Market entities operating in the Inner Mongolian city of Ordos may apply for and obtain business licenses electronically from March 27, according to a recent announcement made by the autonomous region’s industrial and commercial bureau.

The paperless service will first be piloted in the cities of Ordos, Hohhot, Baotou and Chifeng before being extended to other parts of the region beginning in May. 

Applicants can register and file for a new license on the industrial and commercial bureau’s official website. Applicants can also gain access to the service via smartphones and mobile devices.

What does the issuing of electronic business licenses mean?

1. Identification

Like paper business licenses, the electronic certificate serves as the valid identification required for market entities to operate businesses.

2. Online publicity

Information about the electronic business license program will be published on the internet.

3. Annual examination

Authorities can annually verify the validity of licenses online.

4. Credit information

Business partners and customers can learn a company’s credit history, embedded by authorities in the electronic certificate.

5. E-commerce

Companies can provide the electronic license to third-party websites for real-name registration.

6. Electronic contract

The electronic business license online platform will also allow companies to sign electronic contracts.

7. Comprehensive application  

The online platform also provides companies with information necessary for such administrative affairs as taxation and social security.

8. Cyber supervision

Via the online platform, authorities can oversee companies’ business operations.