Published by ChinaMNC · Wuhou

ChinaMNC Guide: How to Obtain Sichuan Government Information for Your China Company Registration

A practical guide for foreign founders on accessing Sichuan government information to support company registration and operations, based on the official Sichuan Provincial Government Information Disclosure Guide.

What This Means for Your China Company Registration

As a foreign founder setting up a company in China, access to official government information is crucial for navigating registration, compliance, and operations. This article summarizes key points from the Sichuan Provincial Government's information disclosure guide, focusing on what you need to know to obtain the information necessary for your business. The guide explains how the government discloses information proactively and how you can request specific information.

Proactive Disclosure: Information Available Without Request

The Sichuan Provincial Government proactively publishes a wide range of information that can help you understand the regulatory environment and make informed decisions. This includes:

• Government structure and rules: Provincial leadership, agency responsibilities, and government work rules.
• Regulations and normative documents: Provincial government rules and normative documents issued by the provincial government and its General Office.
• Planning and statistics: Economic and social development plans, special plans, regional plans, and related policies, as well as statistical information.
• Administrative matters: Administrative licensing, penalties, compulsory measures, and other external management services.
• Financial information: Budgets and final accounts, government procurement, and administrative fees.
• Major projects: Approval and implementation of major construction projects.
• Livelihood issues: Policies and measures on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, employment promotion, and their implementation; emergency plans, early warnings, and responses for public emergencies; supervision and inspection of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Personnel matters: Personnel appointments and removals, and civil servant recruitment.
• Other information: Other government information that should be proactively disclosed according to laws, regulations, and rules.

This information is available through multiple channels: the Sichuan Provincial Government Gazette, the provincial government portal website, official social media accounts (Sina Weibo, WeChat, and Toutiao), press conferences, and other media such as radio, television, and newspapers. Additionally, you can access information at the Sichuan Provincial Government Services and Public Resources Trading Service Center, the Sichuan Provincial Archives, and the Sichuan Provincial Library.

Proactively disclosed information is made public within 20 working days from the date of formation or change, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations.

Requesting Information: How to Get What You Need

If the information you need is not proactively disclosed, you can file an information disclosure request with the Sichuan Provincial People's Government or its General Office. Here's what you need to know:

1. Identify the Correct Agency

Before applying, determine which agency holds the information. Visit the Sichuan Provincial Government Portal and click on "Agency Functions" to learn about the responsibilities and setup of provincial administrative agencies. Then, submit your request to the appropriate agency through its designated channel.

• For major construction project approval information or feasibility study reports, apply to the Development and Reform Commission.
• For information on collective land expropriation, apply to the Natural Resources Department.
• For information on state-owned land housing expropriation and compensation, or shantytown renovation, apply to the municipal or county-level government and its housing and urban-rural development department where the applicant is located.

2. Submission Methods

The General Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government accepts requests submitted in person, by mail, or online.

• In person: Submit at the government information disclosure request reception point at the Provincial Government Services Center. You can obtain and fill out the "Government Information Disclosure Application Form" on-site.
• By mail: Send the application form along with a copy of your valid ID.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Services Network, complete identity verification, and submit your request online. You can track the progress online.

3. Tips for a Smooth Application

• Check proactively disclosed information first. If you can't find what you need, then submit a request.
• For matters related to petitions, complaints, reports, or suggestions, use dedicated channels such as the Governor's Mailbox, 12345 online message, or disciplinary inspection reporting.
• Fill out the application form completely. The form is available at the reception point and can be downloaded from the provincial government portal. Photocopies are acceptable. For online applications, fill it out electronically.
• Provide clear and specific descriptions of the information you need, such as the document name, reference number, or other identifying details.
• If your request is unclear, the agency will provide guidance and may ask you to supplement it within 7 working days. If you fail to supplement without justification, your request may be considered abandoned.

4. Processing and Response

The agency will respond within 20 working days from receipt of your request. If an extension is needed, they will inform you in writing, and the extension will not exceed 20 working days. The time required to consult third parties or other agencies is not counted in the processing period. If your request is frequent or excessive, the agency may ask for justification.

Possible responses include:

• If the information can be disclosed, it will be provided or you will be told how to access it.
• If the information is not held by the agency, you will be informed; if possible, you will be told which agency holds it.
• If the request is repetitive, the agency may refuse to process it again.
• For information such as business registration or real estate registration data, you will be directed to follow specific laws and regulations.

The agency provides information in the form you request, but may choose another form if the requested form poses a security risk or is too costly. The agency is not obligated to process or analyze existing information.

5. Fees

According to regulations, the agency may charge information processing fees in accordance with the "Measures for the Management of Government Information Disclosure Information Processing Fees" (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109) and provincial rules.

What This Means for Your China Company Registration

As a foreign founder, you can use these channels to obtain critical information for your company registration and ongoing compliance. For example, you can request information on specific licensing requirements, industry regulations, or local policies that affect your business. Understanding the proactive disclosure categories helps you know what is readily available, saving time. When you need specific documents, following the request procedures ensures you get the information efficiently. This transparency supports your ability to make informed decisions and comply with Chinese laws.

Call to Action

Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

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