Essential Company Verification in China
E-Learning | Masterclass
This masterclass provides a practical overview of the business license system in mainland China, a key element for conducting due diligence and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Participants will learn the essential characteristics of business licenses and company seals, understand how to verify their authenticity through the Administration of Market Regulation (AMR) and the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS), and apply a verification checklist to identify potential red flags.
The masterclass also addresses common business license scams, highlighting typical fraudulent practices and offering guidance on detecting impostors and protecting your organization. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to assess the legitimacy of potential partners and engage with local companies confidently and safely.
Who should join?
This masterclass is designed for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals involved in sourcing, partnerships, or investments in China who need to verify company legitimacy and reduce business risks.
100% Online delivery
The course is designed to be completed fully online enabling students to continue working during the masterclass.
Literature
The masterclass covers all literature and reading materials essential to contracting and managing freelancers in China.
Duration
The standard duration of the course is 4 weeks based on an average time commitment of 4 hours per week.
Upon completion of this unit, you will have developed a deeper understanding of:
- The function, characteristics, and importance of the business license.
- How to verify the content of the business license.
- How to identify common scams related to the business license.
Unit 1: Introduction The first unit provides an orientation to the course and the online learning environment. The unit does not carry credits. You are encouraged to go through the materials at their own pace to get accustomed to the online medium.
Unit 2: Characteristics of the business license Every company incorporated within the territory of mainland China, both domestic and foreign invested, is issued a business license upon completion of incorporation procedures. In addition, every company incorporated in mainland China holds a set of company seals. Both the contents on the business license and the imprints of the company seals are registered and maintained at the in-charge registration authorities, the Administration of Market Regulation (AMR).
When performing third party due diligence in mainland China, the single most important document to request from potential customers or suppliers is a scanned color copy of the business license, with an imprint of the company chop affixed to it. The business license forms the starting point of the investigation and when provided, it should be assessed carefully. In this unit the characteristics of the business license are discussed in detail to provide an understanding required to verify the authenticity of the business license.
Unit 3: Verification of the business license Verification of the scan of the business license that has been provided by the potential cooperation partner is possible by comparing the information on the document with the information registered at the branch office of the Administration of Market Regulation that has reviewed and approved the incorporation of the company subject to verification within their jurisdiction. Alternatively, the information can partly be verified online via the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS).
This unit provides a general verification checklist of the items included in the business license. Any question in the checklist answered with a “No” is a least to be considered a red flag as it raises suspicion and requires clarification.
Unit 4: Common business license scams The vast majority of companies located in China are legitimately established, doing business, and seeking to develop their business operations in an honest way, compliant with domestic and international laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Unfortunately, there are always a few that do not.
In the event selected adjustments to the business license have been made, the adjustments have most often been made to make the company of the third party appear more “business competent” compared to its original status. In this unit the characteristics of two different types of impostors are discussed. Possible scams related to the business license are introduced, followed by the measures that can be taken to identify fraudulent activities and how to protect your organization against these.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out through a series of written assignments to be completed at the end of each unit.
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion is issued upon the successful completion of the course.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out through a series of written assignments to be completed at the end of each unit.
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion is issued upon the successful completion of the course.
Further study
The masterclass Essential Company Verification in China is part of the certificate course Due Diligence Essentials for Doing Business in China. Successful completion of the masterclass grants automatic eligibility for admission into the certificate course and confers a full pass for the corresponding module.
Tuition fee
Tuition fee for the masterclass is EUR 149 to be paid in advance.
The tuition fee includes all necessary literature and study materials, guidance and support during your studies, free extension of the study duration (if required), and 1:1 contact with your course professor.
Start date
Open enrollment applies to this masterclass. You can start this course at a timing of your own convenience.
How we deliver value
Program Completion Benefits
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the masterclass, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Institute of China Studies.
Note: After successful completion of the online masterclass, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Institute of China Studies.
Contact us
Would you like more information about the course and the admission requirements? Then request a free study consultation. Of course, free of charge and without obligation. This way you will learn more about the content of the course, the teaching materials, and the online learning environment.
Enroll today
Enroll today and develop essential skills and insights about Individual Employment Contracts in China, which can be directly applied in your professional work environment.