What law and venue should I pick?

For a toy manufacturing contract you usually want Chinese law and a Chinese venue, with a bilingual EN/中文 document, so that the agreement is enforceable where the factory, assets and evidence are located.

Do I still need an NNN if I have a Manufacturing Agreement?

Yes. The NNN protects your confidential information and buyer list before and during early talks. The Manufacturing Agreement takes over once you move into production, covering price, AQL, timelines, tooling and penalties.

Can I ship if a few tests are still pending?

Ideally shipments only leave once all critical safety tests pass. If you ever allow shipping with tests pending, the Manufacturing Agreement should define when this is allowed, who carries the risk and what happens if a late failure occurs.

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China Manufacturing Agreement for Toy Brands (EN-中文)

Q: What AQL should I use?

Most toy brands start from strict AQL levels such as Critical 0, Major 2.5 and Minor 4.0, then adjust by risk and retailer requirements. The chosen AQL and defect classes should be written clearly into the manufacturing contract.

Q: What if a line change is needed mid-run?

Line changes and design tweaks should run through a documented change-control process in the contract, with ECN forms, sign-offs, new golden samples and clear rules on who pays for scrap, rework and retesting.

China Manufacturing Agreement (EN/中文）

Your Manufacturing Agreement is the playbook for production in China. It turns quotes into binding obligations-price, AQL, timelines, penalties, tooling ownership, labeling, and corrective actions-so launches ship on time and pass compliance.

Get the MFG Agreement Template

Ask us to draft & file it

Updated October 29, 2025 • Pair with your NNN Agreement for pre-production protection.

What a China Manufacturing Agreement covers

Scope & specifications (drawings, BOM, color/finish, packaging, manuals-via Exhibits).
Pricing & payment (currency, deposit/balance triggers, surcharge rules, cost-down/commodity clauses).
Incoterms & logistics (FOB/EXW/DDP, hand-over point, cartons, palletization, booking windows).
Quality plan (AQL levels, defect classes, inline/final inspections, rework obligations)
Timeline (EVT/DVT/PVT gates, lab test booking, golden sample lock, ship window, penalties for delay).
Tooling & IP (ownership, storage, access, preventive maintenance, non-use/non-sell, scrap with proof).
Change control (ECR/ECN process, sign-off trail, effectivity date, stock disposition).
Compliance & labeling (EN 71/ASTM F963/62115, chemical limits, markings, tracking labels, DoC/CPC).
Social & security (BSCI/SMETA/SCAN/CTPAT if required by your customers).
Remedies & penalties (reject/rework/replace, chargebacks, liquidated damages, warranty terms).
Governing law & venue (bilingual; CN law/venue common for enforcement).

Why a PO isn't enough: PO-only vs. Manufacturing Agreement

Pricing models & Incoterms (pick the right combo)

Tip: Align Incoterms with your sourcing region and retailer booking windows.

Quality plan, AQL & CAPA

Defect classes & sampling

Controls to put in the contract

Inline + final inspections with measurement sheets and photo logs.
Golden sample + color standard (Pantone/Lab) and texture chips locked before mass run.
CAPA (root cause, fix owner, due date, verification run).
Hold & disposition rules for non-conforming stock; who pays rework and re-inspection.

Tooling & IP (protect your molds and code)

Ownership stays with buyer; unique ID engraved; listed in an Exhibit with photos.
Storage & maintenance log; access on request; no third-party use without consent.
Non-use/non-sell of overruns/rejects; scrap procedure with dated proof when EOL.
Firmware/App code escrow or delivery at milestones; avoid lock-in via proprietary tools.
Pre-production is covered by your NNN Agreement.

Tip: If you want solid terms to protect your tooling, check our Free Tooling Agreement.

Samples & timeline

EVT → DVT → PVT gates with entry/exit criteria.
Lab testing plan booked at DVT (EN 71/ASTM/62115/EMC/chemicals).
Golden sample lock and first article (FAI) sign-off pre-mass run.
Ship window with liquidated damages for late hand-over (grace days optional).

Compliance, labeling & documents

Markings and statements (CE/UKCA, age grade, warnings, tracking labels, battery marks).
Technical File / CPC / DoC responsibilities and retention.
Packaging legal text areas, barcode specs, Amazon SIOC/ISTA (if applicable).
Ethical/social/security audits as required by customers (BSCI/SMETA/SCAN/CTPAT).

How to use the agreement (7-step workflow)

Quote - align specs pack & RFQ; freeze assumptions.
Draft — fill bilingual template; attach Exhibits (specs, BOM, QC plan, tooling list, packaging, schedule).
Negotiate — clause-by-clause; agree penalties and AQL.
Sign & chop — legal rep signature + red company chop (verify license).
Kickoff - EVT build plan, material ordering, lab booking calendar.
Control - inspections + CAPA; change control via ECN forms.
Close - shipment docs, test reports, and tooling inventory updated.

Need region/factory guidance? Ask about our sourcing atlas and vetted maker list.

Download the bilingual Manufacturing Agreement

Turn quotes into enforceable production terms-price, AQL, timelines, penalties, and tooling ownership—so you ship on time.

Get the MFG Agreement Template

Book a 30-min consult

FAQs

What law/venue should I pick?

Do I still need an NNN?

What AQL should I use?

Can I ship if a few tests are pending?

What if a line change is needed mid-run?