Can overseas buyers purchase directly on 1688? Is there an official cross-border entry?
Answer
There are official cross-border entries, but the official pages do not say whether an overseas individual can register and order directly. 1688 runs a cross-border site (global.1688.com, with image search) and a cross-border buyer services page listing enterprise sub-accounts and API ordering; its foreign-currency payment service ("跨境宝", no Chinese account needed) is marked "coming soon". There is an official Android app, "1688 Global". Payment is likely the main hurdle for buyers without a Chinese account.
- Applies to
- Overseas buyers who want to source from 1688, and Chinese sellers sourcing on 1688 for overseas clients.
Official entries
| Entry | What the official page shows | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-border site | Page title "跨境专供" (cross-border supply), with image search | global.1688.com (read 2026-10-26; script-rendered, little text) |
| Cross-border buyer services | "企业子帐号管理" (enterprise sub-accounts), "API接口自动下单" (API ordering), "跨境宝（待上线） 授信采购，外币扣款，无需国内账户支付" (credit purchasing, foreign-currency debit, no Chinese account needed — coming soon) | 1688 cross-border buyer services (full page read, no date) |
| Overseas app | "1688 Global" on Google Play | Store page (not opened) |
What to do
- Use image search on the cross-border site to see price ranges and minimum order quantities.
- Confirm how you can pay before ordering; the foreign-currency service says "coming soon", so don't assume it works.
- Before ordering, check the business licence using our "verify a Chinese supplier" steps, then place a small trial order.
Before you pay: checks and red flags
- Sourcing agents: ask whether they charge a percentage or a fixed fee, and whether inspection, storage and domestic freight are extra.
- Being asked to pay off-platform into a personal account is a red flag.
Unknowns
- Whether an overseas individual can register on 1688 and order directly: not stated in official pages.
- When the foreign-currency payment service goes live: no date given.
- 1688 Global membership terms: not read this round.
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