ICP Filing Guide (2026): Requirements, Steps, Timeline, and Common Rejections

A decision-grade guide to ICP filing in China (2026): who needs it, ICP Filing vs ICP Commercial License, required documents, step-by-step process via cloud providers, timeline, PSB filing, and what causes rejections.

ICP Filing Guide (2026): Requirements, Steps, Timeline, and Common Rejections

If your website/app is hosted on a Mainland China server, you generally need an MIIT ICP filing before it can go live.

Note (non-legal): Rules vary by province and scenario. Use this as an implementation guide and confirm details with your cloud provider and local counsel if you operate a regulated or commercial service.

1) Executive Verdict

Do you need ICP filing?

  • Yes if your domain resolves to a server located in Mainland China.
  • No if your server is outside Mainland China (e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore, US).

After ICP approval, what else?

  • You must display the ICP number in the footer and link it to beian.miit.gov.cn.
  • Many scenarios also require PSB filing (public security registration) after MIIT filing, then display PSB info in the footer.

2) ICP Filing vs ICP Commercial License (Don’t Mix These)

ICP Filing (Bei’an)

  • Basic registration generally required for sites/apps hosted in Mainland China.
  • Submitted through your Mainland hosting provider’s filing system.

ICP Commercial License (ICP Permit)

  • Typically required for certain commercial/operational internet services (value-added telecom categories).
  • More complex; eligibility and rules vary by province.

Practical rule: For a normal informational site in Mainland China, you are usually talking about ICP filing, not the commercial license.

3) Who Can Apply (Individuals vs Companies vs Overseas)

Individuals

Some providers support individual ICP filing for personal sites.

Mainland companies

Generally the most straightforward filing path.

Overseas companies

May face additional requirements depending on province and scenario. In some cases, local registrations or representative office documents may be required. Rules vary.

4) What You Must Prepare (Non-negotiables)

A) Mainland China hosting access

Most ICP filings are submitted through the provider that provides the Mainland “access service.” Typically you need qualifying Mainland resources on that provider.

B) Domain real-name verification

Your domain must be registered and real-name verified before filing.

C) Documents (typical)

Depending on scenario and province:

  • ID documents (individual)
  • Business/qualification documents (company)
  • Website owner/responsible person information
  • Supporting materials required by local administration/provider

5) Step-by-Step Filing Process (Practical)

UI differs by provider, workflow is broadly consistent.

Step 1 — Choose your filing scenario

Common types:

  • Initial filing (first time entity + site)
  • Add a new site under an existing entity
  • “New access” when migrating to a new provider (or adding another provider)

Step 2 — Submit entity information

  • Entity identity must match registration documents.
  • Province/city must match document requirements.

Step 3 — Submit website/app information

Expect review on:

  • Website name compliance
  • Content compliance
  • Responsible person authenticity

Step 4 — Provider review → MIIT review

Provider checks materials, then MIIT review proceeds. Once approved, your site can go live on Mainland hosting (subject to other compliance).

6) Post-Approval Website Requirements (You MUST do these)

A) Display the ICP number + MIIT link

Place your ICP number in the footer and link to:

Minimal footer snippet (HTML), copy as-is (no code fence used here to avoid breaking your paste): YOUR_ICP_NUMBER

B) PSB filing (Public Security Bureau)

If required for your scenario, complete PSB filing after MIIT filing and then display PSB info in the footer (format depends on the platform requirements).

7) Common Rejection Reasons (Why filings get stuck)

  1. Domain real-name verification mismatch (name/entity mismatch)
  2. Province/city selection inconsistent with registration documents
  3. Website name/content not acceptable to local review rules
  4. Missing documents or incorrect file format/photo requirements
  5. “New access” process not handled correctly when migrating providers

8) Low-regret Recommendations

If you only want faster China access (but not Mainland hosting)

Consider:

  • Tokyo/Hong Kong/Singapore origin + CDN + routing validation
    This avoids ICP complexity while still improving performance for many cases.

If you truly need Mainland hosting

Plan for:

  • ICP filing + possible PSB filing
  • longer lead time
  • operational compliance (footer display, documentation, ongoing changes)

9) FAQ (10)

1) Do I need ICP filing if my server is in Hong Kong?

Generally no. ICP filing is tied to Mainland China hosting access.

2) Do I need ICP filing if my users are in China but server is outside China?

Usually no. ICP filing is based on hosting location (Mainland China).

3) Is ICP filing the same as ICP commercial license?

No. Filing is registration; commercial license is a separate category for certain services.

4) Can an overseas company apply?

Sometimes yes, but requirements vary and can be stricter depending on province.

5) Where do I submit the filing?

Through your Mainland hosting provider’s ICP filing system.

6) Must I display the ICP number on the website?

Yes, for Mainland-hosted sites.

7) Do I also need PSB filing?

Often required after MIIT filing, depending on scenario.

8) Is ICP filing free?

Filing itself may not have a direct fee, but you typically must purchase qualifying Mainland hosting resources.

9) What’s the fastest low-regret performance solution?

Non-Mainland origin + CDN + correct caching + routing validation.

10) What if I change providers?

You may need a “new access” process so the new provider becomes your access service provider.

Next Steps (Closed Loop)