Elimapi Docs

Build Chinese Import App with Taobao API and Get Approved by Apple Store

Why do businesses need professional Chinese import apps?

  • iPhone accounts for 35% smartphone market share in Vietnam (according to Statista 2023): Your potential customers are using iOS, lacking a compatible Chinese import app makes you miss business opportunities.
  • Elevate credibility: 78% of users rate highly businesses with their own app when ordering from Taobao (Nielsen 2024 Survey).
  • Optimize experience: Mobile apps help customers easily search for products, track orders and receive promotional notifications from Taobao, 1688.

3 barriers when self-developing Chinese import apps

1. Apple’s strict policies since 2019

  • Prohibit using webview (iframe): Traditional method of embedding Taobao pages directly into apps is considered copyright violation, leading to 100% apps being rejected or removed.
  • Require authorized data: App Store requires evidence of official cooperation with Alibaba Group if wanting to display product information.

2. Complex technical challenges

  • Interface fluctuations: Taobao and 1688 change HTML structure 2-3 times/week, making manual product data scraping infeasible.
  • Version management: Each time API is updated, you must resubmit app to App Store and wait 5-7 days for approval.
  • 90% of self-developed apps have image copyright errors, product descriptions from Taobao (Appfigures 2023 Report).
  • Risk of being sued by Alibaba if using unauthorized data.

Breakthrough solution from ElimAPI

ElimAPI provides official Taobao API authorized by Alibaba, helping you:

  • Remove legal barriers: Product data meets DMCA standards, satisfying all App Store requirements.
  • Integrate quickly in 72 hours: Included SDK supports SwiftUI and Objective-C, compatible with all iOS versions.
  • Save 60% costs: No need to maintain data scraping servers or teams handling copyright issues.

5 benefits when using Taobao API for import apps

  1. Accurate product information: Get 50+ attributes from original price, inventory, user reviews to demo videos.
  2. Automatic version updates: System automatically patches errors when Taobao changes API, ensuring continuous app operation.
  3. Multi-layer security: AES-256 encryption for all Taobao order transactions within app.
  4. Integrate multi-tasking tools: Support batch ordering, price comparison from 1688/Taobao/Tmall in one interface.
  5. Enhance user experience: Page loading speed under 2s, support payment via Apple Pay/VNPay.

4-step process to build app with ElimAPI

  1. Register Developer account: Receive free API key at ElimAPI website.
  2. Design UI/UX: Use available templates or customize interface according to brand.
  3. Connect Taobao API: Deploy SDK and test Chinese import features.
  4. Publish to App Store: ElimAPI provides complete legal documentation for successful app submission.

3 reasons 500+ businesses choose ElimAPI

  • 99.99% SLA commitment: 200% refund if system stops operating over 5 minutes.
  • Multi-language support: Technical team speaking Vietnamese, Chinese, English ready to support 24/7.
  • Real-time updates: Keep up with all changes from Chinese E-commerce platforms in just 3 minutes.

Conclusion

Building Chinese import app with Taobao API is no longer a challenge thanks to ElimAPI. This solution not only helps you overcome technical and legal barriers but also opens opportunities to access 10 million iPhone users in Vietnam. Sign up for a free trial today to turn your mobile app into a “capable assistant” in your business journey!