ICP filing
ICP filing records a website and its operator with China's authorities before content is served from mainland China.
Definitions only — a term explained here is not a service we sell.
ICP filing is the Chinese record of a website and its operator, required before content is served from mainland China. A filing covers a domain and the entity that operates the website. Which party files depends on the hosting and CDN arrangement.
The filing is made through the access provider to the provincial communications administration. Domain ownership, entity documents, content scope and a named responsible person form the record. A change of entity or domain can require an update or a new filing.
Scope and hosting path
A filing is not a commercial license. Providing paid internet content or certain telecom services can require a separate value-added telecom license.
If the site is served from inside mainland China, the access provider or CDN usually asks for a filing number before it routes traffic. If it is served from outside, the filing question changes. App filing and cross-border data transfer are separate questions; ICP filing does not address data transfer. This is general information, not legal advice; scope the path with counsel. The China compliance page sets out the questions.