Your Legal Rights When Chinese Goods Are Defective

Under the PRC Civil Code and Chinese Contract Law (合同法), a seller must deliver goods that conform to the agreed specifications, quality standards, and samples. When they fail to do so, you have the legal right to:

See our China supplier recovery guide for a complete explanation of the legal process from evidence gathering to enforcement.

  • Reject the goods and demand a full refund
  • Accept the goods at a reduced price (partial refund)
  • Demand replacement goods conforming to specifications
  • Claim consequential damages caused by the defects
  • Recover your inspection and shipping costs

The challenge: Chinese suppliers know that international buyers face high barriers to enforcing these rights. A formal legal demand from a licensed PRC attorney changes that calculation immediately.

Common Defective Goods Scenarios We Handle

  • Products fail to meet agreed technical specifications
  • Goods don't match approved pre-production samples
  • Safety or certification standards not met (CE, FDA, etc.)
  • Wrong dimensions, colors, materials, or quantities
  • Products fail inspection by a third-party QC inspector
  • Hidden defects discovered after delivery and use
🇩🇪
€94,000 Recovered

German auto parts distributor received 5 containers failing quality certification. Supplier refused refund, claiming buyer's inspection was flawed. Shanghai arbitration (SHIAC) ruled in our favor in 73 days. Full refund plus legal costs recovered.

Evidence That Wins Defective Goods Cases

  • Purchase order with detailed product specifications
  • Approved pre-production sample records
  • Independent third-party inspection report (SGS, Bureau Veritas, etc.)
  • Photos and videos of the defects
  • Correspondence where you raised the issue with the supplier
  • Failed lab test results or certification rejections

No third-party inspection? We can advise on arranging one — even after goods have been received.

How We Pursue Your Defective Goods Claim

Defective Goods Dispute Questions

Can I get a refund for defective goods from a Chinese factory?
Yes. Under the PRC Civil Code and Chinese Contract Law, a buyer has the right to reject non-conforming goods, claim a refund, and seek compensation for losses. The key is documentation: purchase order, specifications, inspection report, and evidence of the defect. We assert these rights through demand, arbitration, or litigation.
My Chinese supplier says the defects are my fault — what can I do?
This is a common supplier tactic. Chinese contract law requires the seller to deliver goods conforming to agreed specifications. If you have a purchase order, sample approval, or written specifications, the burden falls on the supplier. We handle disputed quality cases regularly — contact us for a free assessment.
What evidence do I need for a defective goods claim?
The most helpful evidence: purchase order with specifications, photos/videos of defects, an independent inspection report, and correspondence where you raised the issue. Even without a formal inspection, we can often build a strong case — contact us to discuss your specific situation.
How long does a quality dispute claim take?
Many quality disputes settle within 4–8 weeks through demand and negotiation. If arbitration is needed, CIETAC and SHIAC typically issue awards within 3–6 months. We target the fastest resolution path that maximizes your recovery.

Other China Trade Dispute Recovery Services

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