A Guide to Obtaining an ICP License in China
ICP Filing (ICP 备案): Commonly referred to as 'Bei'an' in Chinese, an ICP filing is essential for all websites hosted on servers within China. Whether you're an individual or a business, you can apply for an ICP filing directly through your server provider's portal. However, businesses need to apply within the province where they're registered. ICP filing is a less rigorous process compared to obtaining an ICP license, requiring fewer documents and typically taking 2-4 weeks to complete. This type of filing is generally suited for non-commercial or small-scale commercial websites that meet certain criteria.
Why You Need an ICP Filing: If you're considering hosting a website on Chinese servers, an ICP filing is indispensable. It facilitates several operational aspects, such as faster website loading for mainland China users, access to China’s Content Delivery Network (CDN), and the ability to run paid ads on platforms like Baidu PPC. Furthermore, an ICP filing adds to your site's credibility, increasing user trust and loyalty while also enabling functionalities like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
ICP License (ICP 许可证): This is mandatory for large commercial websites that don't meet the criteria for ICP filing. An ICP license entails a more detailed documentation process and additional prerequisites. The license is also known as the B25 Information Services License and falls under China's Value Added Telecommunications Services (VATS) licensing scheme. It is issued by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
EDI License (EDI 许可证): An EDI license is crucial if your E-commerce website involves third-party products. For example, if you run a marketplace platform akin to Taobao or JD.com or a food delivery service like Elema, you'll need to register for this license. The process is similarly complicated and time-consuming.
Requirements
ICP Filing Requirements: For individuals, Chinese nationals can use their ID card, and foreign nationals can apply using their passport if they meet the province-specific prerequisites. Businesses, whether wholly Chinese, joint ventures, or Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOE), can apply using their Chinese business license.
ICP License Requirements: This is only for companies and demands more stringent criteria like having a legally registered entity in China, fulfilling a certain capital requirement, and providing three months' social security for three employees, among others.
EDI License Requirements: An EDI license also requires the company to be a legally registered entity in China and demands various proofs ranging from technical to financial capabilities.
Obtaining an ICP Filing in China
Each province in China has its specific regulations, but generally, you’ll need to purchase a domain name in China from a MIIT-authorized registrar. Following that, the application process involves multiple steps of verification, documentation submission, and approval that will take around 2-4 weeks.
Timelines for Obtaining Licenses
The duration required for obtaining an ICP or EDI license varies significantly depending on your application's completeness, the business complexity, and the specific regulations of the local licensing authority. Generally, it could take from a few weeks to several months.
Placement of License Numbers
Your website must clearly display your ICP license, EDI license, ICP filing, and PSB Filing numbers. These should be prominently located, ideally in the website's footer.