Published by ChinaMNC · Mulizangzu

China’s Website Identification System: Compliance Essentials for Foreign Founders

A practical guide for foreign founders on China’s website identification management, using the Sichuan Provincial Government portal as a case study to explain certification timelines, evaluation criteria, and inspection requirements.

What Foreign Founders Need to Know About China’s Website Identification System

For foreign entrepreneurs setting up a business in China, digital compliance is not optional. One key requirement is the website identification (标识) system, which certifies that a website meets official standards for accessibility, reliability, and performance. This article uses the recent certification of the Sichuan Provincial Government portal as a practical example to explain how the system works and what foreign founders should watch for.

Overview of the Identification System

China’s website identification system is overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and administered by the Internet Society of China (ISC). The system issues electronic identification certificates to websites that pass a comprehensive evaluation. For foreign founders operating company websites in China, obtaining this identification can enhance credibility and demonstrate compliance with local norms.

Case Study: Sichuan Provincial Government Portal

The Sichuan Provincial Government portal, operated by the General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, recently completed its identification certification. The portal’s PC and WAP versions both received identification valid for two years, from January 27, 2026, to January 26, 2028. This case illustrates the typical process and standards that apply to organizations seeking certification.

Evaluation Criteria and Scores

The identification process includes evaluations for accessibility (适老化 and 无障碍) and overall performance. For the Sichuan portal, the PC website received the following scores:

• Elderly-friendly accessibility: Self-evaluation 100, institutional evaluation 82, user evaluation 83.
• Barrier-free accessibility: Self-evaluation 100, institutional evaluation 83, user evaluation 83.
• Efficiency index: Comprehensiveness 100%, reliability 100%, robustness 100%.
• Overall evaluation score: 86.2.

The WAP website scored slightly differently:

• Elderly-friendly accessibility: Self-evaluation 100, institutional evaluation 82, user evaluation 81.
• Barrier-free accessibility: Self-evaluation 100, institutional evaluation 80, user evaluation 82.
• Efficiency index: Comprehensiveness 100%, reliability 100%, robustness 100%.
• Overall evaluation score: 85.4.

These scores reflect the portal’s performance in key areas. Foreign founders should note that while self-evaluations are perfect, institutional and user evaluations provide external validation, highlighting areas for improvement.

Certification Validity and Periodic Inspections

The identification certification for both PC and WAP versions is valid for two years, from January 27, 2026, to January 26, 2028. During this period, periodic inspections (定期巡检) are scheduled for July 26, 2026; January 26, 2027; and July 26, 2027. The inspection results for the Sichuan portal are recorded as “passed.” This indicates that certified websites must undergo regular checks to maintain their status.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

If you are registering or operating a company in China, consider the following steps regarding website identification:

• Assess your website’s accessibility: Ensure your site meets elderly-friendly and barrier-free standards. Self-evaluate first, then prepare for institutional and user evaluations.
• Monitor efficiency metrics: Focus on comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness. These are critical for a high overall score.
• Apply for certification: Submit your website to the ISC for evaluation. The process includes self-assessment, institutional review, and user feedback.
• Maintain certification: After obtaining identification, schedule periodic inspections as required. Mark your calendar for inspection dates to avoid lapses.
• Download certificates: Upon certification, download the official evaluation report and certificate for your records.

While the Sichuan example pertains to a government portal, the same principles apply to corporate websites. Foreign founders should integrate these compliance steps into their digital strategy early on.

Conclusion

China’s website identification system offers a structured framework for ensuring digital accessibility and performance. By understanding the evaluation criteria and certification process, foreign founders can enhance their online presence and demonstrate commitment to quality and inclusivity. For personalized assistance with registration and compliance, reach out to ChinaMNC.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.