China to expand application of electronic certificates

The State Council decided to expand the application of electronic certificates and promote their mutual recognition across the country, according to a circular released on Feb 22.

By the end of 2022, an electronic certificate sharing service system for the national integrated administrative service platform should be established; by 2025, electronic certificates should be applied in more areas, with a sound system and rules.

According to the circular, electronic certificates for individuals and enterprises will be applied in more areas to provide convenient services for the public and help improve the business environment.

In addition, the diverse needs of society and the elderly and disabled should be met, with online services and traditional channels available and integrated.

The circular also urged promoting mutual recognition of electronic certificates across the country, with enhanced support for application platforms, electronic seals and management and supervision on safe application.

To improve data quality of electronic certificates, regions and related departments are being asked to build and improve their own certificate banks and upload the information to the national administrative service platform.