As an innovator or entrepreneur looking to turn a design or prototype into a product, you may be in search of an original equipment manufacturer, or OEM. Original equipment manufacturing (OEM) refers to the parts built by a company that are later used to create a tangible product. Original and genuine, OEM products help businesses stand out from the competition.

Understanding Original Equipment Manufacturing/OEM

There are many misconceptions associated with OEM, so it’s important to break down the basics. Original Equipment Manufacturing/OEM are parts that are fully designed by your company before they are sent to a manufacturer for production. Sometimes referred to as the official or genuine parts, OEM may also involve a company producing parts that can later be used and/or marketed by another manufacturer as part of an end product.

A benefit of OEM is the unique offering as well as the business’s total creative control over the product’s parts, so long as they copyright their intellectual property.

Popular Types of Original Equipment Manufacturing/OEM

OEM parts are common in certain industries and across individual products, including:

• OEM automotive parts (OEM for cars, airplanes, and other vehicles)
• OEM for electronics (including smartphones, laptops, and tablets)
• OEM for computer software
• Engines that go in airplanes and other vehicles
• OEM for fashion accessories (i.e., zippers)
• OEM for toys and games
• OEM for pet products
• … and many more!

Benefits of Manufacturing and Sourcing Original Equipment Manufacturing/OEM from China

Every company’s goals when manufacturing a product is different. While some prefer to use existing templates and products and make their own adjustments (this is the Original Design Manufacturing/ODM route), others prefer to start with originals from the ground up. The only limitations for OEMs are a company’s innovation and budgetary constraints. Just some of the benefits of OEM manufacturing and sourcing in China include:

• OEM products are distinctly unique to the manufacturer
• Companies retain complete creative control over OEM products
• Companies that secure copyright for their IP retain exclusive rights over OEM products
• OEM in China offers the opportunity to work with reputable, high-level factories with the best possible terms
• … and many more!

What China Sourcing International Offers for Original Equipment Manufacturing/OEM

Partnering with China Sourcing International for OEM parts and products gives companies access to our wide range of services, including:

• Logistics for OEM
• Terms and Cost Negotiations for OEM
• Consolidating and Warehousing OEM parts
• CAD Drawing and 3D Modeling OEM parts and products
• Sourcing and Manufacturing for OEM
• Product Engineering Recommendations for OEM
• Inspection and Quality Control Manufacturing
• Molding and Tooling OEM parts
• Factory Audits
• IP Protection for OEM parts
• Crowdfunding Consultations
• OEM parts and product Photography and Videography
• Original Design Manufacturing (ODM)
• Project Management and Consulting
• Trading and Purchasing OEM supplies

Why Choose China Sourcing International for Original Equipment Manufacturing/OEM?

China Sourcing International is a sourcing and manufacturing company based out of Hong Kong and China. We have worked with all types of clients for OEM, including SMEs and MCS, distributing our products across 47 countries to date.

Our goal with OEM is to help clients transform their concepts into realities. We deliver high-quality products at low cost with fast turnaround times to give clients a competitive advantage. From product design and engineering to sourcing suppliers and materials to logistics, warehousing, and shipping, China Sourcing International is here to be your all-in-one partner for OEM.

For any questions about sourcing, manufacturing, and importing original equipment from China, please contact us today.

OEM Manufacturing FAQs
for China & Hong Kong

What is Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM)?

Unlike ODM, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) refers to the process where a company designs and develops a product, and then contracts another company to manufacture it. The manufacturer produces the product based on the company’s original equipment specifications, and the company retains ownership of the design and intellectual property.

How do I protect my intellectual property (IP) when working with an OEM in China or Hong Kong?

Work with a reputable China sourcing agent like CSI, and we will help you with Intellectual Property Protection (IP). We recommend registering your trademarks and patents in China, as the country operates on a “first-to-file” system. Additionally, we can help you draft comprehensive Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Non-Compete Clauses (NNNs) with your OEM partner.

What are the typical minimum order quantities (MOQs) for OEM products?

MOQs can vary depending on the manufacturer and product type. Generally, larger OEM orders may lead to lower per-unit costs. It’s essential to discuss and negotiate MOQs with potential OEM partners to align with your business needs. Call 1-888-915-1060 to speak with our China sourcing consultants.

Can I make design changes to an OEM product?

While OEM involves manufacturing products based on your design, some manufacturers may offer limited customization options.

How do I ensure product quality when sourcing from China or Hong Kong?

When sourcing from China, the best way to ensure product quality is to work with an experienced China sourcing agent like CSI. Our agents are multi-lingual and capable of assuring consistent quality standards are met throughout the design, manufacturing, shipping, and logistics stages. Call us at 1-888-915-1060 to learn more or Request a Quote.

How can I assess the reliability of an OEM manufacturer?

An experienced sourcing agent like CSI can help you conduct thorough due diligence, vetting manufacturers in China for proper certifications, references, and reliability. We conduct extensive audits to provide valuable insights into their operations. OEM manufacturers in China must meet our requirements for pricing, MOQs, quality of materials, ethical practices and reasonable turnaround times. Call CSI at 1-888-915-1060 to learn more or visit our Chins Sourcing Process page.

What should I include in a contract with an OEM manufacturer in China?

To ensure a successful partnership with a manufacturer in China, your OEM agreement must define key details like product specs, cost structure, delivery schedules, IP ownership, quality standards, and how disputes will be handled. Need assistance drafting or reviewing your contract? Give us a call at 1-888-915-1060.

Are there specific industries where OEM manufacturing is particularly advantageous?

OEM manufacturing fits perfectly in sectors such as automotive, electronic components, and apparel, where businesses rely on exclusive designs and require full control over their product lines. This approach lets companies utilize expert production resources without the need to build or manage their own manufacturing infrastructure.

How do I navigate import regulations for OEM products?

Partnering with a seasoned sourcing firm like CSI can streamline your import process. Our multilingual team understands the complexities of international trade, from handling documentation and tariffs to ensuring full regulatory compliance. We also collaborate closely with customs professionals to help your shipments clear efficiently and on time.

Call China Sourcing International at 1-888-915-1060 to learn more about OEM manufacturing in China, or Request a Quote.