Publishing an iOS app to the Apple App Store in mainland China requires additional regulatory steps compared to other regions. One of the most important is securing an ICP (Internet Content Provider) filing issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Without this record, your app may not be approved for distribution in mainland China, even if it is already live in other countries.

What Is an ICP Filing?

An ICP filing (ICP备案) is a registration number granted by MIIT to websites and apps that provide online content or services hosted on servers within mainland China.

• ICP Filing (备案号): Required for non-commercial websites and apps that provide information or services.
• ICP License (经营许可证): Required for commercial activities such as e-commerce, online payments, or content monetization.

For most iOS apps, the basic ICP filing is sufficient.

Why Do iOS Apps Need an ICP Filing?

In 2023, Apple began requiring app developers targeting mainland China to provide a valid ICP filing number before their apps can be published or remain listed on the Chinese App Store.

If your iOS app is already live outside China, you cannot simply “add” China as a region in App Store Connect without an ICP record. Apple will request your ICP number during the submission or update process.

Who Can Apply for an ICP Filing?

Only companies or individuals with a legal entity registered in mainland China can apply.

• Foreign developers without a Chinese company cannot directly obtain an ICP filing.

• Solutions for foreign companies:

  1. Set up a local subsidiary or joint venture in China.
  2. Partner with a licensed local entity (such as a distributor, publishing partner, or service provider) who applies on your behalf.

Steps to Obtain an ICP Filing for Your iOS App

1. Establish a Hosting Setup in China Your app’s backend servers (APIs, databases, or content delivery endpoints) must be hosted on infrastructure within mainland China (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud).

2. Prepare Required Documentation

   • Chinese business license of your entity.
   • ID card or passport of the legal representative.
   • Domain name certificate (the app’s backend must use a registered domain).
   • Application materials as required by the hosting provider.

3. Submit Through Hosting Provider MIIT does not accept direct filings. Instead, filings are made through your chosen hosting provider (cloud company or data center).

4. MIIT Review and Approval Once submitted, MIIT reviews your application. The process usually takes 3–6 weeks, depending on the province where your hosting provider is registered.

5. Receive Your ICP Number After approval, you’ll receive an ICP filing number, which must be displayed in your app’s backend service and often in the app’s information page.

6. Submit ICP to Apple Enter your ICP number in App Store Connect when enabling distribution in mainland China. Apple verifies it before approving your release.

Key Considerations

• Timelines: Start early—approval can take more than a month.
• Entity Requirement: If you don’t have a Chinese entity, you’ll need a trusted local partner.
• Updates: Apple may suspend or remove apps that fail to provide valid ICP details by the required deadlines.
• Compliance: An ICP filing is just the first step. Depending on your app’s category (gaming, social, finance, etc.), you may also need additional licenses such as game publishing approval, online publishing license, or cybersecurity review.

Conclusion

Getting an ICP filing for your iOS app is a critical step for legal distribution in mainland China. While the process is straightforward for companies with a Chinese entity, it can be complex for overseas developers. If you lack a local presence, partnering with a compliant distributor or service provider is the most efficient route.

At NextAppMarket, we help international developers navigate the compliance landscape, secure ICP filings, and successfully launch their iOS apps in China.