How to import technology from China safely

China makes most of the world's payment terminals, tablets, displays and biometric devices. For Pakistani businesses, buying direct from the factory can mean better prices and newer models. It also comes with real risks: suppliers who disappear, products that fail certification, and nobody to call when a device stops working. These five checks will protect you before you pay anyone.

1. Verify the supplier is a real manufacturer

Many online listings belong to trading companies that resell someone else's product. That is not always bad, but you should know who you are dealing with. Ask for the business licence and check that the registered company name matches the bank account you will pay. Ask how long they have made this exact product, and request photos or a video call from the production line. A genuine factory can also tell you its monthly capacity and minimum order quantity without hesitation.

2. Confirm the certifications your sector needs

Certifications are not paperwork for its own sake: they decide whether your device will be accepted by your bank, telecom operator or regulator. Payment terminals typically need PCI PTS and EMV approvals, and acquirers may ask for scheme approvals from Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay. Biometric devices used for KYC must meet the standards your bank or telco specifies. Always ask for the certificate number and verify it on the issuing body's public list, not just a PDF from the seller.

3. Test samples before you commit

Never place a bulk order from a datasheet. Order one or two sample units and test them in real conditions: your network, your software, your staff. Check battery life over a full shift, printer speed, screen visibility in sunlight, and how the device behaves after a drop. Write down exactly which hardware version you approved, and make sure the bulk order matches it.

4. Protect your payment

• Pay only to a corporate bank account in the supplier's registered company name, never to a personal account.
• Avoid paying 100% upfront. A deposit with the balance due after inspection is common practice.
• Arrange a pre-shipment inspection for larger orders, by your own team or a third-party inspector.
• Keep every agreement in writing: specifications, delivery date, warranty and penalties.

5. Plan for after-sales before you need it

The real cost of a device includes the years after delivery. Who will repair it in Pakistan? How quickly do spare parts arrive? Will the supplier push firmware and security updates? Agree on warranty terms, spare-part stock and support response times before you order, and know who your local point of contact is.

Importing with a partner

You can do all of this yourself, and many companies do. Others prefer one accountable partner who handles verification, sampling, shipping, customs and local support. That is the role TechWise Global plays as the China-Pakistan Technology Corridor: factory direct, enterprise ready and compliance focused.