Can the factory refuse to release tooling if we change suppliers?

The agreement should obligate cooperation for relocation with packing standards, timelines, and remedies if release is delayed.

How do we prevent premature wear?

Specify steel grades, cycle-based PM, spare inserts, and a passport log; require CAPA and factory-paid rework when at fault.

Should the agreement be bilingual and governed by Chinese law?

Yes—bilingual EN/中文 with Chinese law & venue and the company chop generally improves enforceability in Mainland China.

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China Tooling (Mold) Agreement | Ownership, Maintenance & Relocation

Q: Who owns the mold if the factory included it in the price?

Ownership must be explicit. The agreement should vest title at first payment, engrave a unique ID, and attach a photo exhibit.

Tooling (Mold) Agreement (EN/中文)

In toys, the mold is the product. A bilingual Tooling Agreement locks ownership, IDs, maintenance, access, relocation, scrap, and remedies-so you can scale, change factories, and protect IP without drama.

Get the Tooling Agreement Template

Ask us to draft & file it

Updated October 29, 2025 • Pairs with your NNN and Manufacturing Agreement.

Why you need a Tooling Agreement (not just a PO)

What a Tooling Agreement covers

Definitions: molds, inserts, electrodes, fixtures, gauges, 3D files.
Costs & payment: milestones, acceptance tests, amortization (if any).
Ownership & marking: "Property of Buyer", unique ID, asset tag, photos.
Access & custody: custodian named; audit & inspection rights.
Preventive maintenance: cycle/time schedule; spare inserts/parts.
Storage & environment: anti-rust, humidity/temperature ranges.
Change control: ECN for steel-safe/texture/cavities; approval before machining.
Relocation: crate/ship SOP; hand-over docs; re-commissioning & FAI.
Loss/damage & insurance: coverage, deductibles, repair/replace SLA.
End-of-life/scrap: de-identification; destruction proof; return option.
Confidentiality: CAD/prototypes protected (NNN referenced).
Law/venue & language: bilingual EN/#X; Chinese law & venue.

Ownership, IDs & documentation

Title vests at first payment; no factory lien.
Engrave "Property of Buyer", unique ID, project code, cavity count.
Exhibit with photos (open/closed), steel type, hot runner, spare list.
Tool passport: cycle counter, PM/repair dates, resin & colour history.

Maintenance, access & records

Access: buyer/rep may inspect with reasonable notice.
Records: custodian shares PM/repair logs on request.

Change, move & storage

ECN process for steel mods, textures, or cavity changes; buyer approval first.
Relocation: crate/protect/ship; release letter; re-commission and FAl at destination.
Storage: protected racks, rust inhibitor, covers; no third-party use without consent.

Loss/damage, insurance & remedies

Insurance: buyer named insured; value = build cost + reasonable replacement.
Remedies: repair/replace SLA; liquidated damages if ship window is hit.

End-of-life, scrap & de-identification

Buyer decides toL; factory cannot scrap/sell without written approval.
For scrap: remove IDs, destroy critical faces; provide date-stamped photos & disposal receipt.
Option to return tooling to buyer/warehouse for future runs.

Confidential drawings and CAD remain protected by your NNN Agreement.

How to use the Tooling Agreement (7-step workflow)

Quote — align steel, cavities, hot runner, texture; acceptance tests & timeline.
Draft — fill bilingual template; attach tool drawings, passport, PM plan, relocation SOP.
Sign & chop — legal rep + red company chop; verify license.
Build - TO/T1/T2 shots; record cycle counts; update passport.
Approve - FAI + golden sample; engrave ownership/ID.
Run - PM at intervals; share logs; ECN for any repairs/mods.
Move/EoL — follow relocation or scrap SOP with proof.

Download the bilingual Tooling (Mold) Agreement

Protect ownership and uptime-IDs, maintenance, relocation, insurance, and scrap proof built into one enforceable document.

Get the Tooling Agreement Template

Book a 30min Consult

FAQs

Who owns the mold if the factory “included it in the price”?

Can the factory block tool release if we switch suppliers?

Who pays for repairs—factory or buyer?

Bilingual and Chinese law—really necessary?

What access do we have to inspect tooling?

When is the mold “accepted”?