Can You Bring a Translator to the October Canton Fair?

The 140th Canton Fair allows you to bring a translator, but Chinese mainland translators cannot simply enter the exhibition halls by following overseas buyers. They must apply in advance for an "Overseas Buyer Companion" badge. According to the latest regulations released by the Canton Fair, companions are categorized into "Translators" and "Assistants," and applications must be initiated by the overseas buyer directly through the official Canton Fair website.

Can Translators Attend the Fair with Overseas Buyers?

Yes.

If overseas buyers need a Chinese translator during the Canton Fair, they can apply for one qualified Chinese translator as a companion.

Once the translator obtains the corresponding companion badge, they can enter the exhibition hall with the buyer in accordance with badge regulations to assist with on-site communication.

Therefore, for overseas buyers who do not speak Chinese, or whose procurement involves complex communications regarding mechanical equipment, technical parameters, or furniture and building material specifications, arranging a translator in advance is entirely feasible.

However, translators and buyers have different attendee statuses; you cannot assume that because the buyer has a badge, an accompanying translator can automatically enter the exhibition hall.

Who Applies for the Translator's Badge?

The application must be initiated by the overseas buyer.

Official regulations for the 140th Canton Fair stipulate that companions cannot initiate applications themselves. Returning buyers can apply for companions directly; new buyers must first complete their own pre-registration and buyer badge application before they can apply for companions.

Therefore, if you plan to bring a Chinese translator to the exhibition, it is best not to wait until both parties are standing at the entrance of the exhibition hall.

Buyers should confirm their translator candidate in advance and then submit the application according to the official system requirements.

What Qualifications Does a Translator Need?

If the application status selected is "Translator," official rules require the submission of corresponding translation qualification certificates.

Accepted certificates announced for the 140th session include the China Accreditation Translators Association (CATTI) certificate, the National Accreditation Examinations for Translators and Interpreters (NAETI) certificate, or a foreign language major graduation certificate from a higher education institution in the Chinese mainland.

This means that not just any Chinese companion who happens to speak English or another foreign language can directly apply for a badge under the "translator" status.

If the actual person does not meet the translation qualification requirements, you cannot simply equate "someone who can help me communicate usually" with meeting the official Canton Fair conditions for translator badge processing.

Can You Apply on the Opening Day?

This is not recommended.

Official regulations for the 140th session require companion applications to be submitted at least 2 natural days in advance. For example, if you plan to enter on October 15, the application must be submitted no later than October 13. Applications also require review by the organizers, so processing them at the last minute may disrupt your original exhibition schedule.

For buyers who have confirmed they need a translator, the safest approach is to arrange it as early as possible once your China itinerary is confirmed.

How Many Companions Can One Buyer Bring?

According to the latest regulations of the 140th Canton Fair, each overseas buyer can apply for a maximum of two companions per phase, including at most one translator and at most one assistant.

Buyers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as buyers holding Chinese passports, can only apply for assistants and cannot apply for translators. When procurement teams arrange multiple companions, they cannot assume that all accompanying personnel can enter under the same status.

The badge fee is 300 RMB per day, plus a 50 RMB card-making fee; activated badges are non-refundable.

Actual applications shall be subject to the Official Announcement of the 140th Canton Fair.

How Easysail Can Help

Easysail China is based in Foshan and regularly assists overseas importers and project buyers attending the Canton Fair as well as subsequent procurement trips in Guangzhou, Foshan, and the Pearl River Delta.

If you need procurement accompaniment during the Canton Fair, we can confirm whether you need general itinerary assistance or professional product communication translation support based on your product list and communication needs, and remind you to complete the corresponding companion procedures in advance according to the current official requirements of the Canton Fair.

For machinery, equipment, furniture, building materials, lighting, bathroom fixtures, and multi-supplier procurement projects, Easysail can also continue to assist with post-fair factory inspections, supplier communications, and procurement coordination.

If you are preparing to attend the Canton Fair and need to arrange Chinese procurement accompaniment, you can send your exhibition dates and procurement list to Easysail China in advance to contact us.