How to Source and Import Faucets and Showers from China

Have you ever wondered how to source and import faucets and showers from China? We have compiled a complete step-by-step guide for global importers on how to source and import faucets and showers from China. We hope that we can help point you in the right direction after reading this article.

China has become the global powerhouse for faucet and shower manufacturing, supplying an estimated 70% of the sanitary hardware products in the world. China offers a unique combination of manufacturing scale, skilled labor, raw material availability, and competitive pricing. If you’re a wholesaler, retailer, e-commerce seller, construction developer, or project contractor looking to import bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, understanding the full sourcing and import process is essential to reduce risk and maximize profit.

This in-depth guide will take you through each step of the faucet and shower importation journey, from identifying top suppliers and product categories to negotiating pricing, customizing products, ensuring compliance, managing shipping, and clearing customs.

Note: The content listed are not ranked in any particular order.

Disclaimer: The company names, founding dates, and addresses are sourced from publicly available information online.

Please note: This article is not exhaustive. There may be other reputable faucet manufacturers in China worth considering.

Table of Content

• Understanding the Faucet and Shower Market in China
• How to Find Reliable Faucet and Shower Suppliers in China
• Key Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Supplier
• How to Customize Faucets and Showers for Your Market
• Quality Control and Inspection
• Shipping and Logistics
• Legal and Regulatory Considerations
• Cost Breakdown and Profit Calculation
• FAQs

Understanding the Faucet and Shower Market in China

China is the leading manufacturer of faucets and showers in the world, with several major industrial hubs. Kaiping in Guangdong is renowned for high-quality brass faucets and exports to premium markets. Foshan offers integrated sanitary ware solutions including showers, toilets, and tiles—ideal for buyers needing complete bathroom packages. Meanwhile, Wenzhou and Ningbo in Zhejiang specialize in cost-effective and stainless steel products, catering to diverse international demands.

The Chinese market covers a wide range of product categories such as kitchen faucets (e.g., pull-down, sensor types), bathroom mixers, thermostatic shower systems, and bidet sprayers. These products are available in various finishes and features to suit different market segments, from basic economy models to high-end smart systems.

Common materials include brass for durability, 304/316 stainless steel for eco-friendly or lead-free applications, and zinc alloy for budget products. To meet global market standards, Chinese suppliers often provide certifications such as CE, UPC/cUPC, WRAS, SASO, and WaterMark, ensuring compliance with destination countries’ plumbing and safety regulations.

Top Manufacturing Regions

The top faucet and shower manufacturing regions in China include Kaiping Shuikou (Guangdong), known as the “Plumbing Capital of China” for its high-end brass faucets and export-oriented factories; Foshan (Guangdong), which offers integrated sanitary ware solutions ideal for complete bathroom packages; Chaozhou, located in eastern Guangdong Province, is a major hub for the ceramic sanitary ware industry in China; Wenzhou (Zhejiang), focused on mid-range, cost-effective products; and Ningbo (Zhejiang), recognized for stainless steel kitchen faucets and modern shower designs, especially for eco-conscious markets.

Shuikou, Kaiping, Guangdong

Kaiping, Guangdong often referred to as „China’s Plumbing Capital,” Kaiping, especially Shuikou town, is home to over 2,000 faucet factories. It specializes in high-end brass faucets and is known for its strict adherence to international quality standards.

Kaiping City in Guangdong Province is one of the largest clusters for the plumbing and sanitary ware industry in China, known as the “Hometown of Plumbing Faucets and Sanitary Ware in China.” Its core area, Shuikou Town, is nationally renowned as a major hub for bathroom hardware. Since its inception in the 1980s, Kaiping has leveraged its overseas Chinese resources and manufacturing foundation to gradually develop a complete industrial chain—from raw material processing and valve core manufacturing to faucet assembly. Today, it hosts over 1,000 sanitary ware-related enterprises, with an annual output value exceeding tens of billions of RMB. Its products are exported to markets in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and beyond, making it a bellwether of China’s sanitary ware industry.

