Early October, the General Office of the State Council has issued the Measures for the Administration of Electronic Seals (hereinafter referred to as the Measures), establishing a unified national framework for the management, production, and use of electronic seals. Coming into force immediately upon issuance, the Measures mark a significant milestone in China’s digital governance agenda. They aim to enhance legal certainty, standardize management practices, and build mutual trust across departments and regions, strengthening the country’s efforts toward a secure and efficient digital administration and business environment.
Background and Policy Context
Electronic seals are digital equivalents of traditional company chops, created using cryptographic technologies to authenticate and authorize electronic documents. Their use has expanded rapidly alongside China’s drive to build a “Digital China.” Yet, before the introduction of the Measures, implementation remained fragmented. The absence of consistent national standards led to unclear legal status, uncertain management authority, and technical incompatibility across regions. This lack of coordination restricted trust and efficiency in both government and commercial use. The Measures address these shortcomings by introducing clear rules that strengthen supervision, standardize usage, and facilitate mutual recognition nationwide, laying the foundation for a trusted digital ecosystem.
Principles Guiding the Formulation of the Measures
The formulation of the Measures follows three core principles: problem orientation, systemic coordination, and innovation. The problem-oriented approach targets existing weaknesses in management responsibility, legal validity, and operational standards. Systemic coordination ensures alignment with relevant laws on electronic signatures, cybersecurity, data protection, and physical seals. Innovation reflects the need for efficient and adaptable governance in a fast-evolving digital era. Together, these principles ensure that the Measures provide both regulatory clarity and flexibility to promote widespread and secure adoption of electronic seals.
Legal Validity and Equal Standing with Physical Seals
A key contribution of the Measures is the clarification of the legal effect of electronic seals. Based on the Electronic Signature Law of the People’s Republic of China, electronic seals that meet the prescribed technical and procedural requirements hold the same legal force as physical seals or handwritten signatures. Unless explicitly excluded by law, electronic documents signed using verified electronic seals are legally equivalent to paper documents. This provision strengthens the legitimacy of electronic transactions, removes ambiguity for enterprises and institutions, and promotes confidence in digital operations.
Division of Institutional Responsibilities
The Measures clearly define the roles of the State Cryptography Administration, the General Office of the State Council, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The State Cryptography Administration takes the lead in supervising electronic seal management, setting standards, and ensuring mutual trust across government systems. The General Office of the State Council focuses on integrating and promoting electronic seals within government and public service platforms. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology oversees electronic certification services related to seals. This coordinated management structure enhances efficiency, strengthens oversight, and prevents regulatory overlap.
Application and Issuance Procedures for Organizations
Government agencies, enterprises, and legally registered organizations are the primary users of electronic seals. Applications follow a structured process similar to that of physical seals. Applicants must submit relevant documentation for verification to designated issuing authorities. Once verified, the electronic seal is produced, filed, and provided in digital form. The Measures also allow for procedural simplification to facilitate adoption, particularly for private enterprises and social organizations. This streamlined approach supports the broader goal of administrative efficiency and digital transformation.
Compliance and Usage Requirements
To ensure secure and standardized use, the Measures require organizations to maintain strict control over their electronic seals. Users must employ valid seals and guarantee the authenticity, integrity, and traceability of signature data. Every electronic signature must be recorded, ensuring accountability and auditability. During verification, users are required to confirm the validity of seals based on official verification services. These provisions collectively reinforce the security and reliability of electronic signatures, reducing the risk of misuse or forgery.
Promoting Mutual Trust and Cross-Regional Recognition
The Measures emphasize the importance of mutual trust and recognition across administrative regions and government departments. This includes developing cross-regional support infrastructure, establishing consistent technical standards, and ensuring system interoperability. The State Cryptography Administration, in cooperation with relevant ministries, will lead the development of unified standards to promote national-level trust and compatibility. Government and enterprise information systems are required to support compliant electronic seals, ensuring smooth and secure interactions across platforms.
Building the Foundations of a Trusted Digital Economy
The implementation of the Measures for the Administration of Electronic Seals represents a decisive move toward a unified, secure, and efficient digital governance framework in China. By establishing national standards, clarifying legal validity, and coordinating interdepartmental oversight, the Measures address long-standing institutional and technical gaps. They provide the structural foundation for trusted digital interactions between government, business, and society, supporting China’s broader goals of administrative modernization, business environment optimization, and the creation of a unified national market. Through these reforms, electronic seals will play a pivotal role in shaping the next stage of China’s digital transformation.