Bathroom accessories from China are famous for their excellent quality and elegant appearance. Many people, both end users and merchants, now turn to this country for these and many other products. If you still need to import from China, then you need to know the following information. We’ve taken care of everything you need to know about buying sanitary ware from China.
This article will give you a comprehensive introduction to how to import sanitary ware from China, including how to choose sanitary accessories, how to find a good supplier and solutions to some common problems. The bathroom industry is very good. Its continued growth is fueled by rising construction activities, the booming hospitality industry, rising disposable income, and a growing focus on personal hygiene.
If you are a sanitary ware dealer, wholesaler, or retailer, please consider importing these products from China. As we mentioned before, China’s global sourcing is attractive due to its incredible product variety and low manufacturing costs. Businesses are attracted by the huge opportunity to make money reselling cheap wholesale goods.
China is the largest producer and consumer of sanitary ware in Asia. Here you can find a wide range of products including toilets, washbasins, pedestals, bidets, urinals, sinks, bathtubs, bathroom cabinets, and much more. All with different price points and quality levels.
1. Types of sanitary ware produced in China
Sanitary ware products are types of plumbing fixtures and fittings in a bathroom or lavatory. Bathrooms serve many purposes. Here you can bathe, groom, wash your hands and face, and store your accessories. So, you need to make sure it’s well-designed and matches everything. But what are these bathroom accessories? Read on for answers!
According to the “China Sanitary Ware Industry Report”, sanitary ware produced in China can be divided into ceramic and non-ceramic according to the raw materials used.
Ceramic bathroom accessories: toilets, bidets, urinals, washbasins, sinks, pedestals, mop holders, soap dishes and toilet paper holders.
Non-ceramic bathroom accessories: bathtubs, faucets, bathroom cabinets, hand dryers, flushers, and other electronic accessories.
1) Wash basin or toilet
Here is a set of accessories to refresh your bathroom. They include sinks, shower heads, faucets, mirrors, vanities, towel bars or rings, and more. To withstand the high humidity in the bathroom, they are mostly made of ceramic or stainless steel. Cast iron, concrete, stone, and other materials deteriorate in such conditions.
According to the design requirements, the washbasin or toilet is usually installed at a suitable height from the floor. The technician doing the installation knows this, and you have full authority to make it work for your needs.
- Faucet or faucet: A faucet acts as a valve or switch, allowing water to flow to the basin. Also, its location is a matter of choice. It can be fixed on the wall or basin.
- Shelves: These can be one or more. If you don’t have cabinets to store items in, you can simply place them on shelves. Scrubs, hand sanitizer, and buckets are some of the accessories you can keep on your shelf.
- Bathroom Vanity: A bathroom vanity is a combination of a sink and cabinet. The vanity hides plumbing under the sink while providing storage within the cabinets. You can choose from different designs depending on the size of your bathroom, your budget, and your personal preferences.
- Soapbox: As the name suggests, the soap box is used to hold soap. It is mounted next to the washbasin for easy access.
- Electrical Outlet: If using electrical appliances such as hair dryers, clippers, etc., you will need an electrical outlet. It is usually installed to the right of the washbasin, but this is not a rule.
- Tumbler Stand: As the name suggests, it is mounted on the wall for holding glasses.
- Towel Bar: This is used to hang towels. A towel bar or towel ring makes it easier to access towels and store them after use.
2) Bathroom toilet
The toilet is also part of the main bathroom. We all know what it is for and why it is installed in the bathroom. Bathroom toilets also have some accessories, as follows:
- Health Faucet: It consists of a hand-held nozzle that sprays a mist of water to clean the anus or genitals after using the toilet.
- Paper Towel Holder: If you’re not feeling well, using toilet paper is your best bet. A toilet paper roll holder holds it in place, and your bathroom designer should know the best place to install the holder.
3) Shower room
Showers come in standard sizes, but this is more of a personal choice. Showers are made up of various components, including:
- Shower head: It is equipped with a shower head that sprays water onto the body. It can spray hot or cold water as needed. Depending on your specific needs, the plumber will adjust its height and position.
- Shower Control: This very important part of the shower allows you to control the temperature of the water. You can set it to cold, medium, or hot according to your preference.
