App Filing in China: A Comprehensive Guide
Hello and welcome to the AppFilingChina. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and easily understandable information for global developers and businesses looking to successfully file their mobile applications and obtain their Internet Content Provider (ICP) Filing Number in the Chinese market.
The content of this page applies to mobile applications running on Android, Apple iOS, HarmonyOS and Blackberry operating systems.
The Policy Announced
On August 4th 2023, China’s MIIT issued the “Notice of the MIIT on the Filing of Mobile Internet Apps”.
App Filing Started
MIIT accepts app filing applications and new apps should to be filed before publishing.
In-store App's Filing Deadline
Apps that have been published before August 31, 2023 are required to complete the filing by March 31, 2024.
MIIT Supervision and Inspection
MIIT organizes app filing supervision and inspection, and deals with non-compliant apps.
The Policy
What is China MIIT App Filing?
China MIIT App Filing refers to the Internet Content Provider (ICP) Filing imposed by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which requires an app filing (also known as "app registration") process. It mandates that all mobile applications (including Android Apps, Apple iOS Apps and mini-programs, etc.) that are intended for download and use within Chinese territory must undergo a filing process. The primary objective of this regulation is to ensure that applications comply with domestic laws and standards, particularly concerning user data privacy and data security.
- 1. Legal Requirement:
- As per Chinese laws and regulations, including those established by MIIT, all applications must undergo MIIT App Filing to legally offer downloads and usage in China.
- 2. User Data Privacy:
- MIIT App Filing necessitates that application developers ensure user data privacy and security, in alignment with China's data protection laws.
- 3. Content Review:
- MIIT conducts content reviews of applications to ensure they do not contain illegal, harmful, or inappropriate materials.
- 4. Security Assessment:
- Applications must also pass a security assessment to ensure they do not pose risks to users' devices or data.
- 5. Regulation and Updates:
- After filing, developers must adhere to MIIT's regulatory requirements and promptly update filing information to reflect any changes.
Why File Your App in China?
App filing in China is not only a legal requirement but also a strategic opportunity to enter one of the world's largest mobile app markets. By filing, you not only comply with local regulations but also gain user trust, establish a competitive advantage, explore diverse revenue avenues, safeguard intellectual property, and lay the groundwork for future global expansion. Therefore, app filing in China is an essential step not to be overlooked.
Preparations
What are Required for the Filing?
We break down the necessary materials and information you'll need to gather for a successful MIIT app filing. Keep in mind that MIIT's requirements may evolve over time, so staying informed about the latest guidelines is paramount.
The Policy
How to Apply for the App Filing?
Making Preparations
Prepare the materials and information regarding your domain names, hostings, websites and apps.
Submitting Filing Application
Visit your hosting provider's website, follow the guideline, fill out the form and submit your application.
MIIT Verification
Verify your phone number at MIIT's website after your application submitted.
MIIT Approval
MIIT reviews your application within 20 work days.
Place the ICP Filing Number and Finish
Mark the APP ICP filing number in a prominent position in your app.
Like ICP filing, the whole process of APP filing application is done through your hosting service provider in China.
After you have prepared the required materials, you can log into your hosting provider's filing system, fill out the form, upload the materials, and then the hosting provider will submit your application to MIIT for review.
After MIIT approves your filing application, you are required to mark the ICP filing number in a prominent position. Now that your filing is complete, you can distribute your application through the app store.
Not hosted in mainland China?
Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud are the top-ranked cloud service providers in mainland China that support companies outside of China.
The Results
China Mainland ICP Filing Number: The Seal of Approval
The China Mainland Internet Content Provider (ICP) Filing Number is an app registration number from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology(MllT). After MIIT approves the filing application, developers receive the China Mainland ICP Filing Number, which is required by platforms like the Apple App Store and other app stores in China. Developers may need to submit the China Mainland ICP Filing Number on the app store developer platform for compliance review. This ensures that apps meet regulatory standards before being made available for download to Chinese users.
The ICP Filing Number can be verified on the official MIIT website. You can verify any ICP Filing Number by clicking the button below.
Frequently asked questions
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
We are a professional app and software localization company, we have helped dozens of excellent products to enter the Chinese market. To assist overseas Apple iOS and Android apps in meeting the compliance requirements for App filing, we offer full process app solutions. Please feel free to contact us if you need any assistance.
Our Location
1579 Jinshui Road, Qingdao, China 266121