Doing Business with China

Partnerships or incorporated accounting firms are limited to Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) licensed by the Chinese authorities.

• Foreign accounting firms are permitted to affiliate with Chinese firms and enter into contractual agreements with their affiliated firms in other WTO member countries ;

• Upon accession to the WTO, issue of licenses to those foreigners who have passed the Chinese national CPA examination shall be accorded national treatment;

• Applicants will be informed of results in writing no later than 30 days after submission of their applications;

• Existing contractual joint venture accounting firms are not limited only to CPAs licensed by Chinese authorities;

• Accounting firms providing services in CPC 862 can engage in taxation and management consulting services. They will not be subject to requirements on the form of establishment in CPC 865 and 8630.