- Shower Curtain Rod: If you need privacy or just want to keep your shower from flooding, hanging curtains are an option. Vinyl curtains, plastic curtains, and cloth curtains are the most common types of curtains. A shower curtain rod is your best choice to achieve this goal.
- Shower Ventilator: The bathroom is the wettest room in the house. Excessive steam can significantly shorten the life of the cabinet and everything else in it. That’s why you need a shower vent to help you expel excess steam.
- Towel Bar or Rack: The towel bar extends 1.6 to 3.6 feet in length and is installed at least 4 feet above the floor. It is used to hang towels. If you have a lot of towels, then you can choose a towel rack.
4) Bathtub
This is the last thing we want to talk about. There are a few other zones you can set up in your bathroom, but these four are the most common.
A bathtub can be considered a complete bathroom with all expected components. The list has shower heads, shower controls, towel bars, curtain rods, tub spouts, soap holders, and more. In the previous sections, we explained what each component does.
2. What kind of bathroom can bring you profit?
Before importing bathroom products, you need to know what kind of bathroom products can bring you profits.
1) Classic appearance
Classics never go out of style. White, as a color associated with cleanliness, remains a popular color choice for sanitary ware. Plus, the clean design in solid colors always finds a ready buyer.
2) Convenience and safety
People love simple designs and simple mechanisms for safety and convenience. You want to be able to use the bathroom right away when you need it, without spending time figuring out how to use the many buttons or levers. This is especially useful for young children, the elderly, and the disabled.
3) Environmentally friendly use
With increasing global concern for the environment, consumers now favor bathroom fixtures and accessories that don’t waste large amounts of water.
4) Luxury market
Every market has its premium segment. This market will be looking for luxury bathrooms, artistic designs, private spas, saunas, shower systems, and large bathtubs that are stylish and comfortable.
3. Where can I find sanitary ware manufacturers and suppliers in China?
When looking for a sanitary ware manufacturer, go to the area where the manufacturers are most concentrated. Prices will be best in that area as neighboring manufacturers tend to be competitive.
| Sanitary Ware | Chinese industrial clusters |
|---|---|
| Toilets, bidets, urinals, washbasins, sinks, pedestals, mop holders, soap dishes, toilet paper holders, and other ceramic sanitary wares | Foshan City, Chaozhou City |
| water tank | Zhongshan City |
| Toilet cover, water tank accessories | Xiamen City, Hebei Province |
| cabinet | Foshan City, Chaozhou City |
| Shower, bathtub, hand dryer | Foshan City, Zhongshan City |
| Faucets, showers, accessories | Kaiping Town, Nan’an City, Wenzhou City |
Guangdong Province is the largest sanitary ware manufacturing base in China and even in the world. The following are the cities where sanitary ware manufacturers are concentrated:
1) Foshan City
If you specialize in purchasing high-end sanitary ware and need sales staff who can communicate in English, coming to Foshan is a good choice. Foshan is the ceramic capital and trade center of China. Located in Guangdong Province, it is the largest and most important ceramic production base in China. Foshan has many famous sanitary ware brands with their factories or sales centers, such as TOTO, Kohler, American Standard, Sanku, Lejia, Dongpeng, etc.
Foshan is also a gathering place for the production of cabinets, shower rooms, and bathtubs. For cabinets, the product craftsmanship is the same as that of high-end furniture, and most of them are produced in Shunde, which is known as the hometown of furniture in the world. The shower room and bathtub are located in Foshan. In Nanhai, one of the Foshan areas, the production technology of leisure sanitary ware is far ahead of other cities and regions.
By the way, if you plan to buy multiple products for your house or project, Foshan is the best choice. As I mentioned in my previous blog, Foshan City is famous for building materials such as ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, furniture, lamps, windows, doors, etc. Of course, you can find products of any grade here, because there are thousands of companies or stalls, large and small, offering your ideal products. In a word, Foshan provides you with one-stop shopping, you can find a world of amazing purchases here.