Kaiping sanitary ware industry develops in parallel through OEM/ODM manufacturing and proprietary brands, particularly excelling in brass faucets, thermostatic showers, and smart sanitary ware. Local enterprises such as JinDing, Huayi, CAE, and Caizhou not only possess advanced electroplating technology and precision casting processes but also offer customized production that meets international standards (such as CUPC, WRAS). Kaiping faucets are renowned for their high cost-performance and durability. High-end brass valve cores and lead-free eco-friendly faucets are especially competitive in the global market, attracting OEM partnerships with international brands like American Standard, Delta, Kohler, Noken and Moen.

Kaiping has formed an integrated industry ecosystem of production, academia, research, and sales. It is supported by the International Plumbing and Sanitary Ware Purchasing Center and a national-level quality inspection center and regularly hosts industry expos. In recent years, the local government has promoted industrial upgrades, encouraging companies to transition toward intelligent and green manufacturing, such as adopting automated production lines and eco-friendly electroplating technologies. In the future, Kaiping plans to further expand its global market share through branding and digitalization, reinforcing its position as a core base of sanitary ware manufacturing in China.

Foshan, Guangdong

Foshan, located in Guangdong Province, is widely recognized as the ceramic capital of China and one of the world’s leading centers for tile production. With a rich heritage in ceramic craftsmanship, the city has developed a highly mature and competitive ceramic tile industry, supported by over 3,000 related enterprises. Foshan’s ceramic tiles are known for their innovation, quality, and aesthetic diversity, ranging from polished porcelain and glazed tiles to large-format slabs and digitally printed designs.

The city’s core production areas, such as Chancheng, Nanzhuang, Nanhai and Xiqiao have formed complete supply chains that include raw material processing, tile pressing, firing, glazing, packaging, and logistics. Foshan’s manufacturers continuously invest in advanced technologies such as inkjet printing, nano-coating, and environmentally friendly production methods. As a result, their products meet global standards and are widely exported to Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Foshan also hosts major trade events like the China International Ceramic & Bathroom Fair, attracting buyers, architects, and designers from around the world. The local government actively supports industry innovation and transformation, promoting smart manufacturing, sustainable development, and brand globalization. Today, Foshan’s ceramic tile industry not only leads domestic trends but also plays a critical role in shaping global ceramic markets.

Chaozhou, Guangdong

Chaozhou, located in eastern Guangdong Province, is a major hub for the ceramic sanitary ware industry in China, especially known for its large-scale production of ceramic toilets. With a history rooted in traditional porcelain craftsmanship, Chaozhou has developed into a specialized manufacturing base focusing on toilets, basins, and other ceramic bathroom products. The city is home to thousands of small to medium-sized factories that offer both OEM and ODM services at competitive prices.

The industry in Chaozhou features streamlined production capabilities that include mold design, ceramic casting, high-temperature kiln firing, glazing, and quality inspection. Manufacturers here are particularly strong in producing water-efficient toilets, dual-flush systems, and compact designs suited for both domestic and overseas markets. Many factories hold certifications such as CE, WaterMark, and cUPC, enabling their products to meet the requirements of export markets in Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.

Chaozhou sanitary ware sector benefits from a flexible supply chain, allowing for low minimum order quantities and fast lead times—ideal for emerging brands and e-commerce sellers. The local government has encouraged factory modernization, including the adoption of energy-saving kilns and smart production lines. As a result, Chaozhou continues to grow as one of China’s most important production bases for cost-effective and export-ready ceramic toilets.

Wenzhou, Zhejiang

Known for mid-range and cost-effective faucet solutions, with large output capacity and strong export experience.

Ningbo, Zhejiang

Strong in stainless steel products, especially pull-out kitchen faucets and minimalist shower sets. Suitable for markets focused on eco-friendly materials.

If you would like to know more about the top faucet manufacturers in China, please refer to the page Top 20 China faucet manufacturers approved in 2025.

