These days so many people are so anxious, scared of the COVID-19 or novel coronavirus that’s quickly spreading around the world. It has already infected hundreds of thousands of people. While people who have recovered from the disease far outnumber the deaths, the number of infected people continues to rise.

People now have a new appreciation of medical protective gear like medical face masks to help prevent the spread of infection, and of medical devices like infrared thermometers that help detect infection. The demand for these items is so high that there appears to be a worldwide shortage at the moment.

So, where do you buy these face masks and infrared thermometers? Where else but China, of course.

1. Why purchase medical face mask and infrared thermometer from china

China is the world’s biggest supplier of medical/surgical face masks. Around half of the world’s face mask production comes from China. Before this epidemic, the country had a daily output of 20 million face masks, about 2.2 million surgical masks, and 600,000 N95 masks.

Understandably, production dipped at the height of the virus outbreak. With the worst appearing to be over for China for this coronavirus epidemic, medical supplies factories have since stepped up production to meet the growing global demand.

Now, you might ask, why would you buy these from China when the coronavirus originated from China? Can your shipment carry the virus?

With the lifespan of the virus on any surface probably hours to a day or two, experts from the Centers for Disease Control (US CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say that the risk of the virus being transmitted from a package is likely low.

2. What types of medical/surgical products can protect you from coronavirus?

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces the risk of transmitting infectious disease from an infected to a non-infected person. PPEs protect the wearer from airborne particles and liquid contaminating the face and body. PPE includes surgical masks, protective eyewear, gloves, plus shoe and headcovers.

The following are the most common medical protective gear and device used for protection from the coronavirus:

2.1 N 95 Respirators

Commonly used in healthcare settings, an N95 respirator is a “single-use,” disposable respiratory protective device that blocks at least 95% of tiny (0.3 micron) test particles when properly fitted. The N 95 respirator is usually worn by healthcare professionals during procedures to protect both patient and healthcare staff from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material.

Respirators come in various sizes and must be individually selected to fit the wearer’s face and to provide a tight seal.

2.2 Surgical Masks

A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable medical device that serves as a physical barrier between the nose and mouth of the wearer, and possible contaminants in the immediate surrounding.

When worn correctly, surgical masks help block large particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching the mouth and nose.

2.3 3-ply face mask

People confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should wear a face mask.

3-ply face masks help reduce the spread of viruses, germs, and bacteria. It prevents contamination of surrounding areas when a person coughs or sneezes.

The 3-ply face mask is composed of three layers, with each layer having specific functions. The outer layer is a hydrophobic layer that can repel water, blood, and body fluids. The middle filter is designed to filter bacteria, while the inner hydrophilic layer can absorb water, sweat, and spit.

2.4 Infrared thermometer

Also referred to as a “thermometer gun” because of how it’s held, the infrared thermometer has an infrared sensor that quickly measures the heat coming from the surface of a person’s body.

Lately, it has become a critical device for countries racing to contain viral outbreaks, like the current coronavirus outbreak.

Since using it doesn’t involve any body surface contact, the likelihood of cross-infection is slim, and neither disinfection nor disposable probe covers are needed.

2.5 Alcohol disinfectant

Removing germs like the coronavirus requires thorough cleaning followed by disinfection.

Alcohol kills most germs. Alcohol solutions with at least 75% alcohol are effective against coronavirus. Do not dilute the alcohol solution.

Alcohol is often used to disinfect small surfaces. It is generally safe for all surfaces but can discolor some plastics.

An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative if handwashing using soap and water is not possible.

2.6 Rubber gloves

Using gloves reduces the transmission of microorganisms between healthcare workers and patients, and vice versa. Gloves also help prevent the exposure of skin to chemicals, hazardous drugs, and cleaning agents.

Wearing gloves helps protect patients and health care professionals and staff from infection. They also help keep the hands clean, as well as lessen the chance of the wearer getting germs that cause sickness.

Healthcare workers have preferred using natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves for many years. The nature of the material lends itself to a fit, providing comfort for the user and allowing fine hand movement.

2.7 Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves are the most commonly used medical safety products in the healthcare industry to prevent cross-contamination between patients and medical staff. They are used by medical professionals when they process blood, bodily fluids, body tissue, mucous membrane, or broken skin.

Non-sterile disposable patient examination gloves, used for routine patient care in healthcare settings, are recommended for use in the care of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

2.8 Medical goggles

Medical goggles are highly-impact resistant spectacles with large shields and padding used as a barrier to protect the eyes from infectious droplets and, in some cases, from contact with infectious agents.

Healthcare professionals should be conscious in protecting their eyes, especially in infection-laden environments. In hospitals, the risk for infection can be higher due to the chance of splatter from blood or other bodily fluids.

Of course,since the COVID-19 is spreading around the world so fast, it’s important for the general public to  protect themselves better if they wear medical goggles when are out of home.

3. Where to purchase medical face mask and infrared thermometer in china

3.1 Alibaba

Known as the Amazon of China, Alibaba is the leading wholesale mobile marketplace for global trade. Almost every product imaginable is sold here. Hosting millions of merchants and businesses, the massive e-commerce site attracts hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

Since there’s bound to be thousands of sellers of medical supplies in Alibaba, you can narrow down your search to include only those with a “Verified” tag, indicating that the “seller is assessed, certified and/or inspected by SGS group.”

Also, if you want your medical supplies at the soonest possible time, click on the “Ready to Ship” tag to see sellers with supplies that are already available or on hand and ready to ship.

3.2 Xiantao: China’s main production center of masks

Xiantao is a city in Central China’s Hubei province known to be the country’s leading production center of face masks and a significant local medical equipment manufacturing base.

