Execute · 04 Editorial guide
China E-Signatures and Contract Execution
A PDF scan is not always execution. Banks and courts may still look for a chop.
First job Match the execution method to whether a China court or bank will need to rely on it.
Start here
Key considerations
The first questions are about urgency, governance and preservation — before collection expands or interviews begin.
- Who must rely on this document — a court, a bank, or only the parties?
- Is a reliable e-signature platform in use?
- Will a chop still be required?
Direct answer
What this page decides
02
This page owns execution method. Electronic Signature Law reliability, platform choice, and whether a bank, registry or court will accept the form are different questions. Chops remain the default for many PRC counterparties.
At a glance
Which fact changes the next route
Use the fact that changes ownership or urgency to decide the next move.
| Question | Why it matters | Next route |
|---|---|---|
| Need AMR filing? | Often wet/chopped Chinese originals. |
Scope
What this page owns — and what it does not
Practical workflow
Action, evidence, legal gate, output
| Action | Documents / evidence | Legal gate | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name the relying party | Court, bank, SAMR, counterparty policy | Method must fit | Execution plan |
| Capture evidence | Certificate, logs, chops | Authenticity | Closing set |
Documents
What to gather before the next call
These items help clarify the file; they are not a legal requirement list.
| Item | Why needed | Who holds it | Risk if missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executed originals and platform certificates | Later proof | Legal ops | Unenforceable PDF |
Common failure points
Where files usually break
WeChat screenshot as the only ‘signed’ OEM contract.
FAQ
Narrow follow-ups owned by this page
Are all e-signs equal?
No. Reliability and the counterparty’s filing needs differ.
Decision map
Keep the question bounded.
- Name the audienceInternal, bank, or court.
- Name the methodQualified e-sign, scan, wet ink, chop.
- Cross-check chopsCustody still sits on the chop route.
Quick answers
Need the short version? Start with one narrow question.
These explainers answer one question. They do not replace this topic route or a deep guide.
Curated resources
Open the asset that matches this job.
Helpful to prepare
Facts that make the next conversation clearer.
These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.
Counsel hand-off
What to bring when you instruct
Instruct commercial counsel. Bring: intended forum and a sample of how the other side executes.
Local context
Add the city when the forum practice changes.
Court and notary practice can matter after the national contract question is identified.
Open city and province guidesCounsel hand-off
Need contract counsel?
This hub organises parties, chops, drafting and performance. It does not create a binding contract or decide a breach on your facts.
Find contract counselLegal review
Who reviewed this guide
Need qualified counsel?
Move carefully. Move with a record.
Use the portal to identify counsel for this practice and related China-side issues.