Published by ChinaMNC · Xinjin

Sichuan Government Information Disclosure Guide: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A practical guide for foreign founders on how to access government information in Sichuan, China. Learn how to request documents, understand disclosure timelines, and navigate the system to support company registration and compliance.

Why Government Information Matters for Your China Company Registration

When setting up a company in China, particularly in Sichuan province, access to official government information is crucial. Whether you need to verify regulations, understand licensing requirements, or research policies affecting your industry, knowing how to obtain government information efficiently can save you time and ensure compliance. The Sichuan Provincial Government has established a structured information disclosure system under the Regulations on Open Government Information of the People's Republic of China (State Council Order No. 711). This guide explains how foreign founders can navigate this system to support their business registration and operations.

What Information Is Publicly Available

The Sichuan Provincial Government proactively discloses a wide range of information that can be valuable to foreign investors. According to the source, this includes:

• Government structure and responsibilities: Provincial leadership, agency setup, and main duties.
• Regulations and normative documents: Provincial government rules and documents issued by the provincial government and its offices.
• Economic and social development plans: National economic and social development plans, special plans, regional plans, and related policies, as well as statistical information.
• Administrative licensing and penalties: Information on administrative licenses, penalties, and other external management services.
• Financial information: Budgets, final accounts, government procurement, and administrative fees.
• Major construction projects: Approval and implementation status.
• Livelihood issues: Policies and measures on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, social security, employment promotion, and implementation status; emergency plans and warnings for public incidents; and supervision and inspection of environmental protection, public health, work safety, food and drug safety, and product quality.
• Personnel matters: Appointments and removals of provincial government personnel, and civil servant recruitment.

These disclosures are made within 20 working days from the formation or change of the information, unless otherwise provided by laws or regulations. For foreign founders, this means that key regulatory and policy information should be available in a timely manner, helping you make informed decisions about your business setup.

How to Access Government Information

You can access proactively disclosed information through multiple channels:

• Sichuan Provincial Government Gazette
• Sichuan Provincial Government Portal Website
• Official social media accounts: "Sichuan Release" on Sina Weibo and WeChat, and the "Sichuan Provincial Government Website" Toutiao account.
• Press conferences
• Other media: Radio, television, newspapers, etc.
• Physical locations: Sichuan Provincial Government Services and Public Resources Trading Service Center, Sichuan Provincial Archives, and Sichuan Provincial Library.

These channels are useful for gathering general information about doing business in Sichuan. For specific documents needed for your company registration, you may need to file an information disclosure request.

Filing a Request for Government Information

If the information you need is not proactively disclosed, you can file a request with the relevant government agency. Here’s how:

Step 1: Identify the Correct Agency

Before filing, determine which agency holds the information. The source suggests using the "Institutional Functions" section on the Sichuan Provincial Government Portal to understand the responsibilities of provincial agencies. For example:

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

For foreign founders, this step is critical: identifying the right agency ensures your request is processed without delays. If you are unsure, consulting with a local advisor can help.

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 Services Center. You can obtain and fill out the Government Information Disclosure Application Form on-site.
• By mail: Send the application form along with a copy of your valid ID.
• Online: Register on the Sichuan Government Services 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 (e.g., passport). For online applications, ensure you complete the real-name verification. The application form can be downloaded from the provincial government portal.

Step 3: Provide Clear Details

Your request should clearly describe the information you need. Include specific names, document numbers, or other characteristics that help the agency locate the information. If your request is unclear, the agency will guide you and may ask for clarification within 7 working days. If you fail to clarify without justification, the request may be considered abandoned.

Processing Timelines and Fees

The agency will respond to your request within 20 working days of receipt. If an extension is needed, they will notify you in writing, and the extension can be up to 20 additional working days. The time taken to consult third parties is not counted. If your request is voluminous or frequent beyond a reasonable scope, the agency may ask for justification and may charge an information processing fee according to the Measures for the Management of Government Information Processing Fees (Guo Ban Han [2020] No. 109).

For foreign founders, it's important to plan ahead: if you need government information for your company registration, submit requests early to avoid delays. Also, note that the agency is not required to process or analyze existing information; they provide it as-is.

What If Your Request Is Denied or You’re Unsatisfied?

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

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Use proactive disclosure first: Many policies and regulations relevant to company registration are already public. Check the provincial government portal and other channels before filing a request.
• Identify the right agency: This saves time. Use the "Institutional Functions" section or seek local advice.
• Be specific: Clear requests lead to faster responses. Include document names or numbers if known.
• Plan for timelines: Responses can take up to 20 working days (plus extensions). Submit requests well in advance of your registration deadlines.
• Use online tools: The online application system allows tracking and may be more convenient for foreign applicants.

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

Need help registering and operating a company in China? Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for expert assistance.