The city is a major industrial hub for non-woven products used in surgical masks. Among the manufacturers are Xiantao Yinhong Protective Products Co. Ltd, Hubei Safeway Protective Products Co., Xiantao Zhongtai Protective Products, to name a few.

To improve production capacity for medical supplies, Xiantao has mobilized the whole city and made arrangements to speed up the production of much needed medical supplies.

3.3 Sourcing agent

At this time, there’s an urgent need worldwide to source medical masks and infrared thermometers in large quantities. No one has the luxury of time to do thorough research on each supplier they read on a list.

The best and fastest way to find trusted suppliers is to hire a sourcing agent from China.

A sourcing agent will help you find quality face masks and infrared thermometers at the best factory price. Your sourcing agent will act as your representative in China, executing your orders and negotiating with suppliers and shipping companies, and taking care of needed documentation.

Experienced sourcing agents have dealt with many businesses over the years, so they know what suppliers can be trusted to fulfill production orders, and what shipping companies that can deliver on time. They’re also knowledgeable about government certifications, taxes, duties, and documents needed to make sure that you get your medical supplies delivered to you without much hassle.

Communicate often with your sourcing agent and be clear with what you want and don’t want about your orders and your suppliers.

4.How to buy medical face mask and infrared thermometer from China

4.1 Determine your requirements

Determine what you need to order. You need to have a product specification sheet, which is a document containing detailed information that lists your product specifications. Include details such as product description, product application, material, size, dimensions, color, quantity, parts (if any), and other physical attributes. It should also include product standards and compliance standards. Have an illustration of product front, back, top, bottom, sides (if any).

If you’re not clear with your supplier about your requirements, chances are, you will not be able to get what you need as the factory may make decisions for you based on cost savings on their part.

4.2 Contact reliable Chinese suppliers

Find reliable Chinese suppliers either through Alibaba, directly by contacting suppliers in Xiantao, or through a sourcing agent. (Refer to #3. Where to purchase medical face mask and infrared thermometer in China)

Pro Tip: Spare yourself a major headache by hiring a trusted sourcing agent in China who will do the task of checking out reliable suppliers for you.

4.3 Get quotations and confirm

When you’ve found a supplier for your medical masks and thermal thermometer requirements, request for price quotations. Negotiate price and terms of sale and terms of shipping, specifying your respective obligations, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods. Once all that’s done, confirm your order.

4.4 Pay and produce

Most Chinese manufacturers require a 30% downpayment upon placement of order.  You can pay either in cash, via Paypal, or credit card.  Only upon payment shall the manufacturer proceed with the production process.

4.5 Arrange your shipment

Importing goods is a complicated process, more so if it concerns medical supplies, which usually involves additional layers of government regulation. It’s essential to know the applicable laws in your country as well as the tariff classification. These determine the rate of duty of your goods.

Know your freight quote whether shipping is through air freight, sea freight or courier service. Check your freight documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, the bill of lading, among others.

Also, remember that international shipment takes time, so you need to make an allowance for this.

5. Problems you may encounter when buying medical/surgical face masks and infrared thermometers

Whether you are a seasoned or a first-time importer of goods from China, often there’s a problem or two that crop up during the importation process. Here are the common ones:

5.1 Problem of communication

Communication is a common problem encountered by business people from the western world when dealing with their Chinese counterparts. It goes both ways. Because of the language barrier and cultural difference, Chinese business people find it hard to communicate with business people from other countries, especially those from the west.

Importers need to understand Chinese culture so that both parties can establish trust and avoid or at least minimize communication problems. Hiring an interpreter helps a lot.

5.2 Problem of quality

Poor quality of products? Product quality problems may be a result of communication problems, or not finding a quality supplier. Make sure to do business only with trusted suppliers that can give you references.

5.3 Problem of delivery time

There may be delays in production and shipment that you may have overlooked. While holidays and weather disturbances are the most common causes of delays, not planning well is more likely the reason for shipment delays.

Manage your expectations. Factor in possible delays when estimating delivery time.

If you have reliable suppliers, there shouldn’t be any delay in production or delivery.

5.4 Problem of certificate

So that the process of importation of goods goes smoothly, the Certificate of Origin or C/O, a shipping document, is used. It is solely intended to prove the product origin to satisfy customs or trade requirements. Primarily, its purpose is as a reference to trade statistics, evidence of the quality of goods, and a tool for deciding on tariff treatment.

5.5 Problem of customs clearance

Customs clearance goes both ways. There is a customs policy in China as well as in a shipment’s destination port. The common problem with custom clearances is the lack of transparency in tariff regulations and complications in classifications of products.

Documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, and CIF must be provided, so that product shipments avoid delays.

Related article:How to Start an N95 Mask and Surgical Mask Business

This is a war without gunpowder, and it is also a war for people all over the world.Sincerely we wish all people of the world having a speedy victory in the battle against the virus and an early return to a life of freedom and harmony.

As one-stop sourcing agent in China for 11 years,recently many importers contacted with us to purchase face masks and infrared thermometers.We did much research and found some good suppliers who can offer medical supplies with certificate.Please feel free to contact with our company If you would like to import from China easily and efficiently.Our advantages:

China No.1 Face Mask sourcing agent .

Our company provide medical products for big Hospitals / Companies in Europe and USA:

Services :

1.We provide N95, Surgical Mask,FFP 2 / FFP 3 Masks .

2.We provide medical clothing, disinfection, gloves, protective clothing

3.All medical products with CE or FDA certificates

4.We available 2 million masks per week.

5. Production time / delivery times : 3days to 10 days .

6.Medical factories videos and pictures available.Government licenses of the factories available.

7. Hospitals / Companies in Europe and USA case available

Contact us to buy from China now:

Remarks: Sometimes what’sapp can’t be connected in China.Please send us email if we don’t reply you within one hour.We will check email box all the time and reply you at the soonest.