Sourcing gloves from China: what to know
Reviewed guide · updated 15 Sept 2026This guide summarizes practical points for sourcing gloves from China using SupplySpark’s supplier directory for glove manufacturers. The directory lists 143 suppliers, of which 92% have independent evidence such as registry, customs or reviewed records. Use the data below to set realistic expectations on MOQs, services, certifications and where suppliers are concentrated.
Where to look and common clusters
SupplySpark data shows glove suppliers are concentrated in several inland and coastal cities, with Hangzhou (17 suppliers) and Nanjing (12 suppliers) among the top locations. In our experience, buyers sourcing performance or fashion gloves will find different strengths by cluster: textile and knit operations tend to be near Zhejiang provinces around Hangzhou, while industrial and protective glove capabilities are distributed across broader manufacturing hubs. Most listed companies are dual-role businesses; 109 are classified as Manufacturer & Trader, 19 as Manufacturer only, and 15 as Trader. That mix affects how much factory control and direct capacity you can expect.
MOQ, sampling and lead-time realities
Published MOQs on SupplySpark are skewed toward low-volume orders: of 112 suppliers who publish MOQs, 70 (about 63%) list 50 units or fewer, 14 (12.5%) list 51–200, 16 (14%) list 201–500, nine (8%) list 501–1,000, and three (3%) list over 1,000. Several public profiles show MOQs as low as 1 unit, and 98 suppliers advertise sampling services. Based on directory patterns and industry practice, expect sample lead times to typically be 1–4 weeks and production runs to typically take 4–10 weeks depending on complexity, finishing and seasonal backlog.
Certifications and performance testing
Buyers commonly request social, management and product-level certifications that appear on the directory. The most frequently held certifications among listed glove suppliers include amfori BSCI (56 suppliers), ISO 9001 (54), Sedex/SMETA (26), Global Recycled Standard (24), ISO 14001 (19), WRAP (16), OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (15) and ISO 45001 (8). In addition to those, buyers typically ask for product performance testing such as EN/ASTM cut and abrasion ratings, food-contact compliance, or chemical resistance tests depending on end use, and this should be specified in the tech pack.
Cost drivers and negotiation levers
Primary cost drivers are materials (leather, knit yarns, coated nitrile, PU), construction complexity (seaming, lining, reinforcements), surface treatment and certification/audit costs. Service model data shows custom-design (118 suppliers), OEM (105) and ODM (90) are widely available, so design complexity and tooling affect price. Negotiate on batch size, graded pricing for larger runs, freight terms and inclusion of lab testing in the quote. Because many suppliers are Manufacturer & Trader, confirm whether quoted lead times and capacity reflect in-house production or subcontracts.
Vetting and logistics practicalities
SupplySpark indicates a high rate of verifiable suppliers, with 92% independent evidence, which reduces initial risk but does not replace due diligence. Use sampling options (98 suppliers offer sampling) to confirm construction and performance before scaling. Request copies of listed certifications and recent audit reports, and ask for factory photos and production flow details. For logistics, specify Incoterms up front; sea freight from China is typically the lowest-cost option for full containers while air is used for urgent smaller shipments, but transit times and customs documentation should be clarified with the supplier and your freight forwarder.
Questions to ask before you sample
- What is your MOQ for this glove style and size mix, and can you confirm that you published MOQs of 50 or fewer in similar SKUs (70 of 112 suppliers publish 50 or fewer)?
- Can you provide current copies of relevant certifications and audits such as amfori BSCI, ISO 9001, Sedex/SMETA, GRS or OEKO-TEX, and dates of the last inspections?
- Do you offer samples, what is the lead time and cost, and will sample production reflect production tooling and construction (98 suppliers advertise sampling)?
- Where is the product manufactured, are you a Manufacturer, Manufacturer & Trader or Trader, and can you provide factory photos, production capacity and reference orders?
- Which product performance tests will you perform (for example EN/ASTM standards relevant to cut resistance or chemical resistance) and who issues the test reports?
- What are your standard lead times for a first production run and for repeat orders, and how do lead times change with order quantity?
- What Incoterms do you price on, what are typical freight options and estimated land or sea transit times from your facility to my port?