Cross-border selling · Sign before you send the files
China supplier NNN before sampling
A non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention agreement is the paperwork that protects the specs you send to a new supplier.
Key facts
| When to sign | Before sharing CAD, specs, supplier lists, pricing or customer data |
|---|---|
| Core clauses | Confidentiality, non-use, non-circumvention, term, return or destruction of materials |
| Language | A Chinese-law version may be needed to enforce the agreement locally |
| Cost | Seller-reported legal review commonly runs a few hundred dollars; get written quotes |
| Not legal advice | Have counsel review the agreement before signing |
| Community evidence | Sellers ask about NNN timing, language and cost in 2026 sourcing threads |
Sign before you send the files
The order of operations matters. An NNN signed after the sample arrives protects less than one signed before the CAD files leave your computer. The agreement should define what is confidential, what the supplier may not do with it, and what happens when the relationship ends.
Non-circumvention is the clause that stops the supplier from going around you to your customer or your other suppliers. It only works if the agreement identifies the parties and the protected relationships clearly.
What a China NNN should cover
Look for six things: a clear definition of confidential information, a non-use obligation, non-circumvention, a term that covers the product lifecycle, return or destruction of materials, and a governing-law and dispute forum that can actually hear the case. A Chinese-language version is often necessary for local enforcement; an English-only contract can be harder to use.
Budget for review by counsel who works with Chinese suppliers. The cost is small relative to the value of the design and the supplier relationships the agreement protects.
Frequently asked questions
When should I sign an NNN with a Chinese supplier?
Before sharing CAD files, specifications, supplier lists or pricing. Signing after the sample arrives leaves the most sensitive information unprotected.
Does the agreement need to be in Chinese?
A Chinese-language version is often necessary for local enforcement. A bilingual agreement with a clear governing-law clause is common; have counsel review it.
How much does a China NNN cost?
Sellers report a few hundred dollars for review, but quotes vary with scope and counsel. Get a written quote before sending files.
Is an NNN a substitute for due diligence?
No. It is a contract, not a verification of the supplier. Check the business licence, factory evidence and references as a separate exercise.
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