Supplier Verification: AGV Export Qualifications

1. Business License & Export Rights

Every legitimate manufacturer must provide a Business License. Look for these specific indicators:

• Registered Capital: For AGV manufacturing, a capital below 5 million RMB often indicates a small assembly shop or a trading office rather than a full-scale factory.

• The "Social Credit Code": This 18-digit number is the "DNA" of the company. You can use it to check their legal standing on the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.

• Export Rights: Ask for their Customs Registration Certificate. If they use a third-party "Trading Company" for export, your warranty and liability chain become fragmented.

2. Verifying Overseas Track Record

Don't rely on marketing brochures. Request "Redacted" Bills of Lading (B/L) from the last 12 months for US or EU shipments.

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For:

• The supplier claims "Global Presence" but cannot show a single B/L to North America.

• Photos of "US Installations" that clearly show Chinese electrical outlets or signage.

• Manufacturer name on the B/L does not match the name on the Business License.

3. ISO & CE: Real or Photoshop?

Certificates are easily faked. A professional buyer verifies them at the source:

• ISO 9001: Check the certificate number on the CNCA (Certification and Accreditation Administration of China) website.

• CE Mark (Machinery Directive): For AGVs, you need a Declaration of Conformity AND a full Test Report from a reputable lab (like TUV, SGS, or Intertek). A "CE Certificate" alone is insufficient for industrial robotics.

4. Sanctions & Entity List Screening

For US importers, it is critical to ensure the supplier is not on the BIS Entity List or OFAC Sanctions List.

Pro-Tip: Screening should include the Parent Group and Legal Representative. Many state-owned or military-affiliated entities in China operate robotics subsidiaries under different names.