How to Get an ICP License for China?

What is an ICP?

The Chinese Government maintains a strong control over websites, apps, and e-commerce within its boarder. One of their methods is through an ICP license.

ICP stands for Internet Content Provider. An ICP license is a state-issued license that allows “any content provider” to legally host and operate in China.

This requirement was instated in 2020 by the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China and articles 3 and 4 of Administrative Measures on Internet-Based Information Systems.

Above is an example of our ICP number on the footer of 21YunBox's website. The first character indicates the providence where your filing is issued.

Who Needs an ICP

Articles 4 from the Administrative Measures on Internet-Based Information Systems
clearly states:

No one shall engage in internet-based information services without having obtained a license (ICP) or having completed the filing-for-record procedures.

Simply stated, all sites hosted on a mainland Chinese servers are required to have an ICP license before their site goes live.

Types of ICPS

There are generally two types of ICP licenses:

ICP Commercial License (ICP备案):

Article 3 States: Commercial internet-based information services refer to compensatory services which provide information to or create web pages for online users through the Internet.
Typically, this type of license is required for all e-commerce sites. It also applies if you plan to generate income of any type from the following activities: e-commerce, advertising, and any other type of business that involves a payment.

Bei’an (ICP Filing):

Article 3 States: Non-commercial internet-based information services refer to non-compensatory services which supply, through the Internet, to online users information which is open to and shared by the general public.
The Bei’an or ICP filing is a licenses that is required for all non-commercial websites that provide information to people. The Chinese population can access this type of site, but you won’t be able to sell anything directly online.

Why is an ICP Important

Benefits to getting an ICP

If you are reading this you probably already understand the benefit of growing your business to China and its $15.4B GDP.

Some of the benefits for having an ICP in place include:

• Allows your company to host content legally, which minimizes the risk of being blocked and banned by the Chinese government.
• With a hosting service like 21YunBox, your site will benefit from optimal performance and minimal issues with the Great Firewall of China.
• You will be eligible to use the “.cn” and “.com.cn” domains, which helps SEO by increasing credibility.
• You will be able to publish your app or game on all the Chinese app and game stores.
• Popular Chinese search engines like Baidu gives preference to sites hosted on Chinese Servers.
• Helps you to gain trust and validation
• You will enjoy a significant advantage over competitors who host outside of China.

Risks of Operating Without an ICP

Some individuals might decide to “risk it” and operate in the “grey” area within China.

The Chinese government is very serious when it comes to companies operating outside of their Rules and Regulations.

There have been many high profile companies that have been blocked within the Great Firewall of China including: Facebook, Google, and Twitter.

Can I Avoid Getting an ICP

As we have mentioned, an ICP is required to host your site in mainland China.

However, you technically do not need an ICP if your site is not hosted in mainland China. Some companies choose to bypass the rules that apply in Mainland China by hosting their site from Hong Kong, China SAR. Hosting in Hong Kong is a temporary solution and has similar risks to hosting anywhere else outside of Great Firewall of China.

It is always good to keep in mind when making these types of strategic decisions for your company, if your site is blocked it cannot be unblocked in the future. If you want a serious online presence in China, it is best to pursue the ICP route for long term success.

How to Get an ICP

21YunBox offers support to help you get your ICP License. Below are the basic steps to proceed in applying for your ICP:

• Step 1: Register a domain in China
• Step 1: Purchase your Hosting Plan
• Step 1: Apply for the Bei'an ICP service number
• Step 2: Resolve the domain name to the 21YunBox domestic server
• Step 3: Email us at [e-mail] and our team will further assist you. Depending on your business and type of website, the process usually takes 3-6 weeks.

21YunBox’s Available Support

Let us know if you would like to review your project and see if it needs an ICP or not. Contact us at [e-mail]

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