When verifying Chinese business partners, the first critical step is confirming their official registration through authoritative sources. Unlike Western jurisdictions where company information is centralized, China maintains multiple official databases with varying levels of accessibility and data completeness. This guide examines the five essential government platforms for authenticating Chinese company names, comparing their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
1. National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS)
Authority: State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)
Coverage: 100% of registered mainland China entities
Key Features:
- Real-time verification of company name, registration number (Unified Social Credit Code), and legal status
- Historical records of name changes since incorporation
- Watermarked official reports with anti-counterfeit seals
Unique Advantage:
The only platform providing government-certified Enterprise Credit Reports bearing SAMR’s digital watermark. These documents are legally admissible for international contracts and due diligence.
Limitation:
Basic English interface available, but detailed records remain in Chinese.
2. China Judgments Online
Authority: Supreme People’s Court
Coverage: Litigation records from all Chinese courts since 2013
Critical Verification Use:
- Identify if a company name appears in:
- Contract disputes
- Intellectual property cases
- Enforcement actions (non-payment judgments)
Pro Tip:
Search both the company’s Chinese name (工商名称) and its English trade name, as discrepancies may indicate fraudulent activity.
3. Customs Trade Intellectual Property Rights Protection System
Authority: General Administration of Customs
Why It Matters:
Verifies if a company name is:
- Blacklisted for counterfeit exports (updated monthly)
- Authorized to use specific trademarks in cross-border trade
Data Gap:
Only covers import/export businesses (~15% of Chinese companies).
4. State Taxation Administration Portal
Authority: Ministry of Finance
Key Name Checks:
- Tax registration status (active/revoked)
- VAT invoice issuer validation
- Tax credit ratings (A-D grades)
Critical Insight:
Companies with “D” ratings have 8x higher default rates according to 2023 Peking University research.
5. Local AMR Databases (Provincial/Municipal)
Example Platforms:
- Beijing Enterprise Credit Information Net
- Shanghai Public Credit Information Service Platform
Advantages Over NECIPS:
- Often provide more frequent updates (daily vs. weekly)
- Include local administrative penalties not on national system
Challenge:
Only 12 provincial platforms offer English interfaces as of 2024.
Commercial Platforms vs. Official Sources
| Factor | Tianyancha/Qichacha | Official Databases |
|---|---|---|
| Data Source | Secondary collection | Direct from government |
| Legal Admissibility | Not valid for court | Certified reports available |
| English Support | Full translation | Limited availability |
| Historical Data | Up to 10 years | Varies by database |
| Real-time Update | 24-72 hour delay | Instant for NECIPS |
When to Use Commercial Tools:
For preliminary screening and network mapping.
When to Use Official Channels:
For contract enforcement, litigation, or investment decisions requiring legally valid documentation.
Best Practices for Verification
- Cross-Check Multiple Systems: 37% of fraudulent companies pass single-database verification (2023 ICC China report)
- Verify Chinese Characters: Many scammers use homophone variations (e.g., 阿里巴巴 vs. 阿里巴巴)
- Monitor Changes: Companies facing crises often alter names – track history via Professional Credit Reports
Conclusion
While commercial platforms like Tianyancha offer convenience, official databases provide the definitive verification needed for risk-sensitive decisions. For international users, combining NECIPS reports with targeted checks in specialized systems creates a robust defense against corporate identity fraud in China.