Reminder: Since Foshan is adjacent to Guangzhou, it takes about 50 minutes from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Foshan City. As far as I know, some companies in Foshan will arrange car service for their customers. If you have contacted some suppliers before coming to China, try to confirm the time of your visit so that they pick you up on time. Or you can take a taxi or airport bus directly. If you have plans to go to Guangzhou. It is still very convenient to take a taxi or subway from Foshan.
Major bathroom accessories brands:
SHKL, Frank, Gordy, Undermarceau, Wrigley, Faenza, Anwar, SSWW, Eagle, Sanku, Dongpeng.
2) Chaozhou City
Chaozhou City is located in the eastern part of Guangdong Province, famous for its ceramic industry, and is the porcelain capital of Guangdong. At present, Chaozhou is the largest production base of ceramic sanitary ware in China, and its output value accounts for 40% of the country’s total. 55% of production and export volume.
If you specialize in the business of ceramic sanitary ware and purchase a large amount, it is the best choice to come to Chaozhou. Chaozhou manufacturers mainly produce ceramic products such as toilets, basins, bidets, and bases. Most ceramic sanitary ware factories are located in Fengxi and Dengtang ancient alleys in Fengtang Town.
Reminder: If you come to Chaozhou to purchase, it is best to find a Chinese translator to assist you. It would be great if you could find someone who speaks the local language, as suppliers often talk about secrets in Teochew, especially if they don’t want customers to know about their internal discussions about prices when negotiating face-to-face. It is also very convenient to go to Chaozhou. You can take the high-speed train from Guangzhou to Chaoshan Station, and let the supplier pick you up.
Major bathroom accessories brands:
Hegii, Anbi, DOLO, Madao, Vieany, AUBELL, Senchn, TOZO, JIOHOL, Yatao, Monga, Taitao, Muye.
3) Kaiping City
Kaiping City is located in Guangdong Province and is known as the “Sanitary City”. The sanitary ware industry is considered to be one of the city’s pillar industries. Its Shuikou Town is the largest faucet and hardware accessories production base in China and has the largest bathroom display center in the country. The product quality is the best, the price is slightly higher, suitable for customers with higher quality requirements.
Main bathroom brands: Huayi, CAE, Caizhou, Gold Medal, CME, Ottoman
4) Nan’an City
Nan’an, a city in southern Fujian Province, is also considered a major center of ceramic production. In Chinese history, it was known as a celadon production center. Celadon vessels are green-glazed bowls with carved or dotted decorations. There are many faucets, showers, and angle valve factories here. Medium quality, reasonable price, good for engineering.
Major bathroom accessories brands:
Zhongyu, HHSN, SUNLOT, Jomoo, TECI, Warner, LOGOO, LONGER, HTOSN, Sunswan, SLEDER.
5) Zhongshan City
After more than 20 years of development, Zhongshan City can produce 2.8 million sets of shower room products annually and an annual export volume of 300 million US dollars. Zhongshan is one of the major cities for economic exchanges between the east and west banks of the Pearl River Delta and is also an important transportation node on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary. Up to now, there are more than 100 well-known shower room enterprises in Zhongshan City, which is a veritable Chinese shower room manufacturing base.
Disadvantages: Europe and the United States have anti-dumping laws on the building materials industry. The government’s export tax on the shower room industry is getting less and less, making it more difficult to export.
Major bathroom accessories brands:
ALLY、ROSERY、SALLY、DELICACY、FRAE、Neptum、CAML。
6) Wenzhou City
Wenzhou is located in Zhejiang Province, where there are a large number of small hardware OEM workshops. Compared with Kaiping and Nan’an, Wenzhou’s hardware accessories are cheap, but the quality is not high, so it is suitable for customers who pay more attention to price than quality.
Main bathroom brands:
RODDEX, Cobbe, ORans, AIFEILING, ENSLI, SReam, CleanDell, BJB.
7) Trade fairs
Attending a trade show is a great idea to meet many suppliers in a short period of time. Face-to-face meetings build trust and generate goodwill. You can get instant feedback and negotiate better prices and terms.
An important trade fair is the Canton Fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou, China, in spring and autumn. It connects Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers with buyers and exporters from all over the world. Specific to the bathroom industry, there are the Guangzhou International Sanitary Ware Expo and China International Ceramic Sanitary Ware Expo (CeramBath).
