Published: 10 November 2026
Short answer: The Canton Fair phases split the fair by product. For the 141st session, Phase 1 (Advanced Manufacturing, 15–19 April 2027) covers electronics, machinery, vehicles, lighting and tools. Phase 2 (Quality Home Life, 23–27 April) covers housewares, gifts and decorations, building materials and furniture. Phase 3 (Better Life, 1–5 May) covers toys and baby products, fashion, home textiles, stationery, and health and recreation.
This guide helps buyers from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines choose the right Canton Fair phases for their range, and flags the local product rules worth checking before you order. For venue, transport and registration, see the Canton Fair 2027 guide.
Canton Fair phases and product categories (141st session)
The official website lists 13 product categories and 54 exhibition sections for the 141st session. The table groups the 13 categories by phase, following the layout of recent sessions.
| Phase and dates | Theme | Product categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: 15–19 April 2027 | Advanced Manufacturing | Electronics & Appliance; Manufacturing; Vehicles & Two Wheels; Light & Electrical; Hardware & Tools |
| Phase 2: 23–27 April 2027 | Quality Home Life | Housewares; Gifts & Decorations; Building & Furniture |
| Phase 3: 1–5 May 2027 | Better Life | Toys & Children Baby and Maternity; Fashion; Home Textiles; Stationery; Health & Recreation |
However, the organiser can move individual sections between phases, so check the floor plan in the official Buyer Guide before you fix your travel dates.
Phase 1: electronics, machinery and tools
The first phase suits distributors of consumer electronics and appliances, factories looking for machinery and spare parts, and buyers of lighting, electrical goods, hardware, tools and two-wheelers.
- Who should go: electronics and appliance brands, hardware distributors, workshops and manufacturers.
- Check before ordering for Indonesia: wireless devices such as routers, smart lights and Bluetooth products need telecommunication device certification, and many electrical appliances fall under mandatory SNI.
Phase 2: home, gifts and building materials
The second phase is all about home and living. In addition to kitchenware and housewares, it brings together ceramics, home décor, seasonal gifts, furniture and building materials.
- Who should go: home-living retailers, gift and souvenir businesses, interior contractors and furniture stores.
- Check before ordering: bulky items such as furniture change your freight cost per unit sharply, so calculate container loading early.
Phase 3: consumer goods for families and lifestyle
The third phase covers everyday consumer goods: toys, baby and maternity products, fashion, shoes and bags, home textiles, office supplies and stationery, and health and recreation products.
- Who should go: fashion labels, baby-care and toy retailers, marketplace sellers and stationery distributors.
- Check before ordering for Indonesia: toys need SNI, while cosmetics, food and many personal-care products need BPOM registration before they can be sold.
How to choose your Canton Fair phases
- Start from your product list, then match each product to a category in the table above.
- If your range spans two phases, plan around both. For example, use the days between Phase 1 and Phase 2 for factory visits in the Pearl River Delta.
- Check the regulations in your market first, because a product you cannot import legally is not a good find.
- Book flights and hotels early, since Guangzhou is busy during every phase.
Visit the right phase with AsiaCommerce
Our China business trip is planned around the phases that match your products. After the fair, our team can check regulations, buy and ship your goods to Indonesia, Malaysia or the Philippines through the import procurement solution. For product rules in Indonesia, read the import licence guide.
Canton Fair phases FAQ
How many phases does the Canton Fair have?
Three. Each spring and autumn session is split into three five-day phases, each with its own product groups.
Which phase is best for electronics?
Go to Phase 1, Advanced Manufacturing, held from 15 to 19 April 2027.
Which phase is best for furniture and home décor?
Choose Phase 2, Quality Home Life, which runs from 23 to 27 April 2027.
Which phase is best for toys, fashion and baby products?
For these products, visit Phase 3, Better Life, from 1 to 5 May 2027.
Sources: Canton Fair official website (141st session phases and categories, checked 10 November 2026); Canton Fair Buyer Guide.