What is ICP?
ICP stands for “Internet Content Provider.” If you are doing anything online in China, even simply putting up an informational website or hosting on cloud (such as AWS), you are an internet content provider – an ICP.
The Chinese government keeps strict control over the online world and tech industry in China. They do this by requiring businesses to apply for a number of licenses depending on what your business does and what kind of data you’re handling.
There are two types of ICP: The simplest is called an ICP Recordal (ICP备案 also called an ICP Beian or ICP Filling). An ICP Recordal is required to host a purely informational, non-commercial website in China. Everyone – even someone putting up a personal blog needs an ICP Recordal to host a website in China.
The second is an ICP License (ICP 执照, also called ICP Commercial, ICP Zheng, or a B25 ICP License). An ICP License is required to operate a commercial website platform, applicationsor game. A rule of thumb is that if your business receives payment online, you will for sure need an ICP License.
How do I get an ICP Recordal or ICP License?
First, your company needs to be registered in China. This means it has a Chinese business license.
Second, you need to register a domain with an approved China registrar. You need one ICP recordal for each domain you operate, and it remains tied to that domain. This will be a first-level domain. The government only accepts approved domains registered through approved registrars. If you ever get a new domain or change domains, you will need to reapply for a new license.
Third, you need to find a hosting service in China. Read more about Hosting in China.
Once you have these three things (Chinese business license, domain registration, and hosting service, all under the same business entity), you can begin the application process.
ICPs are issued at the provincial level, at the office of the MIIT in the province your business is located. But you don’t apply directly to MIIT. Instead, your business applies through your hosting provider, which applies to MIIT on your behalf. Just gather the necessary materials and submit them to your hosting provider.
Keep in mind the materials and all communication must be in Chinese, and will vary from province to province. Once submitted, it takes an average of 20 business days to receive your ICP Recordal, once your application package is complete and submitted. This is where CloudX comes in. Our international, English-speaking team works in the heart of Beijing and intuitively understands the concerns and needs of foreign firms operating in China. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you build a successful business in the world’s largest online marketplace.
What is blocked in China?
Internet traffic can be blocked based on DNS, IP address, URL keywords, and actual site content. Some of this is maintained in blacklists, while real-time content monitoring is also employed, both automated and manual. Based on China laws, any suspected illegal content entering the country from abroad is kept from users via connection resets and black-hole loops.
My website is blocked behind the Great Firewall. How can I make my site available in China?
If your site is blocked, there is no recourse to have it un-blocked. Your best solution is to get an ICP Recordal with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which all sites in China are legally required to have. After this approval, your site may be available to Chinese users.
Contact us for help getting an ICP Filing and unblocking your content in China.