Can overseas buyers purchase directly on 1688? Is there an official cross-border entry? in detail
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.
Dear friend,
Welcome! This letter sets out what you need to know, plainly and in order.
Official entries
| Entry | What the official page shows | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-border site | Page title "跨境专供" (cross-border supply), with image search | |
| 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) | |
| Overseas app | "1688 Global" on  Google Play |
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.
Sources for this letter
Wishing you good business,
The mouwise team
Checked 2026-10-26
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