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Website Certification and Accessibility Compliance for Foreign Founders in China
A practical guide for foreign founders on China's website certification and accessibility evaluation process, using a recent government website assessment as an example.
Website Certification and Accessibility Compliance for Foreign Founders in China
For foreign founders setting up or operating a company in China, compliance with local digital regulations is essential. One area that often receives less attention is website certification and accessibility evaluation. A recent assessment of a provincial government website provides a useful case study of the requirements and processes involved. This article summarizes the key facts from that assessment and explains how they may apply to your business.
Institutional Information and Evaluation Overview
The website in question belongs to the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government, a party and government organ. The site is registered at www.hlj.gov.cn and carries the electronic identifier DZJG20260300003507PW. The evaluation covers both the PC and WAP versions of the site, with scores in several categories.
For the PC website, the self-evaluation score for elderly-friendly design is 100, the institutional evaluation is 82, and the user evaluation is 80. For accessibility, the self-evaluation is 100, the institutional evaluation is 83, and the user evaluation is 84. The effectiveness index shows 100% for comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness. The overall evaluation score for the PC site is 85.8.
The WAP website shows similar results: elderly-friendly design self-evaluation is 100, institutional evaluation is 83, and user evaluation is 83. Accessibility self-evaluation is 100, institutional evaluation is 80, and user evaluation is 83. The effectiveness index again shows 100% across comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness. The overall evaluation score for the WAP site is also 85.8.
Certification Management and Validity
The certification is overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and issued by the Internet Society of China. Both the PC and WAP website certifications are valid for two years, from March 5, 2026 to March 4, 2028. This means that websites must undergo periodic recertification to maintain compliance.
Regular inspections are scheduled. The inspection dates listed are September 4, 2026; March 4, 2027; and September 4, 2027. The inspection results are marked as "passed." These inspections help ensure ongoing adherence to the standards.
Certificate authentication is also valid for two years, from March 5, 2026 to March 4, 2028. A downloadable certificate is available: the "Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government Portal Website Elderly-Friendly and Accessibility Evaluation Report" in sealed PDF format.
Implications for Foreign Founders
If you are establishing a company in China, your website may be subject to similar certification and evaluation requirements, especially if it serves the public or provides essential information. Here are practical steps to consider:
- Understand the scope: Certification covers both PC and mobile (WAP) versions of your site. Ensure both are designed with accessibility and elderly-friendly features in mind.
- Prepare for evaluations: The process includes self-evaluation, institutional review, and user feedback. Aim for high scores in all areas, particularly in effectiveness indices like comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness.
- Plan for recertification: Certifications are valid for two years. Mark your calendar for renewal and regular inspections, which occur roughly every six months.
- Keep documentation ready: Maintain evaluation reports and certificates, as they may be required for inspections or audits.
- Monitor updates: Regulations and standards can change. Stay informed through official channels like the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Internet Society of China.
Conclusion
Website certification and accessibility compliance are important aspects of doing business in China. While the example provided is from a government site, the principles of regular evaluation, certification, and inspection apply broadly. Foreign founders should integrate these considerations into their digital strategy to avoid disruptions and demonstrate commitment to quality and inclusivity.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.