Introduction
If you plan to launch a website in mainland China, one of the first things you will encounter is the requirement for ICP Filing (ICP备案). This process is overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the government body responsible for regulating internet and telecommunications in China.
In this article, we’ll explain what MIIT is, what ICP Filing means, and why it is essential for websites hosted in China.
What is MIIT?
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is China’s main regulatory authority for information technology, telecommunications, and internet infrastructure.
Key roles of MIIT include:
- Managing internet domain name registration and regulations.
- Overseeing telecommunications and online services.
- Supervising cybersecurity and compliance.
- Issuing ICP numbers for websites hosted in China.
MIIT ensures that online platforms operate in compliance with Chinese laws and regulations, making it a central authority for website owners who want to reach Chinese users.
What is ICP Filing?
ICP Filing (Internet Content Provider Filing, or ICP备案) is a mandatory registration system for websites and apps hosted on servers located in mainland China. Without an ICP number issued by MIIT, your websites or apps cannot legally go live in China.
It is important to distinguish between two terms:
- ICP Filing (备案): Required for non-commercial websites (e.g., blogs, informational sites).
- ICP License (许可): Required for commercial websites offering e-commerce or online services.
For most international businesses looking to host their website in China, the ICP Filing is the first compliance step.
Why is ICP Filing Important?
- Legal Compliance: Websites and Apps hosted in mainland China must display a valid ICP number.
- Website Accessibility: Without an ICP Filing, your hosting provider will not allow your site to go live.
- App Distribution: Without an ICP FIling, the app stores will not approve our app to get listed.
- Trust & Credibility: Having an ICP number signals to users and partners that your website is legitimate and authorized by Chinese regulators.
Who Needs ICP Filing?
You must obtain ICP Filing if:
- Your website or app is hosted on servers in mainland China.
- You are using a Chinese cloud provider such as Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, or Huawei Cloud.
You do not need ICP Filing if your website is hosted outside mainland China (e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore, or the United States).
Conclusion
The MIIT plays a vital role in regulating internet operations in China, and obtaining an ICP Filing is the first step for any website hosted in the country. Without it, your site cannot legally operate on Chinese servers.
For businesses and individuals looking to reach China’s massive online audience, understanding ICP Filing is essential.