Interactive legal flowchart
Free China NNN or NDA Flowchart
Answer 4 questions before sending designs, samples, molds, specs or supplier lists to a Chinese factory, sourcing agent or trading company.
Video-style explainer
35-second NNN decision walkthrough
Scene 1
A foreign buyer is ready to send designs.
CAD files, samples, molds, specs or buyer lists can create leverage for the factory before the first purchase order is signed.
Recommended route
Use a China NNN agreement
The risk is use, disclosure and circumvention in China.
If a Chinese factory, sourcing agent or trading company sees your designs, molds, samples, specs, supplier list or buyer list, a Western NDA is usually too narrow. You need Chinese-law non-use, non-disclosure and non-circumvention obligations written for enforcement in China.
Information to share
Technical or product assets
China-side recipient
Factory, agent or trading company
Transaction terms
Disclosure stage only
Counterparty verified
Chinese legal name known
Related resources
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Knowledge base
China Legal Knowledge Base
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China NNN Agreement Drafting
PRC-law NNN drafting for foreign buyers sharing designs, samples, molds or supplier lists.
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China Contract Review
Review payment, IP, quality, delivery, jurisdiction and enforcement risk before signing.
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Trade Secret Damages and NNN Playbook
Recent PRC trade secret damages and practical lessons for foreign manufacturers.
Is an NDA enough before I send designs to a Chinese factory?
Often no. If the Chinese side may use the design, pass it to another factory, or bypass you, the document should include non-use, non-disclosure and non-circumvention obligations under a China-focused structure.
When do I need both an NNN and a manufacturing contract?
Use the NNN before disclosure. Once you are negotiating price, production, molds, inspection, payment or delivery, add a supply, OEM or manufacturing agreement.
Why does the Chinese legal name matter?
The document should bind the actual Chinese company receiving the information. A trade name, English name or sales contact may not identify the enforceable counterparty.