Reviewed legal insight

How can you check a Mainland Chinese company before cooperation?

Start with the company's registered identity and compare it with the proposed contract. Public records help you frame further questions about the transaction.

Before agreeing a purchase, distribution arrangement or joint project, ask for the company's exact Chinese name and business licence. Keep the identity check connected to the entity that will sign, invoice and receive payment.

Review state
Human reviewed
Last reviewed
Sep 5, 2026
Applies to
MAINLAND_CHINA

Find the registered entity

The State Administration for Market Regulation's public guidance directs users to the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System for company registration information, including names, unified social credit codes (business identifiers), addresses and business scope. Article 32 of the Company Law also provides for public disclosure of registration details, including the legal representative—the person who legally acts for the company.

Read the details behind the headline

The Company Law distinguishes registration details from information companies must disclose, including subscribed contributions (capital shareholders have committed to provide), paid contributions (capital actually provided) and licence changes. Record which entry you read and its date. A company record alone does not answer whether your supplier can make the goods, meet your specification or perform this particular agreement.

What to check before committing

This is practical preparation guidance for your own review:

  • Compare the exact legal name and identifying code across the licence, contract and invoice instructions.
  • List any different company named in payment or delivery instructions and ask why it is involved.
  • Keep dated copies of the records you consulted, the proposed agreement and the supplier's explanation of any mismatch.
  • Ask a lawyer what further checks the proposed activity and transaction require.

Information boundary

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. A lawyer must assess the relevant facts, documents and current law before advising on a particular matter.

Public sources