A trade fair lets you meet dozens of suppliers or customers in a few days. To make the trip useful and avoid bad surprises, here are a few precautions before, during and after the fair.
For information only, up to date as of 2 November 2026. The rules for entering a country change often: always check them on the official websites mentioned, just before you leave.
1. Before you leave
- The entry badge: most major fairs are reserved for professionals. Register in advance on the fair's official website and read its entry conditions (proof of professional status, price). The official website is given on each page of our trade fair calendar.
- Entering the country (visa): the rules change often. Check them before you buy your ticket, on the website of the embassy of the country you are visiting and with your own country's foreign ministry. To come to France: France-Visas, the official website for visas to France. French travellers going to Asia: the country page on Conseils aux voyageurs (French Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in French).
- The dates: avoid the big festivals, when factories and offices close. See Closures in 2027: dates to plan for in your orders and Calendar of Asian festivals: China, Vietnam, Thailand.
- Your list: write down what you are looking for (products, quantities, target price) and the exhibitors you want to see. The list of exhibitors is usually on the fair's website.
2. Introducing yourself
- Bring business cards in two languages: in French or English, and in the language of the country.
- Prepare a few simple sentences, and keep a written record of every exchange. See Writing to a foreign partner: 7 simple rules.
3. At the fair: check before you commit
- A stand does not prove that a company really exists. Before you order, check it in the official registers of its country: see Checking that a foreign company really exists and Protecting yourself from international trade scams.
- Do not pay anything on the spot to a company you do not know (deposit, paid samples…). See Paying without being cheated: 8 checks before every payment.
- Get what is promised in writing (price, lead times, quality) and state which law will apply if there is a problem: see Contract with an Asian company: which law applies?
4. Bringing back or receiving samples
- In your luggage, samples go through customs like any other product; some are prohibited or restricted. See Bringing back products from Asia: what gets through, what is seized.
- By post, a small parcel from Asia may cost extra fees: see Small parcels from Asia: €3 customs duty, then a €2 fee (2026).
5. After the fair
- Write quickly to the contacts you selected, reminding them where and when you met.
- Before any order, check again, and follow Orders and deliveries: protecting yourself.
- Passerelle France-Asie can also put you in touch with verified companies: see How we verify each company.
Official sources (checked on 02/11/2026): France-Visas (official website for visas to France); Conseils aux voyageurs (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs); official websites of the fairs (see our calendar).
General information, not legal advice. Check with the official source before deciding.