Ceramic bath:
Foshan International Ceramic Sanitary Ware Expo (CeramBath) is the largest and most influential ceramic sanitary wares exhibition in China, bringing together about 800 leading brands of ceramic tiles and sanitary products. The Ceramic Bath Competition is sponsored by Foshan China Ceramic City Group Co., Ltd. At this expo, buyers from all over the world will see new and innovative ideas in the ceramic tile market. The exhibition provides a good platform for ceramic sanitary ware enterprises.
Canton Fair:
China Import and Export Fair or Canton Fair is the largest trade fair in China. Every spring and autumn, the fair is held in Guangzhou. The 2020 Canton Fair will be held online for the first time in its 62-year history. It is mainly an import and export trade platform, displaying different products and services of various private and well-known enterprises in China and around the world.
Every year, more than 180,000 buyers travel long distances to Guangzhou to purchase products from more than 60,000 suppliers. The Canton Fair will last for nearly two weeks and will be held in three phases:
- In the first phase, different products and services such as electronics, machinery, hardware, building materials, chemicals, and auto parts will be exhibited.
- The second stage is more about consumer goods, gifts, and decorations.
- The third period includes clothing and textiles, bags, shoes, leisure products, office materials, medical supplies, and health care products.
Please note: If you plan to come to the Canton Fair, please remember that the Sanitary Ware Show is held from April 15th to 19th and October 15th to October 19th every year.
4. Advantages of importing sanitary ware from China
Why are people turning to China for bathroom fittings and kitchenware? China should be your only source for these products for many reasons. Here are the benefits:
1) The cost is cheap
In a business or personal project, saving everything is crucial. Profits are higher when the product is cheaper, and vice versa. That’s why people turn to China for bathroom accessories. These products are much cheaper in the country compared to other producing countries.
Why are bathroom accessories cheaper in China? These products from China are affordable mainly because of its bulk products and industrial automation. State-of-the-art machines are deployed in the production process. With the elimination of manpower and the faster production process, the cost of bathroom accessories has dropped.
2) High quality
Whether it’s a business or personal property, quality is everything. Trading quality products will make customers trust you more and stay loyal forever. Most domestic bathroom cabinet manufacturers have been in this industry for many years. Through experience, they prioritize quality. Import high-quality bathroom accessories from China and grow your business. It is possible to expect a long service life if you install them on your private or commercial property. Investing in these products is worth it and will pay you off.
3) Various designs
Bathroom accessories like vanity, sink, bathtub, shower head, etc. are part of the interior decoration. If you take the time to make your space look personal, this can only be achieved with bathroom accessories from China. There are unlimited designs. Some manufacturers even allow custom products. This way, you can add any functionality you like to your bathroom accessories. You participate in and direct the design process.
4) Easy to assemble
Bathroom accessories in China are manufactured with the end user in mind. In many cases, manufacturers assume that their products will be used abroad. So, it takes time for them to easily assemble all the parts in the destination country. The main reason for not assembling the product is to simplify the shipping process.
It packs parts quickly and squeezes into the smallest available spaces in shipping containers. On-site, you can unpack and assemble everything according to the included instruction manual. Customers can also get installation support from some manufacturers. So, you don’t need to worry when importing bathroom accessories from China.
5) Good investment
Because of their quality, some bathroom accessories last a lifetime. Once you invest in Chinese bathroom accessories, you can rest assured that you will get a return. They are also elegant and will add color to your home decor. Chinese bathroom accessories can increase the value of your home. Realtors know this, and now is your time to take advantage of it. Import high-quality, attractive bathrooms that enhance the monetary value of your property and curb appeal.
5. Tips for importing sanitary ware from China
Importing bathroom accessories from China is very easy. You just need to find a reputable manufacturer who can meet all your needs. But how to identify it? Well, it’s a daunting task, but we’ve made it easier for you. Here are some shopping tips:
1) The cost of bathroom accessories
Cost is everything. As a tradesman or contractor, it is to your advantage to purchase quality products at competitive prices. You can do everything possible to save money on bathroom accessories. But how do you do it?
Buying wholesale is cheaper compared to retail prices. You should look for a company that sells in bulk. Also, working with an agent who has experience in importing these products from China can save you money. Agents usually have experience working with these bathroom fittings manufacturers and can recommend reliable manufacturers for you.
