The 2023 Canton Fair will permit international attendees following the period of zero-COVID cases.

The 2023 Canton Fair, the world's largest international trading event, will be allowing foreigners from outside of China to attend in person for the first time since 2019. The fair was cancelled in 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, it was held online and offline, but foreign visitors were not permitted due to strict quarantine requirements.

The 2023 Canton Fair will also be the first time it will be held in the new exhibition hall (established in 2022) in the Pazhou exhibition center (No.382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China).

Exhibition categories for the different phases are as follows:

Phase 1 (April 15th - 19th / October 15th - 19th)

Consumer Electronics and Information Products, Electronic and Electrical Products, New Energy Resources, Household Electrical Appliances, Lighting Equipment, Bicycles, Vehicle Spare Parts, Vehicles, Power and Electrical Equipment, Construction and Agricultural Machinery, Hardware, Tools, Building and Decoration Materials, Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment, Chemical Products, International Pavilion, Construction and Agricultural Machinery (Outdoor), General Machinery, Small Processing Machinery and Industrial Accessories.

Phase 2 (April 23rd - 27th / October 23rd - 27th)

Kitchenware & Tableware, General Ceramics, Household Items, Personal Care Products, Toiletries, Clocks, Watches & Optical Instruments, Toys, Gifts and Premiums, Festival Products, Art Ceramics, Glass Artware, Weaving, Rattan and Iron Arts, Home Decorations, Gardening Products, Stone/Iron Decoration & Outdoor Spa Equipment, Furniture, Pet Products & Foods.

Phase 3 (May 1st - 5th / October 31st - November 4th)

Men and Women’s Clothes, Kid’s Wear, Underwear, Sports and Casual Wear, Sports and Casual Wear, Furs, Leather, Down & Related Products, Fashion Accessories and Fittings, Home Textiles, Textile Raw Materials & Fabrics, Carpets & Tapestries, Shoes, Office Supplies, Cases and Bags, Sports, Travel and Recreation Products, Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices, Food, International Pavilion, Traditional Chinese Specialties.

The Canton Fair runs twice per year, the previously mentioned three phases of the Spring session are in April and May, and the Autumn sessions are held in October and November.