# How to Import Smart Locks from China: A Complete Guide for Wholesalers
China manufactures the majority of the world's smart locks, and for good reason: mature supply chains, the Tuya and TTLock app ecosystems, and factory-direct pricing that leaves healthy margin for importers. But sourcing the wrong model — or the wrong supplier — can burn an entire season. This guide walks you through the exact steps professional importers follow.
## Step 1: Know Which Smart Lock Types Sell in Your Market
Before contacting any supplier, decide what you're actually buying. The main categories:
- Fingerprint door locks — the volume driver in most markets; look for semiconductor sensors, not optical
- 3D face recognition locks — fastest-growing segment, strong in the Middle East and Southeast Asia
- Palm vein smart locks — a newer premium category with far less competition
- Hotel locks — RFID card + PIN models with management software for hospitality projects
- Glass door locks and rim locks — for offices, shops and outdoor gates
- Access control and time attendance — often ordered together with door locks for commercial projects
A good manufacturer carries all of these, so you can mix models in one shipment instead of juggling multiple suppliers.
## Step 2: Choose the Right App Ecosystem: Tuya vs TTLock
This single decision affects your after-sales workload more than any hardware spec.
- Tuya Smart — the largest global IoT ecosystem. Best if your buyers also sell smart home products, and essential for markets where customers ask for Alexa or Google Home integration.
- TTLock — built specifically for locks. Stronger for rental properties, Airbnb hosts and project buyers who need temporary passwords, eKeys and access logs at scale.
Most experienced importers stock models supporting both, and let the end customer's use case decide. Ask your supplier for a live app demo video before sampling.
## Step 3: Verify You're Dealing with a Real Manufacturer
The difference between a factory and a trading company is usually 15–30% of your cost. Verify with four checks:
1. Factory evidence — ask for production line photos, SMT workshop videos, or a live video call walk-through
2. Certifications — CE, FCC and RoHS at minimum; ask for the actual certificate numbers, not just logos
3. Business license — check the registered scope includes "manufacturing," not only "trading"
4. References — any serious factory can name export markets they already serve
If a supplier hesitates on any of these, move on. There are hundreds of qualified factories — you don't need to convince one.
## Step 4: Understand Realistic MOQ and Pricing
Typical wholesale ranges for quality smart locks from China:
- Basic fingerprint handle locks: US$25–50
- Fully automatic 3D face recognition locks: US$90–150
- Palm vein flagship models with camera display: US$130–180
Sample orders of 1–2 pieces are standard practice, and most factories accept trial orders of 10–50 pieces before a full container commitment. If a quoted price looks too good, it usually means recycled components — ask which fingerprint sensor and lock body motor are inside.
## Step 5: Plan Your OEM/ODM Customization Early
Even small importers can brand products. Common options:
- Logo laser printing on the lock panel (often free above a low MOQ)
- Custom packaging and manuals
- App interface branding
- Function adjustments: door thickness range, mortise type, voice language
Lock these details in writing before mass production, and always approve a "golden sample" first.
## Step 6: Shipping, Customs and Payment
- Incoterms : FOB is the standard choice; it keeps your freight forwarder in control
- HS code : smart locks are generally declared under HS 8301.40 — confirm the exact subheading with your customs broker
- Batteries : models with lithium batteries need UN38.3 documentation for air freight
- Payment : 30% deposit + 70% before shipment is the industry norm; use trade assurance or escrow for a first order with any new supplier
## Step 7: Lock Down Quality Control and Warranty
Ask three questions before paying a deposit: What is the defect rate allowance? How are DOA units handled? How long is the warranty (12–24 months is normal)? A factory confident in its quality answers these in writing without hesitation.
## Ready to Start?
At Doorkit , we manufacture the full range covered in this guide — fingerprint, 3D face, palm vein, hotel and glass door locks — with Tuya and TTLock support, CE/FCC/RoHS certified production and low MOQs for new partners.
Message us on WhatsApp at +86 199 7288 2153 for our latest wholesale catalog and price list. We reply within 12 hours.
### FAQ
Q: Do I need an import license to buy smart locks from China? In most countries, no special license is needed for door locks — a standard business registration and customs broker are enough. Confirm local requirements with your broker.
Q: Can I mix different lock models in one order? Yes. Most factories, including Doorkit, welcome mixed-model orders so you can test several categories in one shipment.
Q: How do I test quality before a bulk order? Order samples first, test app connection, unlocking speed and battery life for 2–4 weeks, and only then place the bulk order