Business start-up costs are further reduced in Shanghai thanks
to the proliferation of electronic licenses and seals. But while
the technology brings many conveniences, it's important to note
its limitations.
On 1 April 2020, Shanghai took the lead in authorising the wider
administrative use of electronic business licenses and seals,
reducing company start-up costs and further promoting
"paperless" entrepreneurship.
Background
E-licenses and seals are not new. Shanghai, Beijing and other
Chinese cities have, in recent years, introduced policies that give
electronic versions the same legal power as physical business
licenses and seals.
- 2015: Shanghai trialled administration for the
registration of an electronic business license.
