How can I tell whether a Chinese packaging machinery supplier is a factory or a trading company?

Use several checks rather than relying only on the business license. Review the actual production site, assembly area, manufacturing equipment, and current production orders. Then verify whether the company name, payment beneficiary, contracting entity, and production site are consistent. You can also request genuine test videos or a live machine inspection related to the equipment you plan to buy. A trading company is not automatically unsuitable, but the buyer should know who actually manufactures the machine, who controls quality, and who will provide after-sales service. For higher-value equipment, a video factory audit or third-party inspection is useful.