How to Verify a Chinese Company (Using NECIPS, Qichacha, and More)

Whether you're exploring partnerships, suppliers, or looking into company formation in China, verifying a Chinese company is one of the most critical steps in reducing business risk. With the massive expansion of global trade and increasing foreign interest in registering a company in China, it’s become essential to ensure that your prospective Chinese partners or service providers are legitimate and compliant with local laws.

Fortunately, China offers several tools and databases for due diligence, including NECIPS, Qichacha, Tianyancha, and official government sources. This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to verify a Chinese company and make informed decisions—whether you're looking into a business partnership or your company registration in China.

Why You Need to Verify a Chinese Company

Verifying a company in China is not just a formality. It can help you:

• Avoid scams or fraudulent companies

• Ensure your supplier or partner is legally registered

• Understand a company’s financial and legal background

• Gain insights into ownership structure and liabilities

• Build trust before entering contracts or agreements

This step is especially vital if you plan to register a company in China or work with local entities for your company formation process.

Tools to Verify a Chinese Company

Here are the top platforms and methods for conducting due diligence on Chinese companies:

1. NECIPS (National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System)

NECIPS is the official government platform for verifying Chinese companies. Operated by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), it provides up-to-date and legally reliable information on business registrations.

Website: http://www.gsxt.gov.cn/

What You Can Check:

• Business license and registration details

• Unified Social Credit Code (USCC)

• Legal representative

• Registered capital and address

• Business status (active, revoked, cancelled)

• Record of administrative penalties or violations

How to Use:

1. Visit the NECIPS homepage.

2. Enter the company name (in Chinese characters) or the USCC.

3. Review the basic information provided.

4. Click through for more details such as annual reports and license renewals.

Note: The site is only in Chinese, so using Google Translate or getting help from a Chinese speaker is advised.

2. Qichacha (企查查)

Qichacha is a powerful business intelligence tool that aggregates public and commercial data on Chinese companies. While it’s not an official government site, it's widely used in China for due diligence.

Website: https://www.qcc.com/

Key Features:

• Ownership structure and shareholding percentages

• Legal representative and executive team

• Financial performance and tax credit ratings

• Intellectual property (trademarks, patents)

• Court cases and legal disputes

• Past and current business activities

Qichacha offers both free and paid versions. Even without a subscription, you can view basic company registration in China and risk-related data.

3. Tianyancha (天眼查)

Another major business data provider, Tianyancha is similar to Qichacha and is widely used among Chinese legal and financial professionals.

Website: https://www.tianyancha.com/

What You Can Find:

• Real-time company registration data

• Risk analysis and warning alerts

• Changes in company status or ownership

• Mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions

• Business connections and affiliations

Tianyancha often includes visual charts that make it easier to understand complex company structures, which is particularly useful if you are navigating company formation in China.

Also Read: How to Register a Company in Egypt?

4. Business License (营业执照)

If you're already in contact with a Chinese company, ask them to provide a scanned copy of their business license. This license contains the most essential details:

• Company name (in Chinese)

• Unified Social Credit Code

• Legal representative

• Registered capital

• Date of establishment

• Business scope

• Registration authority

You can cross-check the license details with NECIPS or Qichacha to confirm authenticity.

5. Visit the Company (If Possible)

If you're investing significantly or considering a joint venture, consider an on-site visit to the company’s registered address. This helps confirm whether the business is active and operating from the stated location.

You can also hire a local verification service or third-party agency to conduct an audit or physical verification on your behalf.

Key Data Points to Verify

Regardless of which tool you use, pay close attention to the following:

1. Unified Social Credit Code (USCC)
   This is a unique 18-digit registration number assigned to every legal entity in China. It's similar to a company’s tax ID and registration number combined.

2. Business Scope
   Make sure the company is legally allowed to carry out the activities you're interested in. For example, a company registered only for retail cannot legally engage in manufacturing.

3. Legal Representative
   This is the person with legal power to act on behalf of the company. Ensure their name matches any documentation you’re reviewing or contracts you’re negotiating.

4. Registered Capital
   This indicates the financial strength or commitment of the company’s founders. It may or may not be fully paid-in, depending on the company type.

5. Business Status
   Active, revoked, deregistered, or in liquidation—all are key indicators of a company’s current standing.

6. Litigation or Legal History
   Platforms like Qichacha and Tianyancha can alert you to court cases, blacklists, or legal disputes involving the company.

Also Read: What is the Eligibility criteria for Bahrain company registration?

Why This Matters for Foreigners Registering a Company in China

For foreign entrepreneurs interested in company registration in China, understanding how to verify a local partner is essential—especially if you plan on setting up a Joint Venture (JV) or Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE). Any misstep in the selection of suppliers, partners, or service providers can result in compliance issues or financial loss.

Verifying a company beforehand protects you from:

• Fake registration documents

• Shell companies without real operations

• Unlicensed operators

• Blacklisted or banned entities

It's highly recommended to combine online verification tools with legal support from a local law firm or business consultant who understands the registration system in China.

Summary

Verifying a Chinese company is a non-negotiable step in modern international business. Whether you’re entering a partnership, sourcing products, or preparing for your own company formation in China, using platforms like NECIPS, Qichacha, and Tianyancha provides critical transparency.

Taking the time to validate registration details, business scope, and financial background not only protects your investment but also ensures a smoother and more professional business relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is NECIPS reliable for verifying Chinese companies?
Yes, NECIPS is the official government database and the most reliable source for checking a company's legal registration, status, and compliance in China.

2. Can I verify a Chinese company in English?
Most official and third-party sites like NECIPS, Qichacha, and Tianyancha are only available in Chinese. Using translation tools or consulting with a Chinese-speaking advisor is recommended.

3. Is it safe to register a company in China as a foreigner?
Yes, China allows foreigners to register a company, such as a WFOE or Joint Venture. However, it's crucial to work with legal and financial professionals and conduct proper due diligence during the process.