Introduction
When launching or maintaining a website in mainland China, you may encounter several different types of ICP Filing (ICP备案) processes. Each type corresponds to a specific situation – whether you’re filing for the first time, changing hosting providers, or closing your website.
Understanding these categories helps you choose the correct filing procedure and avoid unnecessary rejections or delays.
1. Initial ICP Filing (首次备案)
When to use:
This is the first time your website or entity applies for an ICP Filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Typical cases:
- A new website hosted on a server in mainland China.
- A company or individual applying for ICP Filing for the first time.
Key requirement:
You must have a valid domain name, Chinese hosting provider, and either a registered Chinese company or an individual with a Chinese ID.
2. New Internet Information Service Filing (新增互联网信息服务备案)
When to use:
When you want to add additional websites or domains under the same registered entity that already holds a valid ICP Filing.
Typical cases:
- Adding a new website to an existing ICP Filing record.
- Launching multiple websites using the same business license.
Key note:
You don’t need to repeat the entire process for the entity; only the new website information needs to be filed.
3. Access Provider Filing (接入备案)
When to use:
When you change your hosting provider or move your website to another data center within China.
Typical cases:
- Migrating your site from Alibaba Cloud to Tencent Cloud.
- Moving hosting servers to a different province in China.
Why it matters:
Your ICP Filing is linked to your hosting provider. Once you change hosting, a new “Access Filing” is required to associate your ICP record with the new provider.
4. Change Filing (变更备案)
When to use:
When your existing ICP information changes.
Typical cases:
- Company name change or new business license number.
- Change of website administrator or contact information.
- Domain name updates.
Key note:
All changes must be reported to MIIT within the specified period to keep your ICP record valid.
5. Cancellation Filing (注销备案)
When to use:
When a website is permanently closed or you no longer plan to host it in mainland China.
Typical cases:
- Business ceases operation in China.
- Domain expired or site discontinued.
Key note:
Cancellation ensures that your ICP record is properly terminated and not listed as inactive or in violation.
6. Claim Filing (认领备案)
When to use:
When you take over a domain name or website that already has an ICP record under a previous owner.
Typical cases:
- You purchased a domain that already had an ICP Filing.
- The original entity was deregistered or changed ownership.
Key note:
You’ll need to “claim” the existing ICP record under your new ownership before you can modify or re-activate it.
Conclusion
Understanding these six types of ICP Filing helps you handle any situation – whether you’re launching, updating, or shutting down your website in China.
Properly managing your ICP record ensures compliance, keeps your website online, and prevents regulatory issues.
