Electronic signatures in China: the Electronic Signature Law and 'reliable' signatures

China was an early mover on electronic signatures, and online contracting is now routine, from e-commerce platforms to supply agreements. At the same time, Chinese business culture places great weight on the company seal (the "chop"), and the law draws a clear line between ordinary electronic signatures and "reliable" ones. This guide explains the basics.

For a comparison with other countries, see our e-signature legality overview and the guide Are electronic signatures legal around the world?.

Are electronic signatures legal in China?#

Yes, in most civil and commercial matters. The Electronic Signature Law of the People's Republic of China was adopted in 2004, took effect in 2005 and was amended in 2015 and 2019. Its core principles are:

• Party agreement. In civil activities, the parties can agree whether to use electronic signatures and data messages. Where they have agreed, a document can't be denied legal effect just because it uses an electronic signature or takes the form of a data message.
• Reliable signatures. A "reliable" electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature or seal.

The Civil Code, in force since 2021, also treats data messages such as emails and electronic data interchange, when they can show their content in tangible form and be accessed at any time, as a form of writing for contracts.

Types of electronic signatures recognised#

The law effectively works with two categories:

• Electronic signatures in general. Data in electronic form, contained in or attached to a data message, that identifies the signer and shows that the signer approves the content. A typed or drawn signature submitted online can fall into this category when the parties have agreed to sign electronically.
• Reliable electronic signatures. The law treats a signature as reliable when, broadly, the signature creation data belongs exclusively to the signer and was under the signer's sole control when signing, and any later change to the signature or to the document can be detected. In practice, reliable signatures are usually certificate-based and supported by licensed electronic certification service providers. Parties can also agree on other reliability conditions.

A signature that doesn't meet the "reliable" conditions isn't invalid for that reason alone, but the party relying on it may need to do more to prove that it is genuine. Signkoi provides simple electronic signatures with strong evidence. It doesn't issue certificate-based signatures through a licensed certification provider, and it doesn't create electronic company seals.

Documents that often still need wet ink, a notary or a certified signature#

The Electronic Signature Law doesn't apply to:

• Documents about personal relationships, such as marriage, adoption and inheritance.
• Documents about the termination of public utility services, such as water, heating, gas and electricity.
• Other situations where laws or administrative regulations exclude it.

Beyond that, registrations and filings with government authorities, courts and registries follow their own procedures, which may involve their own e-signing systems, paper originals or notarisation. And in many companies, internal rules or counterparties expect the company seal on important contracts. Agree on the signing method in advance.

Collecting good evidence with simple e-signatures#

Because party agreement is central under Chinese law, it helps to record it, for example with a clause in the contract confirming that the parties agree to sign electronically. Then focus on proving who signed and that the document is unchanged. With Signkoi, every completed document includes:

• A deliberate signing step. Each signer draws, types or uploads a signature and agrees to sign electronically.
• A sealed PDF. A tamper-evident seal and a trusted timestamp make later changes detectable.
• An audit trail. Sending, opening and signing events are logged with times, IP addresses and browser details, and summarised in a certificate of completion.
• Optional identity checks. Ask signers to enter an access code you share separately, or a one-time code sent to their email.
• Independent verification. Anyone holding the PDF can check it at signkoi.com/verify.

How to send a document for signature in China with Signkoi#

1. Upload your PDF, or start from a template. Consider including a clause in which the parties agree to sign electronically.
2. Add your signers and set a signing order if needed.
3. Place signature and other fields for each signer.
4. Set reminders, an expiry date and an access code or email one-time code.
5. Send. Recipients sign in their browser with no account, and Signkoi's interface is available in Chinese, among 12 languages.
6. Download the sealed PDF and certificate of completion and keep them with your records.

Frequently asked questions#

Does an electronic signature need to be "reliable" to be valid?#

Not necessarily. If the parties agreed to sign electronically, the document can't be denied effect just because it is electronic. A reliable signature, however, has the same effect as a handwritten signature or seal, which makes it stronger if a dispute arises.

Do I still need a company chop?#

The law doesn't require a seal for every contract, but company seals remain very common in practice, and your counterparty or your own internal rules may expect one. Agree on the signing method before you send.

Can I sign an employment contract electronically?#

Electronic employment contracts are increasingly common in China. Make sure the employee agrees to the electronic format and can access and keep a copy, and check any local requirements.

Not legal advice#

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws, regulations and local practice change, and using Signkoi doesn't guarantee that a particular signature will be valid or enforceable in your situation. For important or regulated documents, talk to a qualified lawyer licensed in the People's Republic of China.