The China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2026 is scheduled for 5 to 10 November 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, China. Hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal Government, CIIE is China’s national-level exhibition dedicated to imports, with country pavilions and business exhibition areas covering consumer goods, food and agriculture, medical equipment, technology and services.
Indian passport holders attending for trade generally apply for a China business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India. A CIIE registration or a buyer or exhibitor invitation supports the application.
The event
About China International Import Expo 2026
CIIE combines national trade delegations with a large business exhibition organised into themed areas. It brings together international suppliers with Chinese importers, distributors, retail groups and procurement bodies, and is supported by matchmaking and trade-promotion programmes.
For Indian exporters — in food and agriculture, engineered goods, healthcare products, chemicals and services — CIIE is a structured route into the Chinese import market, with trade-promotion support and buyer matchmaking around the event.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)
Shanghai, China
CIIE is held every November in Shanghai. Confirm the exact exhibition areas, registration process and daily opening hours on the official CIIE website. Shanghai accommodation is in very high demand during the event.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Consumer goods & lifestyle
Food, apparel, household and lifestyle products from national pavilions.
Food & agriculture
Agri-produce, processed food, beverages and ingredients.
Medical equipment & healthcare
Devices, pharma, diagnostics and healthcare services.
Technology, equipment & services
Industrial equipment, automotive, services and trade in services.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Meet Chinese importers, distributors and procurement bodies in one place, present products to a large import-focused audience, and use the event’s matchmaking programmes to open distribution conversations.
CIIE also gives Indian exporters a direct read on Chinese import demand — categories, standards, certification and the buying priorities of large Chinese retail and procurement groups.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official CIIE website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
China Business (M) Visa for China International Import Expo 2026
China requires Indian passport holders to obtain a visa before travel. Trade-fair and sourcing visitors generally apply for a business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India, supported by a fair registration or buyer invitation. China operates several visa-free and transit schemes that change frequently, so confirm whether any applies to your itinerary.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank visa pages
- Completed visa application form and a recent photograph
- Fair buyer registration or invitation confirmation
- Invitation letter from a Chinese trading partner, where available
- Confirmed air tickets and hotel bookings
- Indian employer’s covering letter and company proof
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the Chinese authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend CIIE from India?+
Indian professionals attending for trade and business generally apply for a China business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India.
Can the organiser provide a visa invitation letter?+
CIIE issues registration and invitation documents to overseas trade visitors and exhibitors, which support a business visa application. Check the current process on the official CIIE website.
Is CIIE open to the general public?+
CIIE is primarily a trade and business event; professional-visitor registration is required. Check the official website for current access rules.
Does event registration guarantee visa approval?+
No. Registration and invitation documents support the file, but the Chinese authorities make the final decision and processing times are not fixed.
How early should I apply?+
Apply as soon as your travel is confirmed. November is a busy period and both appointments and accommodation in Shanghai fill early.
