How to Check if a Company is Registered in China

When it comes to verifying whether a company is officially registered in China, the process may seem daunting, especially for international businesses or individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of Chinese regulations. However, it is critical to ensure that any business dealings with Chinese companies are legitimate. Checking the registration of a company can safeguard you from fraudulent activities, ensure legal compliance, and provide confidence in the partnership. Here’s how you can thoroughly check if a company is registered in China, while highlighting the essential tools and resources you will need.

1. Use the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS)

One of the primary platforms to verify the registration of a company in China is the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS). Managed by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), this platform offers an extensive database of registered businesses in China. The system provides basic information about companies such as their registered name, business scope, legal representative, and the date of establishment. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Step 1: Access the NECIPS website – Visit the NECIPS website by navigating to http://www.gsxt.gov.cn/. Note that the site is in Chinese, so you might need translation tools or assistance from someone fluent in Chinese.
• Step 2: Search by company name or unified social credit code – You can search for the company by its Chinese name or its 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code, which is a unique identifier for all registered entities in China.
• Step 3: Review the company’s registration details – Once you locate the company, you will have access to its basic registration information, including its business license status, registered capital, legal representative, and any penalties or sanctions it may have faced.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know the company’s name in Chinese, try asking the company directly for their official Chinese name or the Unified Social Credit Code. Alternatively, you can search for the company’s English name online, but be cautious as translations might differ.

2. Check the Company’s Business License

Every registered company in China is required to have a valid business license. This document outlines the company's name, legal representative, registered capital, and scope of business. Here’s what you should look for:

• Company Name – The name should exactly match the one you’ve been provided.
• Business Scope – This section outlines the legal activities the company is allowed to engage in. Ensure that the company’s actual operations align with what’s listed.
• Legal Representative – Each company must have a legal representative, and this person is typically the highest-ranking executive or owner. Verifying the identity of this person is crucial.
• Issue and Expiry Date – Check that the license is still valid and has not expired. Chinese business licenses typically need to be renewed periodically.

Most companies will readily provide you with a copy of their business license. If they hesitate or refuse, it should raise a red flag.

3. Third-Party Verification Services

For those unfamiliar with navigating Chinese governmental websites or hesitant about language barriers, third-party verification services can offer a convenient alternative. These companies specialize in verifying Chinese business registrations, and many provide comprehensive reports on the company’s financial health, legal status, and business history. Some notable services include:

• Qichacha – A popular Chinese company verification platform that provides detailed company information and is accessible in both Chinese and English. It covers financial data, shareholders, subsidiaries, and legal proceedings.
• Tianyancha – Similar to Qichacha, this service offers deep insights into a company’s background, including legal disputes, intellectual property information, and more.
• China Checkup – This service, geared towards international users, helps verify Chinese companies with user-friendly reports and tailored verification services.

These services often require a fee, but the cost can be worthwhile for those dealing with high-value contracts or seeking peace of mind.

4. Contacting the Local Administration for Market Regulation

Each company in China is registered with a local branch of the Administration for Market Regulation (AMR). If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a company or need more detailed information, you can contact the local AMR where the company is registered. Typically, these offices provide services in Chinese, so it may be necessary to hire a Chinese-speaking professional or use a local agent to assist with the process.

5. Cross-checking the Company’s Tax Registration

Another crucial step is verifying the company's tax registration. All companies in China must be registered with the tax authorities, and they should have a unique tax registration number. Companies must issue fapiao (official invoices) for transactions, and this is a sign that they are officially registered and compliant with tax laws. You can ask the company to provide a fapiao for a small transaction to verify their tax status. Be wary of any company that refuses to issue a fapiao, as this may indicate they are operating illegally or underreporting income.

6. Look for Discrepancies in the Company’s Information

In your research, it’s essential to ensure consistency in the company’s details across different sources. Any discrepancies between the company name, registered address, or legal representative on various platforms should be a cause for concern. In some cases, fraudulent companies might use names similar to well-known entities to deceive potential partners. Cross-checking all available information will help you avoid falling into such traps.

7. Investigating Legal and Financial History

Legal issues, financial distress, or fraudulent behavior are common concerns when dealing with businesses globally. Chinese companies, like those in any other country, can face legal challenges or financial instability. To assess the risk level of partnering with a particular company, it’s wise to delve into their legal and financial history. Both Qichacha and Tianyancha can offer insights into a company’s past legal disputes, financial health, and any other risk factors.

• Legal Cases – Look for past or ongoing lawsuits involving the company, particularly those related to contract disputes, intellectual property theft, or labor issues.
• Financial Health – A company’s financial records, including its revenue, liabilities, and assets, can provide insight into its operational stability. Third-party verification services often provide this information.

8. Visiting the Company in Person

If feasible, visiting the company in person can provide first-hand assurance that the company is operating legitimately. During your visit, you can:

• Meet with the company’s management or legal representative.
• Observe the company’s operations and facilities.
• Request to see the original copies of the business license and other legal documents.

While visiting may not always be possible, particularly for international investors, it remains one of the best ways to confirm the legitimacy of a business.

Conclusion

Verifying a company’s registration in China involves a combination of online research, document verification, and potentially third-party services. By using official platforms like NECIPS, reviewing business licenses, and cross-checking details across multiple sources, you can reduce the risk of fraudulent dealings. Ensuring that a company is legally registered and compliant with Chinese regulations is an essential step in fostering a successful business relationship in China. Remember to remain diligent and thorough, as even small discrepancies can signal potential problems.