Published by ChinaMNC · Huojia

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

A practical guide for foreign founders on how to request government information in Xinxiang, China, including procedures, timelines, and fees, based on the official Xinxiang Government Information Disclosure Guide.

Why Government Information Disclosure Matters for Your China Company

When setting up and running a company in China, foreign founders often need access to government information—such as regulations, policies, or specific documents—to ensure compliance and make informed decisions. The Xinxiang Municipal Government has published a guide on how to obtain such information under the Regulations on Open Government Information (State Council Order No. 492, revised by Order No. 711). This article summarizes key points from that guide, focusing on what is relevant for international entrepreneurs.

How Government Information Is Organized

The government information catalog uses electronic documents and includes these elements: index number, information category, information name, generation date, and publishing agency. For founders, understanding this structure can help when searching for or requesting specific information.

• Index number: A code consisting of unit code, classification number, year of generation, and serial number, separated by hyphens (e.g., unit code-classification-year-serial).
• Information name: The title of the information. For documents, it is the official title; if none, a concise descriptive title is created.
• Generation date: The date the information was formally formed or changed. For government documents, it is the issuance date (for joint documents, the last issuance date). For non-document information, it is the date the information became fully available to the public. Format: YYYY-MM-DD.
• Publishing agency: The responsible entity. For joint documents, the agency that compiled the document number; for non-documents, the main compiling agency. Full names are used.

Accessing Information Without Request

Some government information is proactively disclosed. For example, the Xinxiang Municipal People's Government Gazette is available in paper form at municipal, county, and township government service halls, as well as at the Xinxiang Library and Archives. The electronic version can be accessed on the government portal (https://www.xinxiang.gov.cn), with search, download, and print functions. Proactively disclosed information is published within 20 working days of formation or change, unless otherwise provided by law.

Requesting Information: Step-by-Step

If you need information not proactively disclosed, you can file a request with the Municipal Government Office's Government Information Disclosure Office. Here's what to know:

1. How to Submit a Request

• In person: Visit the Government Information Disclosure Office. Bring valid identification and a copy, and fill out the Application Form. If writing is difficult, you may apply orally. Call ahead to confirm.
• By mail: Download the Application Form from the government portal (under "Government Information Disclosure - Disclosure Guide"), fill it out, and mail it via China Post. Mark "Government Information Disclosure Application" on the envelope. Only China Post mail is accepted.
• Not accepted: Applications via phone or email are not accepted, but you can use phone or email for inquiries.

2. What to Include

Provide true name or entity name, contact information, and valid identification. Describe the information clearly: name, document number, or other characteristics that help locate it. Specify the desired form of access (e.g., electronic copy, paper copy, inspection). If applying through an agent, provide authorization proof. For joint applications (5 or more people), select 1-5 representatives and provide proof of selection.

3. Processing Timeline

• If the request is unclear, the office will notify you within 7 working days to supplement, with a correction period typically 7 working days. Failure to correct without justification means the request is abandoned.
• Requests are processed in order received. If a response can be given on the spot, it will be. Otherwise, a response is due within 20 working days. Extension up to 20 working days is possible with approval and notification.
• Time spent consulting third parties or other agencies is not counted in the processing period.

4. Possible Outcomes

The response may inform you that the information is not held by this agency (with reasons and, if known, the responsible agency's contact), that the request is repetitive (no repeated handling), or that special laws apply (e.g., business registration, real estate records). If part of the information is exempt, the disclosable part will be provided with reasons for the exemption. Requests made as petitions or complaints are not treated as information disclosure requests. For published materials like gazettes, you may be directed to the source.

5. Fees

Providing information upon request is generally free. However, if the number or frequency of requests clearly exceeds a reasonable range, an information processing fee may be charged according to the Measures for the Administration of Information Processing Fees for Government Information Disclosure (Guobanhan [2020] No. 109). If a fee applies, you will be notified with the basis, standard, amount, and payment method. Payment is due within 20 working days of notice; failure to pay means the request is abandoned.

Office Hours and Contact

The office is open on legal working days: Summer 8:30-12:00, 15:00-18:30; Winter 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00. Email: [email protected] (for comments and suggestions only, not for applications).

What This Means for Foreign Founders

As a foreign founder, you may need government information for various purposes—understanding local regulations, verifying policies, or obtaining official documents. The disclosure system provides a formal channel, but it requires patience and careful compliance with procedures. Note that information requests are not a substitute for legal or professional advice. For company registration and ongoing compliance, it's often more efficient to work with local professionals who understand the landscape.

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.