However, don’t always fall for cheap products. In addition to low cost, check the quality. There are cases where bathroom accessories are affordable due to their poor quality.
2) Minimum order quantity (MOQ) for bathroom accessories
The minimum order quantity a manufacturer can offer is called the MOQ. If your bathroom accessories kit falls below this value, then you may look elsewhere or ask if they can supply these bathroom accessories. You should look for a manufacturer that can maintain your MOQ, especially if you are looking for a long-term partnership.
3) Quality control of sanitary ware
The quality of your bathroom accessories should be everything to you. How can you be sure that you only get quality products that meet international standards? Finding manufacturers who use sophisticated software or automated systems is a better plan. You can also take field trips. See for yourself what goes into production. Some manufacturers have quality control teams. Ask and find out how they guarantee high-quality bathroom accessories or any other product you want to buy.
4) Manufacturing capacity of sanitary ware
Like MOQ, manufacturing capacity is closely related to your supply needs. How many items do you need and can the selected company supply them immediately? You can also visit the company in person to find out about this.
You can ask their sales representatives about their manufacturing capabilities, but you can also check out their product portfolio. The number of clients served and their years in the industry both hint at their productive capacity.
5) Manufacturing capacity of sanitary ware
Ask about your product customization. Can the company produce products that belong only to you? What is the cost? Will you be involved in the design process, or will you be sidelined? The answers provided will help you identify the right manufacturer.
6) Delivery time for bathroom accessories
Always ask about delivery times before confirming an order with any Chinese manufacturer. In some cases, this is not respected. If you can check customer reviews then this is the best way. Choose a bathroom fittings manufacturer who will deliver all products as agreed or promised.
7) Bathroom accessories project support
You may have problems dealing with a company or its products. Check out the reliability of their customer support services. Do they provide after-sales service? 24/7 customer support in English is the best option.
6. Possible problems when importing sanitary ware from China
Undoubtedly, there are risks involved in purchasing goods from foreign countries. Here are the problems you may encounter when importing sanitary ware.
- poor product quality
- Incorrect listing or wrong product details
- Difficulty communicating with suppliers
- delivery delay
- package
- supplier missing
When first looking for a supplier, find out if they understand product quality and safety standards. Find out which standards apply to specific sanitaryware (baths, taps, etc.) or specific countries (e.g. US or Canada) or markets (e.g. EU). Ask potential suppliers about their quality control practices and ask them to demonstrate previous compliance or produce a certificate of compliance. Many questions about products are often the result of poor communication.
Communication problems refer not only to language barriers but also to relying on misunderstandings or assumptions when making decisions. It’s important to clearly articulate your needs, be transparent in your transactions, and keep the lines of communication open to avoid costly misunderstandings. Take the time to prepare your product specifications. Pay close attention to details.
Also, manage your expectations. Requesting shorter lead times can lead to quality issues and/or delayed deliveries. Hire a good translator or a trusted Chinese product sourcing agent if needed. In any case, checking the quality before loading can save you a lot of trouble. For supplier issues, you may not be doing due diligence on the supplier. You may have just chosen the cheapest one. To avoid problems with suppliers, you need to ask about the supplier’s experience or reputation in manufacturing and trading. Likewise, you may need the help of a Chinese sourcing agent to simplify the process. Remember Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Many factors can cause delivery delays: production issues, regulatory issues, shipping issues, paperwork issues, natural disasters, and more.
Consider all of these factors when considering lead times. Anticipating potential problems can reduce the likelihood of delivery delays.A common issue customers encounter is long resolution times. When looking for a Chinese supplier, ask shortlisted candidates about their process for handling customer complaints and how long customers have to wait for issues to be resolved. Choose a supplier with a proven track record in after-sales service.
7. Frequently asked questions
Below are frequently asked questions about importing sanitary ware from China.
1) How to search for Chinese sanitary ware suppliers online?
