Sourcing from Shantou Toys: The Ultimate FAQ

Hello there! I’m Tony, the founder of TonySourcing. Over the past decade, my team and I have spent countless hours in the heart of Chenghai, helping global buyers navigate the world’s most intense toy market.

If you are looking to import toys from China, you’ve likely heard of Shantou. But how do you actually buy from there without getting lost in the thousands of factories? I’ve compiled this Ultimate FAQ to give you the “insider’s blueprint” for sourcing like a pro.

#1 Why is Shantou (Chenghai) the world’s toy capital?

Shantou, specifically the Chenghai District, is the “Silicon Valley of Toys.” Unlike other regions, Chenghai has a complete vertical supply chain. Within a 5-mile radius, you have mold-making, plastic injection, chip programming, and packaging printing. This ecosystem allows Shantou to produce toys faster and cheaper than anywhere else on earth. If a toy is trending on TikTok today, Chenghai is already shipping it tomorrow.

#2 What are the top 5 toy categories produced in Shantou?

While Shantou makes everything, these five categories dominate the global market:

1. Building Blocks: High-precision bricks compatible with major brands.
2. Remote Control (RC) Toys: Drones, cars, and boats with the latest tech.
3. STEM & Educational: Science kits and interactive learning toys.
4. Summer & Outdoor: Water guns, bubble machines, and beach sets.
5. Pretend Play: Kitchen sets, tool kits, and doll accessories.

#3 How do I find a reliable toy factory in Shantou vs. a trading company?

It’s tricky because many trading companies call themselves “factories” online. Look for the Business License: a real factory’s scope includes “Manufacturing/Production,” while a trader says “Wholesale/Consulting.” Also, check for BSCI or ISO audits. At TonySourcing, we physically visit the shop floor to verify the assembly lines—don’t trust a website alone.

#4 What is a “Toy Showroom” in Shantou, and how do I visit one?

Shantou doesn’t use traditional wholesale markets like Yiwu. Instead, we have Massive Private Showrooms (like Hoton, Baoao, or Yaosheng). Imagine a 20,000sqm supermarket filled only with toys from 5,000+ different factories. You walk around with a scanner, scan the QR codes, and get a digital quote list. These are not open to the public; you usually need a local agent or an invitation to enter.

check related article <How is 9+ Shantou Toys Showroom?>

#5 Do I need a local sourcing agent to buy from Shantou?

If you are buying a full container from one single factory, you might go direct. However, for 90% of buyers, an agent is essential. Why? Because most factories don’t speak English, don’t handle export licenses, and only accept RMB. An agent like TonySourcing consolidates your goods, checks quality, and handles the mountain of paperwork required for customs.

Check About Shantou Agent Service.

#6 What safety certificates (CE, EN71, ASTM, CPC) are required for export?

Toys are the most regulated consumer product.

• Europe: Requires CE and EN71 reports.
• USA: Requires ASTM F963 and a CPC (Children’s Product Certificate). Never assume a factory has these. You must verify that the certificate is authentic and matches the specific product you are buying.

#7 What is the typical MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) for Shantou toys?

In Shantou, we don’t talk about “pieces”; we talk about “Cartons.” The standard MOQ is usually 3 to 5 cartons per item. Depending on the toy size, that could be anywhere from 24 to 144 pieces. If you want a lower MOQ, you usually have to buy “open stock” (ready-to-ship goods) with the factory’s original packaging.

#8 Can I customize my own brand (OEM/ODM) with Shantou manufacturers?

Absolutely. Shantou is the world’s OEM hub. You can do a “Simple OEM” (printing your logo on existing packaging) or a “Full ODM” (creating a new mold). For custom color boxes, the MOQ usually jumps to 1,000–3,000 pieces because that is the minimum the printing houses will accept.

#9 How do I arrange shipping and container consolidation from Shantou?

Most buyers source from 10–20 different factories. You cannot have 20 trucks going to the port! We collect all your orders at our TonySourcing Warehouse, perform a final QC check, and then load everything into one single container (FCL) or a shared container (LCL). We usually ship from Shantou Port (for convenience) or Shenzhen (for more frequent vessel schedules).

Ready to start your Shantou sourcing journey?

The toy market moves fast, and having a team on the ground makes all the difference.

Would you like me to send you our “Case study: how to buy 100+ SKUs toys from Shantou toys within 3 days” or get a quote for a specific toy category you’re interested in?