Published by ChinaMNC · Zhaohua

ChinaMNC Guide: Accessing Government Information in Sichuan for Foreign Founders

A practical guide for international founders on how to obtain government information from Sichuan authorities, which can help with company registration, permits, and compliance. Based on the official Sichuan Provincial Government information disclosure guide.

What This Means for Your China Company Registration

If you are setting up a company in Sichuan or anywhere in China, you will need official information on policies, approvals, and regulations. The Sichuan Provincial Government has a formal system for disclosing government information. This guide explains how foreign founders can use that system to get the facts they need for registration, licensing, and ongoing compliance.

Proactive Disclosure: Information the Government Publishes on Its Own

Under China’s Government Information Disclosure Regulations (State Council Order No. 711), Sichuan authorities must proactively publish certain categories of information. For foreign founders, the most relevant categories include:

• Business and investment policies: Provincial regulations, normative documents, and policies on economic and social development, including industrial plans and statistics.
• Administrative approvals and penalties: Information on administrative licensing, penalties, and other regulatory actions. This helps you understand compliance requirements.
• Major construction projects: Approval and implementation details for significant projects, which may affect sector-specific opportunities.
• Public livelihood matters: Policies on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, and employment promotion, as well as emergency plans and public health, safety, and environmental oversight.

This information is published through the Sichuan Provincial Government Gazette, the provincial government portal website, official social media accounts (such as “Sichuan Release” on Weibo and WeChat), press conferences, and other media. You can also access it at designated reading locations like the Sichuan Provincial Government Affairs Service Center, Sichuan Provincial Archives, and Sichuan Provincial Library.

Proactively disclosed information is typically made public within 20 working days from the date it is formed or changed, unless otherwise provided by law.

Requesting Information: How to Ask for Specific Documents

If the information you need is not proactively published, you can file a request with the relevant government agency. For foreign founders, this can be useful to obtain details on registration procedures, sector-specific regulations, or approval requirements.

Step 1: Identify the Right Agency

Before applying, determine which agency holds the information. The Sichuan Provincial Government portal has an “Institutional Functions” section where you can look up the responsibilities and structure of provincial departments. For example:

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

As a foreign founder, you may also need to contact the Sichuan Provincial Government Office, which handles information disclosure requests for the provincial government and its office. The Provincial Government Information Disclosure Office specifically manages these matters.

Step 2: Submit Your Request

The Sichuan Provincial Government Office accepts requests in three ways:

• In person: Submit at the government information disclosure request reception point at the Provincial Government Affairs Service Center. You can collect and fill out the application form on site.
• By mail: Send the completed application form along with a copy of your valid ID.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Affairs Service Network, complete identity verification, and submit your request online. You can track the progress through the system.

For in-person applications, bring your valid ID. For online applications, you must register and complete identity authentication.

Step 3: Describe the Information Clearly

Your request should clearly identify the information you need. Provide the document name, reference number, or other details that will help the agency locate it. If your request is unclear, the agency will provide guidance and may ask you to supplement your request within 7 working days. If you fail to do so without justification, the request may be closed.

Step 4: Processing and Response

The agency will respond within 20 working days of receiving your request, unless an extension is needed. Extensions require approval and written notice, and can be up to 20 additional working days. Time spent consulting third parties or other agencies is not counted.

If the information can be disclosed, the agency will provide it or tell you how to obtain it. If the information is not held by that agency, they will inform you and, if possible, direct you to the correct authority. If the information is already publicly available, they may refer you to the public source.

For information involving business registration or real estate records, special laws may apply, and the agency will inform you accordingly.

Fees and Limitations

Government information disclosure is generally free, but agencies may charge information processing fees in accordance with the State Council Office’s measures on information processing fees (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109) and provincial rules. If your request is excessively frequent or voluminous, the agency may ask for justification and may refuse unreasonable requests.

The agency is not required to process or analyze existing information to create new content. They will provide information in the form you request if feasible, but may use electronic formats or arrange for you to view or copy the information if providing it in your preferred form would endanger the carrier or be too costly.

What If You Are Not Satisfied?

If you believe your rights are infringed, you can complain to the higher-level agency or the government information disclosure supervisory department, or apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Check proactive disclosure first: Many policies and regulations relevant to company registration and operation are already published online.
• Use the request system for specific documents: If you need detailed approval documents or internal guidance, file a formal request with the correct agency.
• Be precise: Clearly describe the information you need to avoid delays.
• Leverage local resources: The provincial service center, archives, and library can be useful for research.

Understanding how to access government information can help you navigate China’s regulatory environment more effectively and ensure your company registration and operations comply with local requirements.

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

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.