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VATS · 02 Editorial guide

VATS catalogue licences

VATS is an umbrella, not one licence. Break the product into catalogue functions such as internet information, IDC, CDN, online data processing and transaction processing, then match each function to the operating entity, infrastructure and customer contract.

First job Map each supplied function to the current telecom business catalogue before testing ownership or licence scope.

Start here

Start here

Key considerations

The first questions are about urgency, governance and preservation — before collection expands or interviews begin.

  1. What functions are supplied to customers?
  2. Which entity operates each function and controls infrastructure?
  3. What licence scope, territory and ownership limits may apply?

Decision map

Keep the question bounded.

  1. Decompose the productList hosting, compute, storage, delivery, platform, marketplace, messaging, connectivity and content functions separately.
  2. Map catalogue itemsCompare each function with the current MIIT catalogue and document why neighbouring items do or do not apply.
  3. Test entity and accessMatch licence holder, foreign ownership, geographic scope, infrastructure and operational control.
  4. Align contracts and operationsCustomer terms, invoices, branding, technical control and regulatory records should tell the same story.

Regulatory gates

Approvals that can hold signing or closing.

This map does not decide whether a filing is required on your facts.

FunctionCatalogue classification

The service function determines the candidate telecom item.

EntityLicence holder and access

Ownership and operating control must fit current access rules.

ScopeTerritory and approved activity

The live service must remain within the issued licence scope and geography.

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.

Quick AnswerVATS Licence in ChinaVATS is China’s value-added telecom licensing catalogue — IDC, CDN, EDI and more live here, not under website Bei’an. Reviewed 6 Sep 2026.Quick AnswerInternet Resource Collaboration Services in ChinaInternet resource collaboration (IRC) is a VATS category around coordinated internet resources — related to but distinct from IDC/CDN. Reviewed 6 Sep 2026.Quick AnswerOnline Data Processing and Transaction Processing Licence in ChinaOnline data processing & transaction processing (ODP/EDI-adjacent catalogue logic) often appears in platform/SaaS licence maps. Reviewed 6 Sep 2026.Quick AnswerEDI Licence in ChinaEDI (electronic data interchange) style VATS items cover certain B2B electronic data exchange services — map against ODP carefully. Reviewed 6 Sep 2026.

Curated resources

Open the asset that matches this job.

01
core guide

China ICP, VATS & Telecom Licensing Guide

Service classification, ICP filing, VATS catalogue items, foreign-investment access and operating-route analysis.

02
primary regulation

Telecommunications Business Classification Catalogue

Official MIIT catalogue used to classify basic and value-added telecommunications service functions.

03
primary regulation

Foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise provisions

Official rules governing foreign-invested telecommunications operators, subject to current catalogue and pilot measures.

Helpful to prepare

Facts that make the next conversation clearer.

These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.

Product and technical architecture mapEntity, ownership and operating-responsibility chartCandidate catalogue items and classification rationaleExisting licences, scope, territory and renewal datesCustomer, partner and infrastructure agreements

Local context

Add location only when the filing or pilot route changes.

National service classification comes first; infrastructure location, filing practice and approved pilots follow.

Open city and province guides

Counsel hand-off

Need technology and telecom counsel?

This hub organises filing, catalogue and operating-route questions. It does not determine licence scope or foreign-investment access on your facts.

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