Popular Product Categories

• Kitchen Faucets: Pull-down, pull-out, single handle, sensor-based
• Bathroom Faucets: Basin mixers, wall-mounted, waterfall types
• Shower Systems: Rain showers, handheld combos, thermostatic systems
• Bidet Sprayers and Shower Panels

Common Materials

• Brass: Durable, corrosion-resistant, preferred for premium markets, such as H59 Brass, European Standard Brass, Lead-free Brass, Low-lead Brass, DR Brass.
• Stainless Steel (304/316): Hygienic and lead-free, ideal for modern kitchens and eco-conscious buyers.
• Zinc Alloy: Lower cost but prone to corrosion—used for budget markets or temporary installations.

PS:

According to „EU Drinking Water Directive Policy (materials positive list)”, the current brass alloys CW617N (Rod and Hot Forging) and CB757S (Casting) are not included in the positive list, so they will not be used anymore since 2027. The brass alloys in the positive list are low lead contenent (0.1%) (such as CC771S).

JinDing is the only and very few faucet factories that is capable of producing faucets with the latest European standard brass and now producing brass components (body & valve) with the new material CC771S, which meets EU Drinking Water Policy.

Certification Requirements

• CE is required for EU countries to meet health, safety, and environmental standards.
• NSF/UPC is required in the U.S. and Canada to certify potable water systems.
• WaterMark is required for plumbing products in Australia.
• WRAS in UK compliance for water fittings.
• WELS is short for Water Efficiency Labeling Scheme in Singapore, compliance with water plumbing.
• SASO is required for exports to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

How to Find Reliable Faucet and Shower Suppliers in China

To find trustworthy faucet and shower suppliers in China, start with popular B2B platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China.com, and Global Sources, where verified manufacturers often list certifications and factory profiles. For buyers with Chinese language skills or sourcing agents, 1688.com offers access to lower domestic prices. These platforms allow filtering by experience, export history, and response rate to screen potential suppliers effectively.

Offline sourcing remains powerful for serious importers. Attending major trade shows like the Canton Fair in Guangzhou or the KBC Expo in Shanghai provides direct access to hundreds of faucet and shower manufacturers. Visiting factories—especially in Kaiping or Foshan—offers valuable insights into production lines, quality control processes, and management capabilities. In-person engagement also helps build trust for long-term cooperation.

Understanding the type of supplier is key. OEM manufacturers support custom designs and branding, while ODM suppliers offer ready-made models for private labeling. Trading companies offer convenience and product variety but may add cost and reduce manufacturing transparency. Regardless of the type, ensure suppliers provide certifications, export licenses, and audit reports to minimize risk and ensure compliance with your target market standards.

Online B2B Marketplaces

• Alibaba offers a wide array of suppliers, Trade Assurance, and supplier verification filters. Ideal for both small and large volume orders.
• Made-in-China.com features certified suppliers, factory audits, and a useful inquiry management system.
• Global Sources is popular with professional buyers looking for high-end manufacturers.
• 1688.com is the local Chinese wholesale platform with highly competitive prices. Best used through sourcing agents or with basic Chinese language skills.

Offline Sourcing Methods

• Canton Fair (Guangzhou) is held twice a year, this is China’s largest trade fair and showcases faucet and shower suppliers from across the country.
• Shanghai KBC Expo (Kitchen & Bath China) – Specialized in kitchen and bathroom products with an emphasis on modern design.
• Factory Visits are essential for verifying production capacity, testing facilities, and management standards for high-volume or long-term partners.

Choosing the Right Type of Supplier

• OEM Suppliers are capable of manufacturing based on your own designs and branding.
• ODM Suppliers offer ready-made product lines that you can rebrand with lower MOQs.
• Trading Companies are convenient for small orders or product variety, but with slightly higher prices and less control over manufacturing.

JinDing Faucet, established in 2014, is a China-based OEM & ODM manufacturer striving in R&D, production and marketing of mid-to-high quality sanitary faucets and showers for over 30 years, along with our inhouse Electroplating plant named Desheng located at Kaiping city. Tier One supplier for the major national and international brands with good reputation.

