Published by ChinaMNC · Nehe
China's Website Certification and Accessibility Rules: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
A recent government notice on website certification and accessibility for a provincial government portal highlights compliance requirements that can affect foreign founders operating company websites in China. Learn how these rules may impact your China company registration and ongoing operations.
Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders
When registering and running a company in China, your online presence is subject to regulatory oversight. A recent notice from China's Internet Society (ISC) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regarding the Heilongjiang Provincial Government website provides useful insights into the certification and accessibility standards that can apply to company websites. Here’s what foreign founders should know.
Website Certification: Validity and Inspection
The notice shows that the Heilongjiang government portal holds a website certification valid for two years, from March 5, 2026, to March 4, 2028, for both its PC and WAP sites. The certification is issued by the China Internet Society under the supervision of MIIT. Regular inspections are scheduled for September 4, 2026; March 4, 2027; and September 4, 2027, all with passing results. For foreign founders, this indicates that official websites in China may require periodic certification and inspection to maintain compliance. If your China company operates a website, you should be prepared for similar oversight, especially if your site serves the public or handles sensitive information.
Accessibility and Elderly-Friendly Design
The notice includes evaluations for accessibility and elderly-friendly features, with scores like 100 for self-assessment and 80s for institutional and user assessments. This reflects China's growing focus on making digital services inclusive. Foreign founders should consider incorporating accessibility features into their websites to align with national standards and avoid potential penalties. While specific requirements may vary by industry and region, proactive design can enhance your company's reputation and user experience.
Performance Metrics: Completeness, Reliability, Robustness
The notice reports that the website achieved 100% in completeness, reliability, and robustness (效能指数). These metrics are part of the overall evaluation. For foreign founders, this underscores the importance of maintaining a stable and secure website. China's regulatory environment increasingly emphasizes cybersecurity and data protection, so ensuring your site meets these performance standards can help smooth your company registration and operations.
Implications for Company Registration and Compliance
When you register a company in China, you may need to provide information about your website, especially if it's part of your business operations. The certification and inspection process described in the notice suggests that authorities monitor website compliance continuously. Foreign founders should therefore:
- Obtain necessary certifications for your website if required by your industry or local regulations.
- Schedule regular self-assessments and be prepared for official inspections.
- Ensure accessibility features are integrated into your site to meet evolving standards.
- Maintain high performance in completeness, reliability, and robustness to avoid disruptions.
These steps can help prevent compliance issues that might affect your business license or operations. While the notice pertains to a government website, the underlying regulations often apply to commercial websites as well, particularly those in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and education.
Documentation and Reporting
The notice mentions a downloadable PDF report on accessibility and elderly-friendly evaluation. Foreign founders should keep similar documentation for their own websites, as authorities may request proof of compliance during company registration or annual inspections. Having these records readily available can streamline processes and demonstrate your commitment to regulatory standards.
What This Means for Your China Company Registration
If you are planning to register a company in China and operate a website, be aware that website certification and accessibility are part of the broader compliance landscape. While the specific requirements for your business will depend on your industry, location, and business scope, the principles outlined in this notice—periodic certification, accessibility, and performance—are likely to be relevant. Engaging with local experts can help you navigate these requirements efficiently.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.
For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.