Published by ChinaMNC · Wuchang

China Website Certification and Accessibility Standards: A Guide for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders operating in China should understand the website identification and accessibility evaluation system. This guide explains the certification process, evaluation criteria, and compliance requirements based on official information from Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government and the China Internet Society.

Understanding China's Website Certification and Accessibility Standards

For foreign founders establishing a business presence in China, compliance with local digital regulations is essential. One area that often receives less attention is the certification and accessibility evaluation of government and corporate websites. While the source article focuses on a provincial government portal, the framework it describes offers useful insights into how Chinese authorities assess website quality and accessibility. This guide summarizes the key elements of that system and explains what foreign founders should know when operating a company website in China.

What is the Website Identification Management System?

The source text describes a website identification management system overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and administered by the Internet Society of China (ISC). Under this system, websites can obtain an electronic identification mark, which is valid for a specified period. For the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government website, the electronic identification number is DZJG20260300003507PW. The certification for both PC and WAP versions of the site is valid for two years, from March 5, 2026, to March 4, 2028.

Foreign founders should note that while this specific example pertains to a government entity, similar certification processes may apply to commercial websites. Understanding the validity period and the issuing authorities is important for maintaining compliance.

Evaluation Criteria for Website Performance

The source provides detailed evaluation scores for the Heilongjiang government website, covering both PC and WAP versions. These evaluations are broken down into several categories:

• Accessibility for the Elderly (适老化评价): This assesses how well the website accommodates older users. For the PC site, self-evaluation was 100, institutional evaluation 82, and user evaluation 80. For the WAP site, self-evaluation was 100, institutional evaluation 83, and user evaluation 83.
• Accessibility for People with Disabilities (无障碍评价): This measures compliance with accessibility standards. For the PC site, self-evaluation was 100, institutional evaluation 83, and user evaluation 84. For the WAP site, self-evaluation was 100, institutional evaluation 80, and user evaluation 83.
• Efficiency Index (效能指数): This includes comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness, all of which were rated at 100% for both PC and WAP sites.
• Overall Evaluation Score: The total score for both PC and WAP sites was 85.8.

These criteria suggest that Chinese authorities place significant emphasis on website accessibility and performance. Foreign founders should consider these factors when designing or localizing their company websites for the Chinese market.

Regular Inspections and Certification Validity

The source indicates that regular inspections are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance. For the Heilongjiang government website, inspections are scheduled for September 4, 2026; March 4, 2027; and September 4, 2027. The inspection results are marked as "passed." This implies that websites must undergo periodic reviews to maintain their certification.

Additionally, a certificate for accessibility and elderly-friendly evaluation is available for download, with the same validity period as the identification mark. Foreign founders should be aware that similar certification processes may be required for their own websites, and they should prepare for regular inspections and renewals.

Practical Implications for Foreign Founders

When registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders often need to establish a website for marketing, e-commerce, or information purposes. While the source focuses on a government portal, the underlying principles of website identification and accessibility evaluation are relevant to all websites operating in China. Here are some practical steps:

• Understand the certification requirements: Determine whether your website needs an electronic identification mark. This may depend on the nature of your business and local regulations.
• Prioritize accessibility: Ensure your website is accessible to elderly users and people with disabilities. This not only aligns with regulatory expectations but also expands your audience.
• Maintain performance standards: Aim for high scores in comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness to meet the efficiency index.
• Prepare for regular inspections: Schedule periodic reviews and renewals to keep your certification valid.

It is important to note that the source does not provide specific requirements for commercial websites, so foreign founders should consult local authorities or legal advisors for detailed guidance.

Conclusion

The website identification and accessibility evaluation system described in the source reflects China's broader efforts to standardize and improve digital services. For foreign founders, staying informed about these standards can help ensure compliance and enhance user experience. By understanding the evaluation criteria and certification processes, you can better navigate the digital landscape in China.

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

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