Introduction
Both websites and mobile apps operating in mainland China must complete an ICP Filing (ICP备案) — a mandatory registration under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
While the application process looks similar, the review and approval involve two main parties:
- Your hosting provider (the initial reviewer), and
- The MIIT (the final approver).
This article explains how these two parties handle ICP Filings differently for websites and apps, and what they look for during each stage of the review.
The Two Types of ICP Filings
Under the ICP management system, there are now two main filing categories:
| Filing Type | Target | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Website ICP Filing | Websites hosted on mainland China servers | Corporate sites, e-commerce platforms, forums |
| App ICP Filing | Mobile applications offered to mainland China users | Android or iOS apps distributed via Chinese app stores |
Both filings are managed under MIIT’s supervision, but the technical review process differs slightly because of how websites and apps are deployed.
Step 1: Initial Review by Hosting Provider
Before the MIIT receives your filing, all applications must go through a preliminary review by your hosting service provider.
🔹 For Websites
Your website hosting provider (such as Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, or Huawei Cloud) is responsible for:
- Identity verification: confirming that the applicant (individual or company) matches the domain owner.
- Document validation: checking that IDs, business licenses, and authorization letters are genuine.
- Domain verification: ensuring the domain name is registered under the same entity as the filing applicant.
- Server verification: confirming that the website is hosted on a server located in mainland China.
Once approved, the provider forwards the verified filing package to the provincial MIIT bureau.
🔹 For Apps
For mobile apps, the “hosting provider” role is typically handled by the app store or cloud service provider (e.g., Huawei AppGallery, Tencent App Store, or Alibaba Cloud’s app compliance portal).
They are responsible for:
- Checking that the app publisher or developer is legally registered in China.
- Reviewing the service description and category.
Once the store-level review is complete, the information is sent to MIIT for official filing.
Step 2: Final Review by MIIT
After the hosting provider (or app store) forwards your filing, the local MIIT bureau begins the final review.
🔹 For Websites
MIIT checks:
- Applicant information (ID, business registration, contact details).
- Website content — ensuring there is no violation of Chinese content regulations.
- Domain record — verifying it matches the filing entity and is active.
- Server location — confirming it is physically located in mainland China.
Once approved, MIIT issues an official ICP Filing number (e.g., 京ICP备12345678号) which must be displayed on the website footer.
🔹 For Apps
MIIT checks:
- App publisher’s business license and registration address.
- App content — ensuring it complies with Chinese laws (e.g., data privacy, prohibited content).
- App functionality — verifying that the app’s purpose matches its filing category (e.g., education, commerce, communication).
- Data protection compliance under China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL).
Upon approval, MIIT issues an App ICP Filing number, which must be displayed inside the app (commonly in the “About” page) and in its app store listing.
Comparison: Review Focus by Stage
| Review Aspect | Website ICP Filing | App ICP Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Reviewer | Hosting provider (e.g., Alibaba Cloud) | App store or cloud provider |
| Identity Verification | The developer or publisher must hold a valid Chinese business license | Shown in the app “About” page and app store page |
| Content Review | Website pages and text | App features, UI, and data behavior |
| Technical Check | Domain, server IP, and hosting location | App package (APK/IPA), permissions, and distribution channels |
| Filing Number Display | Shown in website footer | Shown in app “About” page and app store page |
Step 3: Filing Approval and Display
Once MIIT completes its review, both website and app filings are granted a unique filing number, which must be publicly visible:
- For websites: display in the footer with a hyperlink to https://beian.miit.gov.cn
- For apps: display in-app and on the app store listing page
Failure to display the number properly may result in administrative penalties or delisting from hosting or app store platforms.
How Long Does the Review Take?
| Stage | Website ICP Filing | App ICP Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Provider / App Store Review | 1–5 working days | 1–5 working days |
| MIIT Final Review | 10–30 working days | 10–30 working days |
| Total Estimated Time | 3–4 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
Conclusion
Whether you are launching a website or a mobile app, the ICP Filing process in China follows a standard two-step model — a review by a hosting provider or platform, followed by MIIT’s final approval.
