When you browse a supplier’s profile on Indexfox, you will often see a Business Registration No. displayed in their Business Identity section. This number represents the official legal identity of the company.
1. Mainland China: Unified Social Credit Code
For companies registered in Mainland China, this is an 18-digit alphanumeric code known as the Unified Social Credit Code (统一社会信用代码).
- It is unique to each legal entity.
- It serves as the company’s business license number, tax registration number, and organization code.
- How to Verify: You can verify the existence and legal status of any Mainland Chinese company by entering this 18-digit code or their Chinese company name into the official National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (GSXT).
2. Hong Kong: Business Registration Number (BRN)
Many Chinese manufacturers establish a corporate entity in Hong Kong to handle international contracts, banking, and logistics. For these entities, you will see a Hong Kong registration number.
- How to Verify: You can verify Hong Kong entities via the Cyber Search Centre of the Companies Registry.
Why is this important?
Information asymmetry is a major risk in global trade. A verified registration number proves that the company is a legally registered entity capable of entering into binding contracts and issuing official commercial invoices.
Note: While Indexfox manually verifies the registration status of our Premium Suppliers during onboarding, we always recommend buyers perform their own due diligence (DD) before transferring funds.