What the public security filing rule actually says
| Fact | Primary source |
|---|---|
| Article 12: filing is due within 30 days of the date the network is formally connected, with the body designated by the provincial public security organ. | MPS Decree No. 33, Article 12 — Measures for the Administration of Security Protection of Computer Information Network International Networking |
| Article 23: failing to perform the filing duty draws a warning or suspension for rectification of up to six months — the sanction is downtime, not a fine. | MPS Decree No. 33, Article 23 |
| Article 2: the measures apply to security protection administration of international networking within the territory of the PRC — so the obligation follows serving from inside China, the same trigger as the ICP filing but under a different ministry. | MPS Decree No. 33, Article 2 |
Sources verified by the 21YunBox China engineering team on 2026-08-28.
The PSB filing registration is a criminal background check that is required for all websites and applications hosted in China.
If you are looking to host a website or application in China, you may have come across the term “Public Security Bureau (PSB) filing / registration.”
As someone just learning about the requirement to host a website in China, you may have several questions and concerns. Here are some possible ones:
- What is a PSB filing, and how is it different from an ICP license?
- Why is a PSB filing required to host a website in China?
- What are the consequences of not having a PSB filing?
- What documents are required to apply for a PSB filing, and how do I submit the application?
- How long does it take to get a PSB filing, and what do I do once I receive it?
- What if I don’t speak Chinese? Can I still apply for a PSB filing?
- How complex is the application process, and can I get help if needed?
In this article, we’ll provide an introduction to the PSB filing, explain why it’s required to host your website or application in China, and cover what happens if you don’t have one. We’ll also go over what is required to get a PSB and how the process works..
What is PSB filing?
The PSB (公安局) filing is a criminal background check that is required for all websites hosted in China and all mobile applications deployed in China. It is a regulatory requirement of the Chinese government that is enforced by the Public Security Bureau. The PSB filing is separate from the Internet Content Provider (ICP) license, which is also required for all websites hosted in China.
The reference law for the PSB filing requirement in China is the “Measures for the Administration of Internet Information Services”, which was issued by the State Council of China in 2000 and last amended in 2017.
Article 3 of the Measures stipulates that all entities providing internet information services in China must obtain an ICP license, which includes obtaining a PSB filing number. Article 12 of the Measures further requires that the Public Security Bureau conduct a criminal background check on the applicant before issuing the PSB filing number.
What the regulation actually says
PSB filing is not a variation on the ICP filing and it is not administered by the same ministry. It comes from its own instrument, issued twenty-five years before the app rules.
Instrument: 《计算机信息网络国际联网安全保护管理办法》 — Measures for the Administration of Security Protection of Computer Information Network International Networking, Ministry of Public Security Decree No. 33, approved by the State Council 11 December 1997, in force since 30 December 1997, amended 2011.
Thirty days from the day the network goes live
第十二条 互联单位、接入单位、使用计算机信息网络国际联网的法人和其他组织（包括跨省、自治区、直辖市联网的单位和所属的分支机构），应当自网络正式联通之日起30日内，到所在地的省、自治区、直辖市人民政府公安机关指定的受理机关办理备案手续。
Article 12. Interconnecting units, access units, and legal persons and other organisations using computer information networks for international networking (including units networking across provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, and their branches) shall, within 30 days of the date the network is formally connected, complete filing formalities with the body designated by the public security organ of the provincial-level people’s government where they are located.
In practice: the clock starts when the site is live, not when you apply for anything — which is why PSB filing is the obligation teams discover after launch, once the ICP filing is already done and they believe the compliance work is finished. Two filings, two ministries, two clocks: the ICP filing must be complete before you serve, and this one within 30 days after.
And the penalty is downtime, not a fine
第二十三条 违反本办法第十一条、第十二条规定，不履行备案职责的，由公安机关给予警告或者停机整顿不超过6个月的处罚。
Article 23. Where filing duties under Articles 11 and 12 are not performed, the public security organ shall give a warning or impose suspension for rectification of up to six months.
In practice: 停机整顿 — suspension for rectification — is the sanction, and the ceiling is six months. As with the ICP regime, the enforcement mechanism for a filing obligation is the site going off rather than a bill arriving. Article 20 provides separately for fines and the same six-month suspension where prohibited content is involved.
Primary source: 《计算机信息网络国际联网安全保护管理办法》（公安部令第33号）, full text in the State Council Gazette: gov.cn. The public filing system is at beian.gov.cn, operated by the Ministry of Public Security and separate from the MIIT system. Translations are ours and for orientation only; where the English and the Chinese differ, the Chinese governs. Not legal advice.
Why PSB is required
The Measures are the primary legal framework for regulating internet information services in China, and they cover a wide range of topics, including content regulations, licensing requirements, and enforcement measures. The Measures are enforced by various government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Public Security Bureau (PSB).
The PSB filing is required to ensure that websites and applications hosted in China comply with Chinese laws and regulations, and to prevent the spread of harmful or illegal content. In order to obtain a PSB filing, you must first obtain an ICP license, which is issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
What happens if you don’t have PSB registration?
If you’re planning to host a website or deploy an application in China, it’s important to understand the PSB filing requirement and ensure that you are in compliance with Chinese laws and regulations. By obtaining a PSB filing, you can protect your business and ensure that your website or application is accessible to Chinese users.
If you don’t have a PSB filing for your website or application hosted in China, you may be subject to fines, suspension of your website or application, or even legal action. In addition, your website may be blocked by the Chinese government, which can result in a loss of business and damage to your reputation.
It’s important to note that the Chinese government takes internet regulations very seriously, and penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you obtain the necessary licenses and permits before hosting a website in China.
What is required to get PSB
Obtain an ICP license: Before you can apply for a PSB filing, you must first obtain an Internet Content Provider (ICP) license. This license is issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and is required for all websites hosted in China. You can apply for an ICP license through the MIIT website or through a local hosting provider.
Prepare the required documents: To apply for a PSB filing, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- A completed PSB filing application form
- A copy of your ICP license
- A copy of your business license
- A copy of your ID or passport
- A copy of your company’s organization code certificate
- Submit your application online: Once you have prepared the required documents, you can submit your application for a PSB filing online through the Internet Security Administration of the National Public Security Bureau of China website. You will need to create an account on the website, fill in the application form, and upload the required documents.
Wait for the review and approval: The Public Security Bureau will review your application and conduct a criminal background check before issuing the PSB filing number. The review process usually takes a few days to a week, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of your case.
Display the PSB filing number on your website: Once you receive your PSB filing number, you must display it on your website along with your ICP license number. This information should be displayed in the footer of your website.
It’s important to note that the application process for a PSB filing can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the Chinese regulatory system. If you need assistance with the application process, you may want to consider working with a local hosting provider or consulting with a legal professional who is familiar with Chinese internet regulations.
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Get In Touch NowProcess to get PSB for non-Chinese speakers
If you don’t speak Chinese, the PSB filing application process can be more challenging. However, you can work with a local hosting provider, hire a professional translator, or work with a legal professional who is familiar with Chinese internet regulations to help you with the application process.
If you are not sure whether you need a PSB filing registration or how to apply for it, Contact us today, and our experts will explain all the secrets of making your website operates legitimately in China!
