to provide professional credentials, such as a certificate from the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI), the National Applied English Test for Interpreters (NAETI), or a foreign language degree from a recognized Chinese university.
It is also important to note that each overseas buyer is limited to a maximum of two accompanying staff per phase—specifically one assistant and one interpreter—while buyers from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or those holding Chinese passports are restricted to applying for an "Assistant" badge only.
Participation involves a daily fee of 300 RMB, supplemented by a one-time 50 RMB production cost per badge. Once a badge has been scanned at the venue's turnstiles, it is considered active, and the fees become non-refundable.
The Fair has also implemented rigorous security and eligibility checks to ensure the integrity of the event. Individuals who have already secured exhibitor or exhibitor representative badges for the current phase, or those whose previous applications for such badges were rejected, are ineligible to serve as buyer assistants.
Furthermore, any history of irregular badge usage in previous sessions will trigger a system warning, requiring the submission of additional supporting materials for verification.
Above all, the Canton Fair maintains a strict policy regarding the authenticity of the professional relationship between the buyer and their personnel. Any discovery of fraudulent claims regarding the assistant-buyer bond may result in the immediate confiscation of badges, expulsion from the venue, and placement on a permanent blacklist.
To avoid delays, international buyers are encouraged to complete their own pre-registration promptly and gather the necessary identification and contact details for their Chinese companions ahead of the April 3 opening. For further inquiries, the Canton Fair Call Center remains available via email at info@cantonfair.org.cn or by phone at (0086) 20-28888999.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Guo Chuhua
