Locating a company's unified social credit code in China
The Unified Social Credit Code (USCC) is a crucial identifier for businesses in mainland China. It is a unique 18-digit ID for every registered company. Knowing the USCC is essential for navigating tax obligations, signing contracts, or verifying a business partner.
But where exactly do you find this vital code? The process is more straightforward than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Check the company's business license:
Your first stop should be your company's business license (营业执照 - Yíngyè zhízhào). The USCC is prominently displayed on this document, usually beside the characters "统一社会信用代码" (Tǒngyī shèhuì xìnyòng dàimǎ). Please see the content circled in red at the top left of the image below.
2. Explore other official documents:
If you can't locate your business license, don't panic! The USCC can also be found on other official documents, such as:
- Foreign Trade Registration Certificate: If your company engages in import/export activities, this certificate will contain the USCC. (Note: this certificate was no longer need for international trade since December 2022)
- Tax-related documents: Official receipts (fapiao) or tax registration certificates may also display the code.
- ISO9001 certificate: If your company holds this certification, the USCC might be included.
3. Utilize Online Resources:
China's digital infrastructure provides convenient online tools to access company information:
- National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System: This official website allows you to search for company information using the company name in Chinese. The USCC is included in the retrieved company details.
- Third-party business information platforms: Several platforms offer company verification services and often include the USCC in their reports.
4. Contact the Authorities:
You can contact the local Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) if online searches prove fruitless. They maintain records of all registered companies and can provide your USCC.
Important Notes:
- Mandarin is key: Many official websites and resources are primarily in Mandarin. Using a translator or browser-based translation tools can be helpful.
- Accuracy matters: To avoid inaccurate results, ensure you have the correct Chinese company name when searching online databases.
- Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan: Companies registered in these regions do not have a USCC.
About the USCC's background, history, implementation and data, please read the following article:
Knowaco Editor
