1688 is China's leading wholesale marketplace. It is where Chinese factories, trading companies, and marketplace sellers source their goods. Prices on 1688 are often lower than on Alibaba because the platform was created for China's domestic market.
Can You Register from Russia Without an Intermediary?
Yes. In 2026, the platform allows accounts to be created with foreign phone numbers. However, the system monitors such accounts particularly closely.
Registration Challenges
- the interface is entirely in Chinese
- the SMS code may not arrive on the first attempt
- the CAPTCHA is in Chinese
- the password may not be accepted
- anti-fraud controls have become significantly stricter since 2025
Four Ways to Register
Method 1: Register Directly on the Website
- Go to 1688.com
- Click the Chinese characters in the upper-left corner
- Select the tab on the right and agree to the terms
- Create a username and password
- Select +7 (Russia)
- Drag the slider and check the box
- Enter the SMS code
Method 2: Register Through Taobao
1688 and Taobao are part of the same Alibaba ecosystem. If you have a Taobao account, you can use it to sign in. This method is often more reliable than registering directly.
Method 3: Register Through Alipay
This is the most reliable method. Alipay is part of the Alibaba ecosystem.
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play
- Register using your phone number, SMS code, and password
- Download the 1688 app
- Choose the Alipay sign-in option
- On a computer, sign in by scanning the QR code with the mobile app
Method 4: Through Taobao Lite and Google
In 2026, this method is unreliable. We do not recommend it for serious business use.
Registration Tips
- do not use an aggressive VPN configuration
- do not open dozens of tabs at once
- do not send messages to suppliers in bulk
- do not switch devices on the first day
- let the account establish a normal activity history: browse products and add items
What to Do If Your Account Is Blocked
In most cases, an account cannot be unblocked. The most effective solution is to register a new profile with a different phone number.
Reasons for an Account Block:
- a sudden spike in activity immediately after registration
- sending messages in bulk
- using a VPN or frequently changing IP addresses
- registering several accounts in succession
- signing in from different devices
How to Prevent Your Account from Being Frozen
- register through linked Alibaba services
- sign in from a single device
- avoid frequent IP address changes
- keep your VPN turned off
- complete your profile
- keep activity moderate during the first few days
BoxCargo: Assistance with Purchasing on 1688
The company BoxCargo helps businesses purchase on 1688 by handling product purchasing, quality inspection, consolidation at a warehouse in China, customs clearance, and delivery to Russia.
- Phone: 8 800 222-47-56
- Email: sales@boxcargo.ru
- Office: 2Zh Minskaya St., Victory Park Business Center, Moscow
- Website: boxcargo.ru
Free consultation—we will help you purchase goods on 1688.