Expanding your digital presence in China can unlock immense opportunities, but it comes with its own set of regulatory requirements. One of the most critical is launching a website in Mainland China. To host your site on a local server and ensure it remains accessible behind the Great Firewall, you must obtain an ICP Filing (ICP 备案).
At gala digital, we specialise in making this process seamless, ensuring your business stays compliant while you focus on growth.
What is ICP Filing (ICP 备案)?
An ICP Filing, known in Chinese as ICP Bei’an, is a mandatory registration for all non-commercial websites hosted on servers within Mainland China. It acts as a “digital permit” that connects your domain name to your hosting provider and your business entity.
Why ICP Filing Matters for Launching a Website in China?
If you intend to reach the Chinese market effectively, an ICP Filing is your most important asset:
- Mainland Hosting: You cannot legally rent a server in China (Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, etc.) without an ICP Filing.
- Faster Load Times: Hosting locally allows your site to bypass the latency of the Great Firewall, providing a seamless user experience.
- Baidu SEO: A valid ICP Filing is a major ranking factor for Baidu. Without it, your site will likely never appear on the first page of search results.
- Platform Integration: You often need an ICP Filing to link your website to official WeChat accounts or to use local Chinese CDNs (Content Delivery Networks).
Who Needs ICP Filing?
ICP filing is necessary for:
- Foreign companies targeting Chinese audiences.
- Any organisation hosting servers or websites within China.
- E-commerce platforms, SaaS providers, and content portals.
Whether you’re a large multinational or a small startup, navigating the ICP process is mandatory for smooth digital operations in the Chinese market.
The “Catch” for Western Companies
The most common hurdle for Western businesses is that the MIIT does not issue ICP Filings to foreign-based companies. To apply, you must have one of the following:
- A Chinese Business License: Usually through a WFOE (Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise) or a Joint Venture.
- A Local Branch: A registered office presence within China.
Our Expert Tip: If you do not have a Chinese entity, gala digital can consult with you on alternative strategies, such as Near-shore Hosting (Hong Kong), which does not require an ICP Filing but offers better speeds than Western servers.
The ICP Filing Process: What to Expect
The process is rigorous and requires close attention to detail. Any error in documentation can lead to immediate rejection.
- Verification of Entity: We ensure your Chinese business license and representative’s ID are current and valid.
- Domain Verification: Your domain must be registered with a China-based registrar (e.g., AliCloud) to be eligible for filing.
- Real-Name Authentication: This involves a “face-scan” or photo verification of the person in charge of the website (must be a local contact or a resident in China).
- MIIT Review: Once submitted via your hosting provider, the provincial communications administration reviews the application (usually takes 10–20 working days).
Our ICP Filing Services
At gala digital, we provide end-to-end support to simplify ICP filing:
- Document Preparation & Submission: We handle the paperwork, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Regulatory Guidance: Our experts help you determine whether a filing or license is required.
- Local Expertise: With in-depth knowledge of Chinese regulations, we minimise delays and errors.
- Post-Filing Support: Assistance with updates, renewals, or changes in company structure.
Our goal is to make the ICP filing process smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple:
- Consultation: Discuss your business and website plans with our experts.
- Document Preparation: Gather and prepare the required paperwork.
- Submission & Approval: We submit your filing to MIIT and track the process.
- Confirmation & Support: Receive confirmation and ongoing support for updates or renewals.