If you want your mobile app to operate legally in China, you must complete an ICP filing. This is a mandatory registration process to ensure compliance with Chinese regulations. Here’s a quick overview:

• What is ICP Filing?
  It’s a registration system (“备案”) required for internet-based services, including mobile apps, to legally operate in China.

• Why is it Required?
  Without it, your app risks fines, removal from platforms, and legal issues.

• Key Requirements:
  You’ll need business licenses, domain registration, server details, and compliance documents. For foreign businesses, partnering with a local Chinese company is essential.

• Filing Process:

  1. Choose a licensed provider (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud).
  2. Submit required documents (translated into Chinese).
  3. Wait for approval (14–23 business days on average).

• Post-Approval:
  Display your ICP number prominently in your app and keep all details updated.

Skipping this process can lead to significant disruptions, so ensure you’re fully prepared before launching in China.

What is an ICP License & ICP Filing for China

Required Documentation

Getting your ICP filing right in China starts with having the correct paperwork. Here’s a breakdown of the business, technical, and authorization documents you’ll need.

Document Checklist

Make sure to gather these documents before starting your filing process:

• Business Documentation

  • Business license or company registration certificate
  • Organization code certificate
  • Legal representative’s ID (passport for foreign representatives)
  • Official company seal (company chop)
  • Proof of a local Chinese business address

• Technical Documentation

  • Domain name registration certificate
  • Server hosting details
  • Network security protocol documentation
  • Statement on data privacy compliance
  • Emergency response plan

• Authorization Documents

  • Authorization letter (if working with an agent)
  • Power of attorney (for foreign companies)
  • Appointment letter for a local representative

Platform-Specific Technical Information

While iOS and Android share similar requirements, you’ll need to provide detailed technical information about your app. This includes the app identifier, store URLs, server IPs, content security measures, and update mechanisms. Adhering to app store rules in China is critical for updates [1]. Tools like Capgo can help you manage compliant, live updates.

Key Technical Tips:

• Keep all documents saved as PDFs.
• Translate any English documents into Chinese.
• Prepare separate files for each app version.
• Back up all certificates and keys.
• Document your app’s network architecture and data flow for security reviews.

Having these documents in order ensures you meet regulatory requirements and helps maintain your app’s compliance and update processes. Once everything is ready, you can move on to the filing steps.

Filing Application Steps

Here’s how to file your ICP application step by step.

Once you have all your documentation ready, the next move is to pick the right filing partner.

Choose a Service Provider

You can choose from the following types of providers:

• Licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Well-known options include Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, or China Telecom.
• Third-party filing agencies: These companies specialize in ICP registration services.
• Hosting providers: These combine hosting services with ICP filing assistance.

Look for a provider with a strong track record in ICP filings, reliable Chinese language support, fast responses, and transparent pricing.

Submit Your Application

Initial Registration: Start by registering on your provider’s platform. You’ll need to submit details such as company verification, legal representative information, app specifics, and server configurations.

Make sure to complete the forms carefully, including:

• Details about your app’s functionality and purpose.
• Information on server locations and configurations.
• Methods for content distribution.
• Procedures for handling data.

Required documents must be uploaded according to the format specified, and signatures and stamps should be in red ink.

Expected Timeline

• Applications submitted during Chinese holidays may take longer.
• Missing or incomplete documents can add 5-10 business days to the timeline.
• Emergency applications are not an option.
• You can track your application’s progress through your provider’s platform.

Ensure your records are up-to-date to address any follow-up questions promptly.

Review and Approval

The ICP filing review process includes several layers of evaluation by Chinese authorities.

Review Steps

• Technical Review
  Authorities examine server setup, network security, data storage practices, and the overall technical architecture.

• Content Review
  This involves moderating user-generated content, managing content distribution, and ensuring privacy and data handling policies align with regulations.

• Legal Compliance Review
  Officials verify business registration, legal representative credentials, any required industry-specific licenses, and adherence to cross-border data rules.

