Do all sites hosted in China need an ICP number?

[msparkle]

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System: The following message was cut out of thread at: http://www.webmasterworld.com/asia_pacific_search_engines/3639102.htm [webmasterworld.com] by bill - 1:03 pm on May 14, 2008 (jst +9)

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A few of you talked about hosting in China. I heard all Chinese websites must have an ICP number. For an American company who wants to host its Chinese version in China, does it have to apply for an ICP number before they do it?

[bill]

We had a thread about this topic when it first became policy in China: China to close local websites if unregistered [webmasterworld.com]

This was the info in 2005:

In January 2005, a regulation was issued stating that all websites hosted inside China (not including those hosted outside China) must be registered or approved.

1. All commercial websites must be approved
   
2. All non-commercial websites must be registered

You can submit your website information to the Chinese Ministry of Information Industry here:
[miibeian.gov.cn...]
They say that you can obtain your registration or approval number within 20 days or so.

However, my commercial site hosted in China was recently informed that it had to register for the ICP. We received all the paperwork within the last few weeks. It appears that they are getting more strict about this.

[msparkle]

Thanks for your information, Bill. It's really helpful.

[redstorm]

All sites hosted inside the Mainland China are required to register for a Number of ICP or so called "Secure Website".
It's easy to get an ICP number provided you have a legal website.

[seo4china]

Yes I confirm that ICP is compulsory for sites hosted in China. However most hosting companies will be able to get it for free if you host with them. It used to take 20 days or more now in most cases it is done within 2~3 days.