Last updated: 5 July 2026

In short: Can you buy from 1688.com as a Singapore importer?

Yes — but it takes some setup. 1688.com (pronounced “yi liu ba ba”) is Alibaba Group’s domestic Chinese B2B marketplace. It operates entirely in Mandarin, requires a Chinese Alipay account for payment, and does not support international shipping by default. However, Singapore and SEA importers can access it through three routes: using a freight forwarding agent in China, working with a sourcing agent (like Epic Sourcing), or setting up an account via a third-party access service.

For importers who get it right, 1688 offers factory-direct pricing 30–60% below what you’d pay on Alibaba for the same products.

What is 1688.com and why is it cheaper than Alibaba?

1688.com is Alibaba’s wholesale platform for the domestic Chinese market. Where Alibaba.com is designed for international buyers, 1688 serves Chinese retailers and small businesses buying from Chinese factories and wholesalers. Because the platform targets domestic buyers, suppliers don’t inflate prices for international margins — you get closer to true factory pricing.

Key facts:

• Over 10 million product listings across virtually every manufacturing category
• Minimum orders often lower than Alibaba (some from 1 unit)
• Prices in Chinese Yuan (RMB) — no international markup
• No Trade Assurance (unlike Alibaba) — buyer protection is limited
• All listings, supplier profiles, and reviews are in Mandarin

How do Singapore and SEA importers access 1688.com?

There are three practical routes for Singapore-based buyers:

Route 1: Use a sourcing agent

The simplest approach. A China-based sourcing agent (like Epic Sourcing) browses 1688 on your behalf, negotiates with suppliers in Mandarin, places orders, receives goods at their China warehouse, and arranges international consolidation and freight to Singapore. You send a product brief; your agent handles everything else.

Best for: First-time importers, complex products, large orders, or anyone who values time over DIY savings.

Route 2: Use a 1688 purchasing agent (daigou)

Platforms like Superbuy, Pandabuy, and CSSBuy act as purchasing agents — they buy from 1688 on your behalf, consolidate goods at their China warehouse, and ship internationally. You pay a service fee (5–10%) plus shipping.

Best for: Small orders, testing new products, or importers who want hands-on control but don’t speak Mandarin.

Route 3: Direct account setup

You can register a 1688.com account with a non-Chinese phone number (possible but difficult), use Alipay International, and browse with Google Translate. Some Singapore importers do this for ongoing buying relationships where they already know the supplier.

Best for: Experienced importers with existing Chinese supplier relationships.

Step-by-step: How to buy from 1688.com via a sourcing agent

How do you pay suppliers on 1688.com?

Payment on 1688.com runs through Alipay — China’s dominant digital payments platform. The challenge for Singapore and SEA buyers is that Alipay International has limited B2B functionality compared to the domestic Chinese version.

Options for international buyers:

• Via sourcing agent: Your agent pays the supplier in RMB via their Alipay account. You pay your agent in SGD, USD, or your local currency via wire transfer or PayPal. This is the most common approach.
• Alipay International (limited): Some buyers link an international card to Alipay International for small purchases, but B2B amounts are often restricted.
• Via purchasing agent platforms: Superbuy, Pandabuy etc. accept PayPal, credit cards, and international wire for their purchasing services.

Avoid paying 1688 suppliers directly via bank transfer to unknown accounts — there is no buyer protection equivalent to Alibaba Trade Assurance on 1688.

Is 1688.com safe for Singapore importers?

1688 is a legitimate Alibaba Group platform with millions of verified Chinese suppliers. However, buyer protection is lower than on Alibaba.com because it is designed for domestic Chinese buyers who have recourse through Chinese consumer law. For international buyers:

• Disputes are harder to resolve without Mandarin and Chinese residency
• There is no Trade Assurance escrow system
• Quality control is your responsibility

Risk mitigation strategies:

• Always order samples before bulk orders
• Use a pre-shipment inspection service (see: Epic Sourcing Quality Control)
• Work through a sourcing agent who has existing relationships with verified suppliers
• Pay via sourcing agent rather than directly to avoid fraudulent accounts

How does 1688.com compare to Alibaba for Singapore importers?

What are the best product categories to source from 1688 for Singapore importers?

1688 covers virtually all manufactured product categories. The categories with the highest value-for-money advantage over Alibaba.com for Singapore buyers include:

• Fashion accessories and jewellery
• Electronics components and accessories
• Homeware, furniture, and decor
• Packaging and printing
• Sports and fitness equipment
• Pet accessories
• Beauty tools and salon equipment

For a full guide on Singapore import duties and GST, see: Import Duty and GST from China to Singapore (2026).

FAQ: 1688.com for Singapore and SEA Importers

Can I use Google Translate to navigate 1688.com?

Yes — Chrome’s built-in translate function works reasonably well for browsing product listings and supplier pages. However, negotiating, reading contracts, and resolving disputes in Mandarin requires more than machine translation. For significant orders, work with a Mandarin-speaking sourcing agent.

Does 1688 ship directly to Singapore?

1688 suppliers are set up for domestic Chinese delivery. They do not typically arrange international freight. To ship to Singapore, you need a China freight forwarder or purchasing agent who consolidates goods from 1688 suppliers at a China warehouse before shipping internationally.

What is the GST on goods imported from 1688 into Singapore?

Singapore GST (currently 9%) applies on the CIF value (cost of goods + insurance + freight) of imported goods. There is no minimum threshold for commercial imports — GST applies from the first dollar. GST-registered businesses can claim GST back as input tax.

Is there a better alternative to 1688 for small Singapore importers?

For small orders or first-time importers, Alibaba.com offers better buyer protection and English-language support. For ongoing wholesale buying at scale, 1688 prices justify the extra setup. Another option is working with a sourcing agent who can access both platforms — and verify which offers better pricing for your specific product.

How does Epic Sourcing help Singapore importers use 1688.com?

Epic Sourcing’s bilingual China-based team browses 1688 daily for client projects. We identify and vet 1688 suppliers, negotiate in Mandarin, place orders using our Alipay accounts, conduct pre-shipment QC, and arrange sea or air freight to Singapore. Clients receive a landed cost breakdown in SGD before committing to production. Contact us to get started.

How Epic Sourcing helps Singapore and SEA importers source from 1688

1688.com is one of the most powerful sourcing tools available to Singapore importers — if you can navigate it. Epic Sourcing’s bilingual team in China gives you direct access to 1688 pricing without the language, payment, and logistics barriers.

We serve Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other SEA markets with end-to-end sourcing from China and Vietnam. Whether you’re buying 100 units from a single supplier or coordinating multiple factories for a large catalogue, we handle it.

Talk to our Singapore-focused sourcing team today.

Related reading: How to Import from China to Singapore: The Complete Guide | Import Duty and GST from China to Singapore | Alibaba vs AliExpress vs 1688: Which Platform Should You Use? | Best Products to Import from China to Ireland