Published by ChinaMNC · Ningnan

Website Identification Management for Foreign Founders: What the Sichuan Government Portal Example Shows

A practical guide for foreign founders on China's website identification system, using the Sichuan Provincial Government portal's certification details to explain validity periods, evaluation metrics, and compliance steps.

Understanding Website Identification Management in China

For foreign founders establishing an online presence in China, understanding the website identification (标识) system is essential for compliance and credibility. The official information page for the Sichuan Provincial Government portal provides a concrete example of how identification management works in practice. This article breaks down the key elements using only the facts published on that page, framed as practical guidance for your own registration and operations.

What the Source Covers

The source page is a formal record of the Sichuan Provincial Government portal’s institutional information and its website identification status. It includes the portal’s operator details, evaluation scores for both PC and WAP versions, identification certification periods, scheduled inspections, and a certificate download link. While the example is a government site, the structure and requirements offer useful lessons for any entity—including foreign-invested enterprises—that operates a website in China.

Institutional Information and Identification Number

The page lists the following institutional details:

• Organizer: General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government
• Institution type: Party and government organ
• Website name: Sichuan Provincial People’s Government
• Website address: www.sc.gov.cn
• Electronic identification number: DZJG20260100003479PW

For foreign founders, this illustrates that a formal electronic identification number is assigned to the website. When registering your own company website, you should expect a similar identifier as part of the filing or certification process. Ensure your institutional details are accurate and consistent across all filings.

Evaluation Scores: PC and WAP Versions

The source provides separate evaluations for the PC and WAP (mobile) versions of the portal. These scores cover accessibility for the elderly (适老化), accessibility (无障碍), and efficiency indices (全面性, 可靠性, 健壮性). The scores are broken down into self-assessment, institutional assessment, and user assessment.

PC Website Evaluation

• Elderly accessibility: Self-assessment 100; institutional assessment 82; user assessment 83
• Accessibility: Self-assessment 100; institutional assessment 83; user assessment 83
• Efficiency indices: Comprehensiveness 100%; reliability 100%; robustness 100%
• Overall evaluation score: 86.2

WAP Website Evaluation

• Elderly accessibility: Self-assessment 100; institutional assessment 82; user assessment 81
• Accessibility: Self-assessment 100; institutional assessment 80; user assessment 82
• Efficiency indices: Comprehensiveness 100%; reliability 100%; robustness 100%
• Overall evaluation score: 85.4

These metrics indicate that Chinese authorities assess websites on usability for elderly and disabled users, as well as on technical performance. Foreign founders should consider these criteria when designing their China-facing websites, as they may be part of future evaluations or certification requirements.

Identification Management Details

The page specifies the authorities responsible for identification management:

• Supervising authority: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
• Issuing authority: Internet Society of China

It also states the certification validity periods for both PC and WAP websites:

• Validity period: Two years, from January 27, 2026 to January 26, 2028

This means the identification must be renewed every two years. Foreign founders should calendar renewal dates to avoid lapses in certification, which could affect website operations or credibility.

Regular Inspections

The source lists scheduled inspection dates and results:

• Inspection dates: July 26, 2026; January 26, 2027; July 26, 2027
• Inspection results: Passed

Regular inspections appear to be a compliance requirement. Build a schedule for internal checks and prepare documentation in advance to ensure smooth passage.

Certificate Certification and Download

The page notes that certificate certification also has a two-year validity period (January 27, 2026 to January 26, 2028). A downloadable PDF is available: “Sichuan Provincial People’s Government Portal Accessibility and Elderly-Friendly Evaluation Report (Sealed Version).”

For foreign founders, this suggests that after evaluation, a formal certificate or report may be issued. Keep such documents accessible for regulatory reviews or partner due diligence.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

Based on the example, consider the following when registering or operating a company website in China:

• Verify your institutional information and ensure consistency with business licenses.
• Obtain an electronic identification number as part of the website filing process.
• Prepare for accessibility and performance evaluations by designing for elderly and disabled users and ensuring technical robustness.
• Track certification validity periods and renew before expiry.
• Schedule regular inspections and maintain records of passed inspections.
• Download and archive certificates for future reference.

While the source is specific to a government portal, the underlying framework—identification number, evaluation, certification, and inspections—likely applies to other websites in China. Always consult local regulations and professional advisors for your specific situation.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.