icp / ip license needed for Chinese site?

Is it necessary to register a site Chinese site with the government?

[illlogical]

Hi, I was wondering if there are any Chinese webmasters who might know a bit about the icp license that is apparently required for Chinese language sites.

-If I write a mandarin Chinese site for the mainland and do not get an icp license, will it be shut down (or slowed down)? My hosts are in the US and I am using a .com domain.

-Is it possible to get a license as a foreigner?

-Do I need to pay for the license or is it free?

-How long does it take to get an icp license? Is it likely that I would be rejected?

-I guess my main question is: Do I really need to get an ICP license and are there any consequences if I don't?

P.S. My site is an info site with ads but no obvious ecommerce.

Thanks for any answers you might have.

[tntpower]

-If I write a mandarin Chinese site for the mainland and do not get an icp license, will it be shut down (or slowed down)? My hosts are in the US and I am using a .com domain.

> Probably. Nobody here in this forum can answer this question.

-Is it possible to get a license as a foreigner?

> Of course, given you are a registered foreign company in China.

-Do I need to pay for the license or is it free?

> It does not require too much for the license itself. But in order to get the license, your must have a company. That's expensive. You can also choose to apply the personal ICP license, which costs much less.

-How long does it take to get an icp license? Is it likely that I would be rejected?

> Depends on the province in which you apply. There is no gurantee your application will go through.

-I guess my main question is: Do I really need to get an ICP license and are there any consequences if I don't?

> Depends on you. Nobody can answer your question. Many overseas Chinese sites do not have ICP license but they are still accessible to mainland users, your site may be one of them. But do not feel surprised if one day, you are told by mainland users that they cannot access your site anymore.

P.S. My site is an info site with ads but no obvious ecommerce.

> It does not matter. Of course, if your site has anti-Chinese government contents, it will be blocked shortly. However, it does not mean if your site does not have such content it will be safe. For example, if you use virtual hosting, when China block an IP it may block your site as well. In many cases, China also block a range of IPs.

Thanks for any answers you might have.

[bill]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld illlogical.

-If I write a mandarin Chinese site for the mainland and do not get an icp license, will it be shut down (or slowed down)? My hosts are in the US and I am using a .com domain.

No. This is only for sites physically hosted within China. See: China to close local websites if unregistered [webmasterworld.com].

[redstorm]

I recommend you should have a try! Maybe you are the first person who applies for the ICP License from abroad. If you succeed, you will win good reputation from the government. That will be an invisible asset for the sustainable development of the web site.
It seems not very serious if you do not do so!

[illlogical]

Hi again,

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out that thread, bill. Tntpower, does your reply apply to personal websites or only to corporate affairs?

Redstorm- If I launch the site without a license, is it possible to get one later?

Thanks again.

[redstorm]

Redstorm- If I launch the site without a license, is it possible to get one later?

Answer:
Surely. Though we can not make sure you can get the license after its launching

[bill]

You really might want to read that thread...
Registering sites in China is only for sites hosted in China.

[illlogical]

Hi Bill,

I checked that thread out and it is full of good info on this issue. Thanks Redstorm.

[Shak]

redstorm my friend, hope you are well

can you clarify if your comments are just your own opinion or actual facts provided by the Chinese government?

and when you in SH next?

Shak

[redstorm]

My friend Shak:
I am fine. How are you? i am now working in Huangpu District Shanghai.
today, i sent an inquiry to the Ministry of Information PRC concerning this matter. After i get the reply from the officers, i will give illogical the concrete answer.

[illlogical]

Hi everyone, I'm glad to see WW back up and running.

Redstorm, thanks a lot. I appreciate your help.

[redstorm]

illlogical:
The officer from Ministry of Information PRC told me this morning (October 31) you couldn¡¯t apply icp/ip license considering that you are not Chinese citizen, you site is hosted outside mainland China and ...
Tell me if you still have any problems on this issue.