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China's Unified Enterprise Code: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders in China can now benefit from a unified enterprise code that simplifies access to business information and government services. This guide explains the code's development, features, and implications for your company.

What is the Enterprise Code?

The enterprise code is a QR code loaded onto both paper and electronic business licenses in China. It serves as a digital identity for business entities, allowing access to a range of government services and information. For foreign founders, understanding this system can streamline interactions with Chinese authorities and enhance transparency.

Key Milestones and Adoption

The concept was first proposed in May 2020 by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) to facilitate business resumption during the pandemic, inspired by the personal health code. Initially called the "enterprise information code," it was later renamed "enterprise service code" in 2021 and eventually simplified to "enterprise code." By June 2026, the code had been promoted to 18 provinces, regions, and municipalities. As of the end of June 2026, over 32.02 million paper business licenses with the enterprise code had been issued nationwide. Government agencies had scanned the code over 6.49 million times to verify business identities, and the public had scanned it over 46.6 million times to query business information.

How the Enterprise Code Works

The code is automatically generated by the national unified electronic business license system. No separate application is required, and it covers all types of business entities. The QR codes on paper and electronic licenses are unified into the enterprise code, ensuring "one license, one code" per enterprise. The code follows national standards and is valid across China.

Information Linked to the Code

When scanned, the enterprise code can display various types of information about the business, depending on the region. This may include:

• Registration and filing information
• Administrative licensing information
• Regulatory and credit information
• Announcements and voluntary disclosures
• Judicial assistance information
• Electronic licenses from different departments
• Food safety and consumer protection information
• Intellectual property information
• Tax credit ratings and customs registration

For example, Shanghai integrates 59 types of electronic license information across eight categories, including food and catering, special equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Zhejiang collects 101 data items and links 63 types of electronic licenses. Jiangsu links 44 types of enterprise-related license information across 15 fields. Tianjin links 86 electronic licenses, such as food business and drug business licenses. The Xiong'an New Area in Hebei has built a system that provides a comprehensive view of registration, licensing, shareholder structure, credit records, and regulatory results.

Benefits for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders, the enterprise code offers several practical advantages:

• Simplified verification: Government agencies and the public can quickly verify your business identity by scanning the code, reducing paperwork and time.
• Access to services: The code serves as a pass for government services, enabling "one-code" query, handling, and inspection.
• Enhanced transparency: Your business information is readily accessible, which can build trust with partners and customers.
• Cross-regional recognition: The code is valid nationwide, facilitating operations across provinces.

Regional Variations

Implementation details vary by region. For instance, Shandong Province has fully promoted a model where electronic business licenses are primary and paper licenses are secondary; since March 2025, it no longer proactively issues paper licenses. Xinjiang also no longer proactively issues paper licenses unless otherwise required by law or upon request. Foreign founders should check local regulations to understand specific practices.

Policy Background and National Standards

The enterprise code is part of China's efforts to build a unified national market and digital government. In June 2023, the General Office of the State Council issued a document calling for unified QR codes on paper and electronic licenses and the establishment of a unified code generation and verification mechanism. SAMR led the development of a national standard, "Technical Requirements for Government Service Code (Enterprise) on the National Integrated Government Service Platform," which standardizes the code's technical aspects. This top-level design ensures interoperability and avoids fragmented systems.

How to Use the Enterprise Code

As a foreign founder, you don't need to apply for the code separately; it will be automatically generated and loaded onto your business license. You can use it by:

• Scanning the code on your electronic business license via the electronic business license mini-program to access your own information.
• Allowing government agencies to scan your code for verification during inspections or when accessing services.
• Sharing your code with partners or customers so they can verify your business information.

Note that the information displayed may vary by region, but basic registration details are universally accessible.

Conclusion

The enterprise code is a significant development in China's business environment, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing trust. Foreign founders should embrace this digital tool to facilitate their operations in China.

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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