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What is the China ICP License and How to get it?

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What is the China ICP License and How to get it

Shanghai image with the ICP license

China has become the target of Western companies that want to expand their businesses in the second-biggest economy in the world.

Whether you want to establish an e-commerce business or set up a legal entity, you need to apply for an ICP License!

Because multiple customers have reached out to us about the ICP license, we want to shed some light on the topic:

  • what is an ICP license?
  • how can you get the ICP license?
  • Types of ICP license
  • the ICP required documents
  • the ICP process
  • where you can apply
  • how can JET IT Services help you get the ICP license

What is the China ICP License

ICP (= Internet Content Provider) is a registration issued by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China that allows a China-based website to legally operate in the country and be easily accessible.

In the image below from Baidu you can find the ICP license number at the bottom.

With an ICP license, you can host your website on a server in mainland China. It’s compulsory for any business that wants to have:

  1. Website
  2. E-commerce
  3. WeChat business account

Without an ICP license, any of the 3 above cannot operate legally in the Mainland of China. 

Types of ICP Licenses

There are generally two forms of ICP licenses issued by the MIIT :

  1. ICP Filing. This ICP is compulsory for websites that only want to be informational and don’t do any online business. For any online business, you need a commercial ICP license (see below).
  2. ICP Commercial License. This ICP license is compulsory for websites that want to carry any online business. With it you can sell goods and services and you can accept online payments from users in Mainland China.

Please note that you will have to first receive approval for your ICP filing before you can apply for an ICP license.

 

ICP required documents

It takes about 20 business days to process the application. You will typically need the following for the application process.

  • Appoint a representative
  • The representative must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China
  • The representative must be an employee of your office in Mainland China that is applying for the ICP license
  • The representative must have a valid Chinese ID

ICP process

As part of the process, you will need the following: 

  • Domain for ICP Bei’An
  • Business entity’s registered name (in Chinese) and license number
  • Web representative’s ID number and contact information
  • Print out a domain certificate, which is a ‘proof of ownership’ document for your domain. Please contact your IT vendor or your domain name registrar for this certificate.
  • Photocopies of business license, legal representative’s ID, and web representative’s ID

Where can you apply? 

You can use the portal AliYun and it is free of charge if you purchase the hosting from them.

How can JET IT Services help you?

We can support you with the ICP application and we will use either AliYun or your preferred hosting vendor.

Are you looking to identify and prevent phishing emails? Read here.

How can you identify the security of your information systems in China? Read here.

Do you want to run your China business from remote? Read here.

Do you need a cybersecurity guide for your China business? read here.

If you want to:

  1. Upgrade or move your business tools to these cloud solutions in China
  2. Setup a business continuity plan
  3. Upgrade your IT infrastructure
  4. Setup backup plans
  5. Improve connectivity within your China offices or with your global offices

If you want to:

  1. Upgrade or move your business tools to these cloud solutions in China
  2. Setup a business continuity plan
  3. Upgrade your IT infrastructure
  4. Setup backup plans
  5. Improve connectivity within your China offices or with your global offices