JinDing Faucet is one of the largest sanitary hardware production bases in China, we are mainly manufacturing medium and high quality bathroom faucets and kitchen faucets, including basin faucets for washbasin and bathrrom sink, shower faucets for shower room, bathtub faucets for bathtub and kitchen faucets for kitchen sink, along with advanced gravity die casting equipments, CNC machining equipments, grinding and polishing lines, automatic electroplating lines, assembly lines, our high quality faucets are selling well in more than 20 countries and regions around the world.

Supplier Vetting Tips

• Request factory audit reports (e.g., BSCI, ISO9001)
• Ask for export license and product certifications
• Video call walkthroughs of the production line

Key Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Supplier

When selecting a faucet or shower supplier in China, the first priority is to evaluate factory capabilities through audits or virtual tours. Key indicators include monthly production capacity, in-house CNC machining, quality control facilities (such as salt spray and leak testing), and partnerships with trusted component brands like Neoperl or Kerox. A capable factory should also have certifications like ISO9001 or BSCI and experience serving international markets.

Understanding the supplier’s MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and lead time is equally important. Standard MOQs for faucets typically range from 100 to 300 units, but some suppliers offer flexibility for repeat orders or catalog items. Lead times vary depending on customization and season but usually fall between 25–60 days. It’s crucial to clarify production timelines early to align with your sales or project schedules.

Price structure and trade terms are also critical to ensure cost efficiency. Suppliers may offer pricing based on EXW, FOB, or CIF terms. Requesting samples is highly recommended to evaluate quality, finish, packaging, and installation manuals. A reliable supplier should support technical documentation and provide responsive communication throughout the sourcing process, helping you reduce risk and secure a long-term partnership.

When choosing a faucet and shower supplier in China, it is important to check the aspects such as Factory Audit, Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and Lead Times, Pricing Terms and Sample Validating.

Below is Factory Audit Checklist

• Monthly output capacity (e.g., 10,000+ units)
• CNC machining capabilities
• Valve and aerator sourcing partners (Kerox, Neoperl, etc.)
• In-house pressure testing and salt spray testing equipment

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and Lead Times

• MOQ: Typically 100–300 units per model. Lower MOQs are possible for standard products.
• Lead Time: Varies from 25 to 60 days depending on seasonality, mold readiness, and customizations.

Pricing Terms

• EXW (Ex-Works): Buyer handles full logistics from factory.
• FOB (Free On Board): Factory delivers to port of loading, seller handles local costs.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Factory arranges ocean shipping up to your destination port.

Sample Order

• Ask for 2–3 production samples with final finish and packaging.
• Request technical drawings, dimension sheets, and installation manuals.
• Test for water flow, handle torque, valve quality, and finish durability.

How to Customize Faucets and Showers for Your Market

Customizing faucets and showers allows importers to align their products with local market preferences, increase brand recognition, and differentiate from competitors. One of the most common forms of customization is private labeling, which includes adding logos through laser engraving, creating branded packaging, and integrating QR codes, barcodes, or SKU labels suited for retail and e-commerce sales channels.

Design customization options are also widely supported by Chinese manufacturers. Buyers can submit CAD or 3D drawings to create unique faucet shapes, spout angles, or handle styles. Factories also offer flexibility in finish options such as chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, gold, and gunmetal to match market trends or bathroom aesthetics. Additional technical customization includes changes in aerators, water-saving features, and thermostatic components to meet regulatory or user needs.

Proper packaging and labeling are essential for both compliance and consumer satisfaction. Boxes must include product specifications, water pressure ratings, installation guides, and safety certifications like CE, cUPC, or WRAS depending on the destination country. With the right customization strategy, importers can create high-value faucet and shower products tailored for specific regions, customer demographics, or sales platforms.

Private Label Options

• Logo laser-engraving on faucet body or handle
• Custom packaging boxes, instruction manuals, QR codes
• Barcode labeling and SKUs for retail or online marketplaces

Design Customization

• Submit 3D or CAD drawings for unique body shapes or handles
• Adjust aerators, spout angles, or water-saving components
• Choose finishes: chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, gunmetal, gold, white, rose gold

Packaging and Labeling Compliance

• Ensure boxes list model name, materials, water pressure, flow rate
• Include user manuals, installation guides, warranty cards
• Follow destination country requirements (RoHS, Prop 65, CE labels, etc.)

