中国网站合规：ICP备案、许可证及法律要求
Internet operations in China are subject to licensing and filing requirements. This article explains the basic types of internet registrations and licenses, and how they affect websites and other online activities.
1. Real ID Rules for Internet Services
The first principle to understand is that China applies a broad real-name registration policy to internet activities. In practice, this means it is not possible to lawfully operate an anonymous website or other public online resource in China.
When opening an account with a hosting provider or domain registrar such as Aliyun, Huawei Cloud, or NetEase, you will normally be required to submit your company’s business license and complete identity verification.
Similar verification rules also apply to official accounts and public-facing profiles on Chinese platforms such as WeChat, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin. If an account is registered as an individual, personal ID documents are required. If it is registered as a company, the company’s business license must be submitted instead.
2. ICP Filing for a Standard Website
After purchasing a domain name, the next basic requirement is usually an ICP filing number. Without it, a website may still be technically accessible by IP address, but it generally cannot be lawfully used through the domain name and will not be properly recognized by Chinese internet infrastructure and search services.
To apply, you usually use the relevant section of your hosting provider’s control panel and submit information about the website, including its name, purpose, and operating entity. If the filing is approved, the website receives a number in the format 粤ICP12345678号, which must be displayed in the footer of the site.
After obtaining the ICP filing number, the website operator must also complete a separate filing with the National Internet Security Management Service Platform at beian.mps.gov.cn. This produces the Public Network Security Record number, often called the police filing number, in a format such as 粤公网安备 12345678912345号.
After both filings are complete, the website can generally operate normally under its domain name.
3. ICP Filing Is Not Enough for Revenue-Generating Services
A standard ICP filing is intended only for websites that do not directly provide paid online services. In practical terms, this means it may be suitable for a corporate presentation website, informational portal, or portfolio site, but not for a full online business that directly sells goods or services through the site.
For example, a game developer may use an ICP-filed website to present its products, but if the website itself sells games, subscriptions, or in-game services, additional licensing is required.
In that case, the company will generally need a Value-Added Telecommunications Business License and, where applicable, additional industry-specific permits for activities such as advertising, publishing, cultural content, and other regulated online services.
4. Operations Through Third-Party Platforms
These website filing requirements generally do not apply when a company conducts its online business entirely through third-party platforms instead of through its own independently hosted website.
As a result, a company usually does not need its own ICP filing merely to open a store on Tmall, operate an official WeChat account, buy ads through the Tencent advertising network, or use similar platform-based services. The platform’s own licensing framework covers that environment.
5. Practical Support
Obtaining the correct internet licenses and setting up company accounts on Chinese platforms often requires a properly incorporated Chinese entity. The exact licensing path depends on the business model, the type of content, and whether the company operates through its own website or through third-party platforms only.