Published by ChinaMNC · Qiqihaer

Website Trust Badges for Foreign Founders: What China’s Official Evaluation Data Reveals

A practical guide for foreign founders on China’s official website evaluation and certification system, using a provincial government portal evaluation as an example. Learn about validity periods, inspection schedules, and evaluation categories.

Understanding China's Official Website Evaluation and Certification

For foreign founders setting up or running a business in China, establishing a credible online presence is essential. One aspect of the regulatory landscape that often goes unnoticed is the official evaluation and certification of government websites—but the underlying framework offers useful lessons for any company operating in China. This article uses a recent evaluation of a provincial government portal to explain the key components of this system, so you can better understand the standards and expectations for website quality and compliance.

What Is the Website Evaluation System?

China’s website evaluation system is overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and administered by the Internet Society of China (ISC). It assesses websites on criteria such as usability for the elderly, accessibility, and overall performance. Government websites undergo regular evaluations and receive certification marks that are valid for a set period. While this specific example concerns a government portal, the evaluation criteria—such as accessibility, reliability, and comprehensiveness—reflect broader expectations for digital services in China.

Example: Heilongjiang Provincial Government Portal

The source data concerns the official website of the Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Government (www.hlj.gov.cn). The portal has been evaluated for both its PC and WAP (mobile) versions, with detailed scores in several categories. Below we break down the key figures and what they mean.

Evaluation Categories and Scores

The evaluation covers two main versions of the website—PC and WAP—and includes self-assessment, institutional assessment, and user assessment for two focus areas: elderly-friendly design (适老化) and accessibility (无障碍). Additionally, an efficiency index measures comprehensiveness, reliability, and robustness. Each version received an overall score of 85.8. Detailed scores are as follows:

PC Website Evaluation

• Elderly-friendly design: Self-assessment 100, institutional assessment 82, user assessment 80.
• Accessibility: Self-assessment 100, institutional assessment 83, user assessment 84.
• Efficiency index: Comprehensiveness 100%, reliability 100%, robustness 100%.
• Overall score: 85.8.

WAP Website Evaluation

• Elderly-friendly design: Self-assessment 100, institutional assessment 83, user assessment 83.
• Accessibility: Self-assessment 100, institutional assessment 80, user assessment 83.
• Efficiency index: Comprehensiveness 100%, reliability 100%, robustness 100%.
• Overall score: 85.8.

Certification Validity and Management

Certification for both PC and WAP versions is valid for two years, from March 5, 2026, to March 4, 2028. The issuing authority is the Internet Society of China, under the supervision of the MIIT. The certification includes scheduled inspections to ensure continued compliance. For this portal, inspections are planned for September 4, 2026; March 4, 2027; and September 4, 2027. All scheduled inspections have passed so far.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

While the example above is a government website, the evaluation framework offers several insights for foreign founders operating company websites in China:

• Accessibility and elderly-friendly design matter: Chinese regulations increasingly emphasize digital accessibility. Ensuring your website is usable by people with disabilities and older users can improve user experience and demonstrate social responsibility.
• Regular evaluations build trust: The certification and inspection process shows that ongoing monitoring is expected. For businesses, maintaining high standards for website performance and reliability can enhance credibility with partners and customers.
• Compliance with certification schemes: If your business website falls under certain categories (e.g., news, education, healthcare), you may need to obtain specific licenses or certifications. Understanding the evaluation criteria can help you prepare.
• Validity periods require renewal: Certifications typically have a fixed term, after which renewal is necessary. Mark your calendar for renewal deadlines to avoid disruptions.

How to Apply These Insights to Your China Operations

Foreign founders should consider conducting a self-assessment of their website against the criteria used in China’s official evaluations. Focus on comprehensiveness (ensuring all necessary information is present), reliability (consistent uptime and accurate content), and robustness (security and performance under load). Additionally, investing in accessibility features—such as text resizing, screen reader compatibility, and simplified navigation—can align your site with national standards and improve user engagement.

If you operate a website that provides services to the public, you may also need to comply with China’s cybersecurity and data protection regulations. While the certification described here is specific to government portals, the underlying principles of quality, accessibility, and regular review are broadly applicable.

Conclusion

China’s website evaluation system, as illustrated by the Heilongjiang government portal’s scores and certification details, reflects a structured approach to digital quality assurance. For foreign founders, understanding these standards can help in building trustworthy and compliant online platforms. Always consult with local experts to ensure your specific website meets all regulatory 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.