Quality Control and Inspection

Quality control is essential when importing faucets and showers from China, as it helps prevent defects that could lead to leaks, customer complaints, or costly returns. Rigorous inspection ensures that the products meet both functional and aesthetic standards before they leave the factory, especially important for e-commerce and retail channels where customer satisfaction drives reputation.

Buyers often rely on third-party inspection companies such as SGS, TÜV Rheinland, and Intertek to perform quality checks at different stages. These include pre-production inspections (to verify raw materials), during-production (DUPRO) checks (to monitor assembly and finish quality), and pre-shipment inspections (to test water pressure, handle durability, surface finish, and packaging integrity).

Key benchmarks to evaluate include flow rate (typically 1.5–2.2 GPM for U.S. markets), salt spray resistance (24–96 hours depending on finish), and valve durability tests (100,000+ cycles). By maintaining strict quality control, importers can reduce risks, uphold brand credibility, and build long-term customer trust.

Why Quality Control Is Critical

Product defects can lead to safety issues, water damage, customer dissatisfaction, or returns,especially on e-commerce platforms. Here are some trusted third-party inspection companies.

• SGS – Global leader in inspection, testing, and certification.
• TÜV Rheinland – Known for German precision and strict testing.
• Intertek – Offers fast, reliable service and detailed reports.

Inspection Types and What to Check

• Pre-production: Raw materials and component sourcing
• During production (DUPRO): Valve and body assembly, finish process
• Pre-shipment (FRI): Leak test, surface check, functionality, packaging
• Flow rate: 1.5–2.2 GPM for faucets (U.S. compliance)
• Salt spray test: 24–96 hours depending on finish quality
• Handle cycle testing: 100,000+ cycles

Shipping and Logistics

Shipping and logistics play a crucial role in the faucet and shower import process. Choosing the right Incoterms—such as FOB (most common), CIF (ideal for beginners), or DDP (all-inclusive delivery)—helps clarify responsibility for costs, insurance, and customs procedures between buyer and seller.

Importers can choose between LCL (Less than Container Load) for small shipments and FCL (Full Container Load) for larger orders to optimize freight costs. For urgent or small-volume deliveries, air freight and courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) are convenient options, though more expensive.

Working with an experienced freight forwarder is essential to handle customs paperwork, calculate duties, and ensure proper HS code classification. Especially for sanitary ware, selecting a logistics partner familiar with plumbing products helps avoid delays and ensures smooth delivery from Chinese ports to your destination.

Shipping Incoterms:

• FOB is the most common and flexible
• CIF is safer for new importers without freight experience
• DDP can simplifies customs but with higher upfront cost

Shipping Options:

• LCL (Less than Container Load): For small shipments
• FCL (Full Container Load): For larger volume orders, cost-efficient
• Air Freight: Used for samples or urgent orders
• Courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS): Best for documents or small-value shipments

How to work with freight forwarders

Freight forwarders act as logistics partners who help manage the transportation of goods from Chinese factories to your destination. They coordinate shipping schedules, book cargo space, and ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared, including the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. This is especially helpful for importers unfamiliar with international logistics.

Choosing the right freight forwarder is essential. Look for companies with experience in handling sanitary ware or plumbing products, as they understand how to package fragile items properly and navigate country-specific import regulations. A good forwarder should also assist with HS code classification and calculating customs duties in your market.

Reliable forwarders offer flexible shipping solutions, including LCL, FCL, air freight, and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services. By working closely with a forwarder, you can save time, avoid delays at customs, and reduce overall logistics risk—ensuring that your faucets and showers arrive safely and on schedule.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Importing faucets and showers from China requires strict attention to legal documents and compliance with your destination country’s regulations. Essential import paperwork includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and relevant product test reports. Missing or incorrect documentation can lead to customs delays or penalties.

