CR number in China (Company Registration Number) refers to a business’s official identification code registered with the government. Since 2015, China has replaced multiple registration identifiers with a unified “Social Credit Code” — a unique 18-digit number assigned to every company, similar to a CR number in other countries.
Foreign investors can find or verify a company’s CR number through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.
To register a compliant business in China or verify a Chinese partner’s CR number, you can consult FDIChina — your trusted expert for China company registration, WFOE setup, and China tax & accounting.
Understanding the CR Number in China
Definition and Meaning of the CR Number in China
A CR number, short for Company Registration Number, is the official code that identifies a legal business entity in China.
In most English-speaking jurisdictions, this number is issued by a Companies Registry — hence the term “CR.”
In China, the same concept exists, but it’s formalized under a different name: the Unified Social Credit Code.
This system, introduced by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), assigns every registered company, branch, representative office, or NGO an 18-digit code that serves as its business identity for tax, legal, and administrative purposes.
According to the World Bank’s Doing Business in China report, the reform unified the previously separate codes for:
- Organization Code Certificate
- Tax Registration Certificate
- Business License Number
Today, the Unified Social Credit Code (USCC) functions as China’s CR number.
Unified Social Credit Code vs. CR Number Explained
While both terms serve the same purpose — identifying a registered business — they come from different regulatory traditions:
| Feature | CR Number (Hong Kong, UK) | Unified Social Credit Code (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Companies Registry | State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) |
| Format | 8–10 digits (alphanumeric) | 18 digits (numbers + letters) |
| Purpose | Business identification | Legal, tax, and compliance ID |
| Example | 1234567 (HK) | 91310000MA1FL0XXXX (CN) |
| Public Database | Companies Registry | National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System |
Thus, when someone asks “What is a CR number in China?”, the correct equivalent is the Unified Social Credit Code, used by both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises, including WFOEs, Joint Ventures, and Representative Offices.
How to Check or Verify a CR Number in China
Step-by-Step Search through Official Databases
Foreign investors and compliance teams can verify a company’s registration number using the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System , managed by SAMR.
Here’s how:
- Go to the official database – www.gsxt.gov.cn (official SAMR site).
- Enter the company name (in Chinese) or the 18-digit registration code.
- Select the province where the company is registered.
- Click search and review results.
- View company details including:
- Unified Social Credit Code (CR number)
- Legal representative name
- Registered capital
- Establishment date
- Business scope
- Registration authority
- Status (active, revoked, or canceled)
For English users, the Invest in China portal (MOFCOM) and China Company Search API by Qichacha provide translated interfaces for due diligence.
If you need help verifying a Chinese company’s CR number or legitimacy, FDIChina’s corporate compliance team can conduct a full legal verification report.
What Information the CR Number Reveals
The Unified Social Credit Code (CR number) provides valuable insight into a company’s legal and operational identity:
- Registration Type: WFOE, JV, or domestic LLC
- Registered Capital: Declared amount and contribution schedule
- Legal Representative: The authorized person under Chinese law
- Business Scope: Specific industries and licensed activities
- Registration Authority: Local AMR (Administration for Market Regulation)
- Company Status: Active, suspended, or deregistered
This transparency helps investors, suppliers, and banks conduct due diligence, ensuring the Chinese partner is a legitimate, operating business.
Why the CR Number Matters for Foreign Investors and Compliance
Business Verification, Due Diligence, and Legal Compliance
For foreign investors entering the Chinese market, verifying a partner’s CR number is essential for:
- Contractual legitimacy: Only entities with a valid CR number can legally sign contracts.
- Invoice authenticity: Chinese invoices (fapiao) must match the company’s Unified Credit Code.
- Banking and taxation: The CR number links to the company’s tax registration and bank accounts.
- Import/export licensing: Companies must provide their unified code when applying for an Import/Export License.
- Annual reporting: Each registered company uses the CR number when filing through the SAMR system.
According to PwC China’s Investment Guide, failure to maintain accurate registration or update business information under the CR number can result in fines or blacklisting on the national credit database.
How FDIChina Assists with Company Registration and Verification
FDIChina offers end-to-end assistance to foreign enterprises establishing or managing operations in China.
Our key services include:
- China Company Registration
- China WFOE Registration
- China JV Registration
- Representative Office Setup
- China Tax & Accounting
- Free Trade Zone Registration
- Company Closure
Our compliance experts help you:
✅ Obtain and verify your Unified Social Credit Code (CR number)
✅ Register your entity in Mainland China or Hong Kong
✅ Stay compliant with local regulatory updates
✅ File tax and annual compliance reports
FAQs – CR Number in China
Q1: What is a CR number in China?
A CR number in China refers to the Unified Social Credit Code — an 18-digit identification number assigned to all registered businesses by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).
Q2: Is the CR number the same as the business license number?
Yes. The CR number replaced the old business license number after the “Three Certificates in One” reform. Every business license now displays the 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code as its primary identifier.
Q3: How can I check a Chinese company’s CR number online?
You can search via the official National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System by entering the company name or registration code in Chinese.
Q4: Does every WFOE or JV have a CR number?
Yes. All legal entities in China — including WFOEs, JVs, and ROs — receive a Unified Social Credit Code upon registration.
Q5: Can foreign investors use the CR number to verify a Chinese partner?
Absolutely. The CR number provides transparent company data such as registration status, capital, and legal representative, which helps verify legitimacy before partnership or contract signing.
Conclusion
The CR number in China — officially the Unified Social Credit Code — is the cornerstone of business identification and compliance. Whether you’re registering a WFOE, forming a joint venture, or verifying a local partner, this number ensures legal transparency and credibility.
Through FDIChina, foreign investors gain direct access to professional assistance for entity setup, CR number verification, China company registration, and tax & accounting.
Start your China market journey today — visit our Contact Us page to consult our experts.