In international trade, even seemingly simple transactions can carry hidden risks. When buyers are thousands of kilometers away, issues such as missing goods, delivery discrepancies, or supplier evasion can severely impact business operations. This is why having professional legal support in China is crucial for overseas buyers.

Case Background

An Indian food manufacturing company placed an order with a Chinese supplier for a large batch of bulk packaging materials, which were urgently needed for their production line. The order terms were clearly defined, including product quantity, specifications, and shipping arrangements. The supplier committed to delivering the full order within the agreed timeframe.

However, upon receiving the shipment, the client discovered that approximately 20% of the goods were missing, significantly affecting their production schedule. When the client raised concerns, the supplier blamed logistics companies and external factors, refusing to take responsibility or provide compensation.

Facing operational pressure and financial losses, the client turned to our company for legal assistance.

Our Response and Legal Actions

Upon receiving the client's request, our legal team acted immediately. Within 24 hours, we initiated a comprehensive review of the entire transaction process, including:

• The signed purchase contracts

• Official shipping documents and bills of lading

• Customs clearance records

• Communications between the buyer and supplier

Through detailed analysis, we gathered conclusive evidence showing that the shortage occurred before shipping, making the supplier fully liable.

Our experienced lawyers drafted a formal legal notice to the supplier, clearly stating:

✅ The supplier’s contractual obligations
✅ The evidence proving the short shipment
✅ The legal consequences of breach of contract under Chinese commercial law

We combined strong legal arguments with professional negotiation strategies, emphasizing both the urgency of the situation and the client's willingness to resolve the dispute amicably.

Outcome

Thanks to our rapid response and effective legal intervention, the supplier admitted their fault and agreed to:

✔️ Refund the value of the missing goods within one week
✔️ Cover part of the client's additional logistics costs
✔️ Provide written confirmation to avoid similar issues in future cooperation

The client's production schedule was maintained, and potential financial losses were avoided. The Indian buyer expressed strong appreciation for our team's professionalism, efficiency, and ability to protect their interests despite the cross-border challenges.

Conclusion

This case once again demonstrates the importance of reliable local legal support when doing business in China. Our legal team has extensive experience handling trade disputes, including issues of:

✔️ Missing or short-delivered goods
✔️ Quality inconsistencies
✔️ Supplier non-responsiveness
✔️ Contractual breaches

We are committed to safeguarding the rights of international buyers, providing fast, professional, and effective solutions to complex trade disputes.

If you are experiencing similar problems with suppliers in China, contact our legal experts today. Let us help you protect your business, minimize losses, and ensure smooth international trade operations.