In June 2015, China released guidelines on the reform of the Business License. The Business License will be replaced by an integrated Business License, which will combine the Organization Code Certificate, the Tax Registration Certificate and the old Business License. The reforms aim to increase efficiency. The new Business License is also called the 3 in 1 Business License, as only one certificate has to be obtained. In 2015, the new guidelines were first implemented in certain pilot areas and in China’s four Free Trade Zones.
Since 1 October 2015, all companies in China must apply for the combined Business License. All companies established before 1 October 2015 have until 31 December 2017 to apply for the new integrated Business License. All business entities must apply for the combined Business License, including, not limited to, Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises, Representative Offices and Branch Offices.