How to Apply for the October 2026 Canton Fair Invitation Letter

Overseas buyers attending the 140th Canton Fair in October 2026 can apply for an invitation letter through the Buyer Service System on the official Canton Fair website. The application path differs depending on whether you are a returning buyer who has previously attended the fair or a first-time buyer. The invitation letter can be downloaded or printed, but it is primarily used as proof of attendance, for visa applications, or corporate travel approval—it cannot replace the physical Buyer Badge used on-site.

Where to Apply for the Canton Fair Invitation Letter?

The official application portal is the Buyer Service System on the official Canton Fair website.

After entering the system, buyers need to log in with their account credentials. The Canton Fair has upgraded its former BEST system to the new Buyer Service System. Existing BEST users can log in using their previous credentials, while buyers without an account must register first.

The official Buyer Service System features a dedicated Invitation Application entry point. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to apply for a so-called "Canton Fair Invitation Letter" through unofficial third-party intermediary websites.

How Can Returning Buyers Apply?

For overseas buyers who have previously attended the Canton Fair in person and already have buyer records on file, the process is relatively straightforward.

After logging into the Buyer Service System:

• Navigate to "Invitation Letter"
• Open "My Invitation Letters"
• Select the option to apply for an invitation letter
• Verify your personal and company information
• Confirm and submit

Once the application is completed, you can view, download, or print the invitation letter on the "My Invitation Letters" page. Please note that the number of invitation letter applications may be limited by the system, and re-applying might invalidate previously generated letters. Avoid re-submitting repeatedly for minor errors; always refer to the official system prompts for the current session.

How Can First-Time Attendees Apply?

For overseas buyers attending the Canton Fair in person for the first time, the application workflow differs from that of returning buyers.

First-time buyers must first register an account in the Buyer Service System and complete their company and personal profiles. Then, proceed to the overseas Buyer Badge application page and complete the required information as prompted by the system.

During the official application process, when new buyers submit their Buyer Badge application, they can select "Generate invitation letter simultaneously" according to the page prompts. After submission, the invitation letter can be viewed, printed, or downloaded under "Invitation Letter — My Invitation Letters".

In short, first-time buyers should not look for a standalone "invitation letter application form." The official system integrates identity details, Buyer Badge applications, and invitation letter generation into a single process.

What Documents and Information Are Required?

The required information for the invitation letter application varies depending on the buyer's attendance history and profile status.

First-time overseas buyers need to complete their enterprise and personal profiles in the system. When applying for an overseas Buyer Badge, new buyers must fill in or verify company and personal information and upload valid ID documents and standard badge photos as required by the system. Returning buyers with existing profile records can retrieve and confirm historical information using their previous Buyer Badge or valid ID documents.

Pay special attention to the following details when filling out the forms:

• Ensure the name matches your valid passport or ID document exactly.
• State company name and country/region accurately.
• Use an active personal contact email address that can reliably receive messages.
• Review all information before submitting to avoid repeated re-applications due to errors.

Application eligibility and age requirements should strictly follow the latest instructions on the official invitation letter application page for the 140th Canton Fair.

Can the Invitation Letter Be Used Directly for a China Visa Application?

The Canton Fair Invitation Letter serves as supporting documentation proving an overseas buyer's intent to attend the fair in China. It can also be used for Chinese visa applications or internal company travel approvals.

However, buyers should note: the Canton Fair Invitation Letter is not a Chinese visa, nor does it guarantee visa approval.

Requirements may vary by country, visa type, and specific Chinese embassies or consulates. When preparing for a Chinese visa, always follow the latest official visa requirements published by the Chinese embassy or consulate in your region. Do not assume you meet all visa criteria based solely on holding a Canton Fair Invitation Letter.

What Is the Relationship Between the Invitation Letter and the Buyer Badge?

These two documents serve entirely different purposes.

The Invitation Letter is mainly used to prove the purpose of traveling to the Canton Fair and can be downloaded or printed.

The Buyer Badge is the physical entry pass used by overseas buyers to access the Canton Fair venue on-site. The official system provides separate access portals: "Invitation Application" and "Buyer Badge Application."

Therefore, even after obtaining an invitation letter, first-time overseas buyers must still complete the official application and pickup procedures for their Buyer Badge. Do not attempt to use an electronic invitation letter as an on-site entry pass.

Why Do Errors Common Occur During Application?

The most common issue is not failing to find the application portal, but rather mismatched account credentials and buyer profile data.

For example, returning buyers who previously attended the fair might register a brand-new account without linking their existing Buyer Badge; first-time buyers might try to apply without completing their required company and personal profiles; names might not match passport records; or buyers might generate new invitation letters repeatedly after noticing minor mistakes.

Because the official system retains historical buyer records, returning buyers should prioritize retrieving their original account or linking their existing Buyer Badge rather than creating duplicate identity records.

How Can Easysail China Assist You?

If overseas buyers face difficulties navigating the official system process when applying for the October 2026 Canton Fair Invitation Letter, Easysail China can help clarify official page instructions, application steps, and the distinction between the Invitation Letter and the Buyer Badge.

For sensitive identity verification involving passports, ID credentials, badge photos, and official account credentials, buyers must submit these directly through the official Canton Fair system. Easysail China does not collect, store, or submit sensitive personal identity documentation on your behalf.