Common Rejection Reasons

Addressing these issues promptly is essential before proceeding with the ICP filing process.

Using Your ICP Number

Once approved, correctly implementing and maintaining your ICP number is essential.

• Display
  Include the complete ICP license (e.g., 京ICP备XXXXXXXX号) in a visible location within your app, such as the ‘About’ or settings section. Use both Chinese and English, and link it to the official verification site, if possible.

• Maintenance
  Update your ICP details immediately if there are any changes to your business or contact information to stay compliant.

Properly displaying and regularly updating your ICP number ensures you remain aligned with Chinese regulations.

Post-Approval Management

Once your ICP filing is approved, staying compliant requires consistent attention and management. Here’s how you can keep everything on track.

Keeping Information Up to Date

It’s important to update your ICP filing details whenever changes occur. Notify your filing provider immediately about updates in the following areas:

• Company Details: Changes in legal representative, licenses, address, or contact information.
• App Details: Adjustments to functionality, servers, domains, or content.
• Technical Details: Updates to hosting, security measures, or data storage locations.

Processing these updates typically takes 3-7 business days.

Monitoring Compliance

Regular checks are key to ensuring you meet Chinese regulatory standards. Here are some essential areas to monitor:

Key Compliance Practices

To stay compliant, focus on these critical tasks:

• Keep detailed records of all content changes.
• Document server maintenance and security updates thoroughly.
• Maintain logs of how user data is handled.
• Back up all compliance-related documents.
• Schedule regular internal audits to review compliance.

Emergency Response Protocol

Be prepared for compliance issues by establishing a response plan:

1. Assign a compliance officer to oversee issues.
2. Set up clear communication channels with relevant authorities.
3. Consult with local legal experts as needed.
4. Keep detailed records of any compliance incidents.
5. Develop procedures to address and resolve violations efficiently.

Capgo for Chinese App Updates

Capgo offers tools designed to simplify real-time updates while ensuring your app complies with Chinese regulations. These tools are essential for keeping your app running smoothly and meeting local requirements.

Capgo ICP Compliance Tools

Capgo’s infrastructure is built to support ICP compliance with features like:

• Global CDN Performance: Downloads 5MB bundles in just 114ms across China [1].
• Secure Delivery: Provides end-to-end encryption for update packages [1].
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensures 95% of users receive updates within 24 hours [1].

These features, combined with Capgo’s developer tools, make app management in China more efficient.

Developer Tools

Capgo offers a suite of tools tailored for developers working in the Chinese market:

Platform Comparison

Capgo’s features provide a competitive advantage, as highlighted below:

“We practice agile development and @Capgo is mission-critical in delivering continuously to our users!” - Rodrigo Mantica [1]

Capgo currently supports 750 production apps and has delivered 23.5 million updates [1].

Summary

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and practices covered in the previous sections.

Process Overview

Securing an ICP filing for mobile apps in China involves several important steps. As noted in the Filing Application and Post-Approval sections, each phase requires careful attention to detail. The initial review period typically takes 14–23 business days, with additional time needed if revisions are requested.

Best Practices

When working on an ICP filing, these strategies can help:

Capgo Benefits

Capgo simplifies the process of staying ICP-compliant by offering tools tailored for secure and quick app updates. The platform provides end-to-end encryption, a key requirement for meeting Chinese data security standards. Its live update feature allows developers to implement regulatory changes immediately, skipping the need for app store reviews. Capgo reports a global update success rate of 82%, ensuring 95% of active users receive updates within 24 hours [1].

Capgo also offers a channel system that lets developers test compliance updates with specific user groups before rolling them out widely. The analytics dashboard provides insights into update performance. Key features include:

• Instant Updates: Apply regulatory changes immediately without app store delays.
• Secure Delivery: Updates are encrypted end-to-end to meet Chinese security requirements.
• Flexible Hosting: Choose between cloud-based or self-hosted options to meet localization needs.

These tools make Capgo a valuable resource for developers navigating the Chinese market, where fast responses to regulatory changes are critical to staying compliant.