Each target market has its own certification standards. For example, the U.S. requires cUPC and NSF/ANSI 61, the EU mandates CE and REACH compliance, Australia requires WaterMark and WELS, and the Middle East often requires SASO or G-Mark. Ensuring your supplier can provide these certifications is key to clearing customs and gaining market access.

To protect your brand and product design, it’s also important to secure intellectual property rights both in your home country and in China. This includes registering trademarks and product designs, and signing NNN agreements (non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention) with suppliers. Taking these steps minimizes the risk of copycat products and strengthens your legal footing in international trade.

Required Import Documents List

• Commercial Invoice
• Detailed Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
• Certificate of Origin (FTA applicable?)
• Product Test Reports

World Market-Specific Certifications

• USA: cUPC, NSF/ANSI 61, ADA for accessibility compliance
• EU: CE + REACH compliance
• Australia: WaterMark + WELS registration
• Middle East: SASO, G-Mark

IP Protection Strategies

• Register brand name, logo, and product design in both your country and China (via CNIPA)
• Use an NNN agreement to protect designs and prevent factory from selling to competitors

Cost Breakdown and Profit Calculation

Calculating the total landed cost of importing faucets and showers from China involves several components: factory price, customization fees (such as logo engraving or packaging), freight charges, and import duties or taxes. For example, a typical unit might cost $15 at the factory, with $1.50 for branding and $2.50 for sea freight, leading to a final landed cost of around $22 per unit.

Profitability depends on your target market and sales channel. Wholesale buyers often price products at $40–$50, while e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Shopify may allow for retail prices of $69–$99, offering strong margins. Value-added elements such as bundling accessories, offering extended warranties, or eco-friendly features can further boost your pricing power.

To maximize profit, it is crucial to optimize packaging size for shipping efficiency, choose the right Incoterms (like FOB or CIF), and work with cost-effective freight forwarders. Monitoring each cost element carefully ensures you maintain healthy margins while remaining competitive in your market.

Below is an Example of Cost Structure (per unit)

• Factory Cost: $15
• Logo & Packaging: $1.50
• Sea Freight (per unit): $2.50 (based on 20ft container)
• Import Duty & Tax: $3
• Final Landed Cost: $22
• Selling Price Benchmark for Wholesale: $40–$50
• Selling Price Benchmark for E-commerce (Amazon, Shopify): $69–$99

Mistakes to Avoid When Importing Faucets and Showers

One common mistake is choosing suppliers without verifying their certifications or conducting proper factory audits. Without this due diligence, buyers risk receiving low-quality or non-compliant products that can lead to customer complaints, returns, or even legal issues in target markets.

Another frequent error is skipping sample orders and pre-shipment inspections. Relying solely on photos or supplier claims can result in defects going unnoticed until large shipments arrive, causing costly delays and damage to your brand reputation. It’s essential to test product samples thoroughly and perform quality inspections before finalizing bulk orders.

Finally, many importers underestimate the importance of understanding Incoterms, customs regulations, and import duties. Miscalculations in logistics costs or failure to comply with local standards can cause unexpected expenses or shipment holds at customs. Protecting intellectual property by registering trademarks and using legal agreements with suppliers is also critical to avoid counterfeit risks and safeguard your brand.

Please avoid below mistakes when importing faucets and showers from China

• Choosing suppliers without proper certifications or audit reports
• Not requesting product samples or pre-shipment inspection
• Ignoring Incoterms and miscalculating logistics costs
• Skipping customs compliance and underestimating import duties
• Failing to register trademarks or protect designs

Importing faucets and showers from China is a high-potential business opportunity if approached correctly. With thousands of factories, vast product options, and mature logistics infrastructure, China remains the top sourcing destination.

Before placing your first order, make sure to verify suppliers, inspect product samples, and understand your market’s legal requirements. Whether you’re starting a private-label brand, fulfilling B2B orders, or scaling an e-commerce venture, a well-researched import strategy will help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize profits.

For customized support, such as factory introductions or help with freight planning, consider working with a trusted sourcing agent.

FAQs