Video + legal flowchart
Chinese Supplier Shipped Defective Goods. What Should You Do?
Use this flow before arguing with the supplier, accepting a partial refund, or spending money on CIETAC arbitration or PRC court action.
True video asset
37-second defective goods remedy explainer
Recommended route
Map the forum before spending legal fees
CIETAC, PRC court, asset preservation or settlement each has a different cost curve.
If the supplier denies the defect, disappears, or keeps delaying, the next step is a fixed-scope route map: forum, claim value, evidence gaps, Chinese legal entity, assets, likely cost and whether a demand letter can still settle the case.
Evidence file
Defect notice is in play
Defect severity
Material quality problem
Supplier response
Denial, delay or silence
Dispute forum
Arbitration route likely
Related resources
Part of the China legal knowledge base
Knowledge base
China Legal Knowledge Base
Flowcharts, free tools, legal guides and CIETAC case insights organized by legal task.
Free self-check tool
China Supplier Dispute Checker
Structure defective goods, non-delivery, refund refusal and CIETAC clause problems before legal spend.
Legal guide
Defective Goods Legal Guide
CISG and PRC Civil Code guide for foreign buyers dealing with defective or non-conforming goods.
2026 pricing guide
Supplier Dispute Cost Guide
Fixed-fee route map for demand letters, CIETAC arbitration, PRC court litigation and settlement leverage.
Can I reject defective goods from a Chinese supplier?
Sometimes, but the answer depends on the defect severity, contract terms, inspection timing, notice evidence and the governing law or dispute clause. Preserve evidence before declaring rejection.
Should I file CIETAC arbitration immediately?
Usually no. First map the evidence, claim value, supplier assets, forum clause and settlement leverage. A demand letter or structured cure plan may be more cost-effective than filing immediately.
What evidence matters most?
Photos, videos, inspection reports, batch numbers, purchase orders, payment records, packaging, delivery records, defect notices and all supplier admissions or refund promises are usually critical.