How to Quickly Complete ICP and Public‑Security Filing for Your Chinese Domain

Why ICP filing is required

ICP filing is mandatory when a website or app resolves to a server located in mainland China. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) uses it to verify the legality of the site and to prevent illegal content. Servers located in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or abroad only require a public‑security network filing.

Prerequisite conditions

Cloud server (public IP reachable) Domain name Accessible web page (can display a placeholder for the future ICP number)

During domain filing you must associate the domain with the purchased cloud server or its authorization code so that the server is reachable.

Implementation steps

01 Domain registration and purchase

Select a low‑cost domain, preferably for at least three years, and enable auto‑renewal to avoid expiration.

Estimated time: < 1 hour

02 Domain holder real‑name authentication

Upload the ID card (front and back) of the domain holder and complete the facial video verification required by the cloud provider.

Estimated time: < 1 hour

03 ICP domain filing (example: Alibaba Cloud)

<code>https://beian.aliyun.com/</code>

Initial review by the cloud provider

Submit the following materials:

Entity information (company or individual)

Scanned front and back of the ID card

Facial video verification (system captures a still image; ensure the person’s eyes are open)

After submission, wait at least two days before the cloud provider forwards the case to the authorities.

Estimated time: < 1 day

MIIT SMS verification

<code>https://beian.miit.gov.cn</code>

Receive a verification code via SMS and complete the online form within one day.

Estimated time: < 1 day

Authority review

After SMS verification the MIIT authority reviews the submission. Notification is sent via SMS and email.

Waiting time: up to 20 working days (excluding holidays and weekends). Keep the registered phone number reachable for possible information verification.

Typical total duration: about four working days for a smooth case.

Post‑filing actions

Display the ICP number in the website footer and link it to the MIIT site.

For mobile apps, prominently show the filing number and link to the MIIT site.

Complete the public‑security network filing.

If the site/app provides commercial services, obtain the Business ICP License.

Why both ICP and public‑security filings are required

ICP filing – Managed by MIIT; purpose is to confirm website legality and prevent illegal content. Legal basis: “Internet Information Service Management Measures” Article 5.

Public‑security filing – Managed by public‑security organs; purpose is network‑security supervision and crime prevention. Legal basis: “Computer Information Network International Network Security Protection Management Measures” Article 11.

Consequences of skipping public‑security filing

Legal penalties: warnings, fines, or forced shutdown.

Compliance risk: sites may be inspected and halted.

Security risk: authorities lack contact information, slowing incident response.

Common reasons for rejection and mitigation

Select the correct reviewing unit based on your residential jurisdiction.

Avoid interactive features (e.g., comments, sharing) on the page submitted for review.

Domain DNS configuration

In the domain registrar’s console, add www and @ A records that point to the cloud server’s public IP.

Deploy your web service on the cloud server and use Nginx (or another reverse proxy) to serve the site.

Final checklist

After both filings are approved, place the downloaded ICP badge and the public‑security filing number on your website or app as shown below.

Following this end‑to‑end process helps avoid wasted time and money caused by incomplete preparation.