If you are unable to travel to the site to speak with a supplier in person, you have the option of finding a supplier online, just like shopping online. Possibly cost-effective as you will save on airfare, accommodation, and other costs required to visit factories in China. You can find online listings of Chinese suppliers on platforms such as Alibaba and Global Sources. Alibaba is a popular website for sourcing Chinese products. It lists millions of suppliers and products. Due to the size of the list, the directory faces questions about the quality of the suppliers. This site is also known for having many middlemen or buying agents rather than actual manufacturers.
In 2003, Global Sources began offering an online supplier directory similar to Alibaba. Their products include mobile electronics, home and gifts, and fashion and accessories. If you are a beginner and want to try it out first, you can try ordering small quantities from sites like DHgate or AliExpress. There you can find minimum order quantities (MOQ) as low as one piece. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at the plethora of listings on online platforms.
To narrow down your selection of sanitary ware suppliers in China, it is important to develop selection criteria. To do this, you need to first determine your needs: the specific types of products you need, the quantities you need now and in the future, your budget, and your timeline. In these online directories, you can view supplier profiles along with ratings, reviews, prices, shipping times, and other information.
Look for proven manufacturers known for their quality products and those who have built a solid reputation when dealing with international buyers. Learn more about the supplier’s business license, production capacity, financial capacity, quality control system, contract performance, etc. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to choose your primary and backup suppliers. Contact these manufacturers directly to discuss details. Or you can hire a sourcing agent to find the best supplier for your needs.
2) How to choose high-quality sanitary ware?
As with any product, you usually judge the quality of sanitary ware by the quality of the raw materials used for it. This directly affects the lifespan of the product or how long it can be used. Additionally, you can measure quality in terms of the benefits or features of these products.
- DURABLE: Whether you prefer ceramic, acrylic, marble, fiberglass, or another type of bathroom fixture, you need to look at the quality and finish of the raw materials used. You need a durable product with a finish that won’t fade or crack.
- Thicker glaze: Glaze is the glass-like surface coating that makes sanitary ware waterproof and protects it from chemicals. Generally speaking, the thicker the glaze layer, the longer its life. Also, the more the fixture is used and cleaned, the faster the glaze will wear away.
- Intense Color: Color or overspray is done before glaze. The thicker the color applied, the less the edges will fade and the color will be uniform throughout the item.
- Water Conservation: Some toilets have weak flushing capabilities, which can cause problems with plumbing. Find out if the toilet can do its job with one or more flushes.
- EASY TO CLEAN: These do not require high routine care maintenance.
- Choose the right design and size:
- P-trap or S-trap toilet
- Single or double-hole basin
- Shower room right door or left door
- Right or left side of the tub
Last but not least, no matter where in the world there are good and bad suppliers. In order to ensure everything goes smoothly, please pay attention to check the quality before loading, and make some marks on the package, in case it is replaced by a bad one, remember to supervise the loading container, confirm the quantity, and avoid damage.
3) How to find a bathroom purchasing agent?
To make the importing process relatively easy, especially if you are importing sanitary ware from China for the first time, you can engage the services of a purchasing agent to connect you with their trusted manufacturers. Hiring a bathroom buying agent will save you time and effort. They can help you find the right suppliers, manage quality control and logistics, and more importantly, negotiate lower prices and better payment terms.
Like Chinese suppliers, there are good and bad Chinese sourcing agents. To find the right one, you’ll need to do some research. Your best China sourcing agent will know your product or product category, have a solid understanding of China’s business culture, be experienced in quality control and sourcing processes, and be experienced in managing Chinese suppliers and international buyers. Most importantly, they should have a good service attitude and a sense of responsibility.
You may face difficulties when importing products from China, especially on the first try, but these difficulties outweigh the difficulties in finding the right sourcing agent and ultimately the right Chinese supplier for your sanitary ware benefits and cost savings.
8. Conclusion
Due to reasonable prices, high quality, complete product range, novel design, and technological innovation, China has become the largest export manufacturer of bathroom accessories in the world. It is a brilliant idea to start planning to import bathroom accessories from China, save money, and get high quality, the perfect balance of price and quality. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact Nicemoco.
Mirrors: Mirrors are optional but very important. You may use it while grooming or for any other purpose you see fit. The size of the mirror and its placement from the washbasin is a personal preference. Many people like to mount it on the wall about 1.6 inches from the sink or shower pan.