App Store Policy Changes - 2024

Important Note
The policy changes listed below are for informational purposes only to help you better understand trends and directions in app store compliance. They do not represent the current full list of compliance requirements or review criteria.
If you have any questions, please contact us.

Stay informed about important regulatory and policy changes introduced by Chinese app stores in 2024 that may affect app distribution and compliance requirements.

February 2024

Urgent Reminder to Complete MIIT App Filing

In accordance with MIIT’s July 2023 notice, all apps operating in China must complete MIIT App Filing through their access providers or distribution platforms.

• New apps: Filing must be completed before release.
• Existing apps: Must be filed before March 31, 2024, or face removal.

March 2024

Updated Qualification Requirements

App stores updated certificate requirements for the following categories:

• Precious Metals: Must provide approval from financial regulators or exchange membership certificate.
• Credit Card Aggregator Apps: Must provide Value-Added Telecom Service License and cooperation agreements with at least 3 banks.
• NFT/Collectibles (Primary Sales): Must provide blockchain service record screenshot or a third-party record plus agreement.
• Mobile Top-up Apps: Based on entity type, submit operator license, business license, or authorized reseller agreement.
• Charity Donation Apps: Must provide Charity Organization Registration Certificate and Public Fundraising Qualification Certificate.

June 2024

Expanded Qualification Requirements

• Public Fund Apps: Must provide CSRC product registration approval or proof.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Apps:
  • Manufacturers: Drug Production License + Internet Drug Info Service Certificate.
  • Distributors: Drug Business License + Internet Drug Info Service Certificate.
  • Platforms: Platform Registration + Info Service Certificate + Telecom License.
• Credit Card Application Apps: Must provide Financial License.

Also includes updated templates for copyright and publishing licenses.

July 2024

Privacy Compliance Updated

• Apps must not access personal data or SDKs before users agree to the privacy policy.
• Clear explanation required for sensitive permissions and data types.
• user consent is required for “Installed Apps List” permission and pre-request scenarios.

August 2024

New Qualification Requirements

Updated requirements for:

• Donation Platforms: Screenshot of registration on official charity fundraising platform.
• Media Apps: Internet Culture Operation License + Broadcasting License. Short-form video apps may use registration proof.
• Online Map Services: Mapping qualification certificate showing internet map services; maps must show approval ID and/or partner details.

Also added:

• Description requirements for apps that function only with specific hardware or software.
• Maps must display official approval numbers clearly.

September 2024

AI & Healthcare Service Compliance

• Medical Appointment Apps: Must provide authorization from partner hospitals.
• Health Check Apps: Medical Institution License required. Diagnosis scope must include “health check services”.
• Generative AI Apps: Partner's algorithm filing certificate + cooperation agreement with algorithm ID or filing number required.

November 2024

Financial & Telecom Apps Qualification Update

Updated certificate requirements for:

• MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operators): Telecom License covering resale of cellular services.
• VoIP Apps:
  • Security assessment report and result screenshot.
  • Telecom license covering domestic multiparty communication services.
• Mutual Fund Apps:
  • Registration proof or license for fund registration/sales.
• Private Fund Apps:
  • Proof of private fund registration and sales, plus industry association certificate.
• Financial Aggregators (Fund, Securities, Futures):
  • At least 3 partner agreements.
  • Each partner must hold proper fund/securities/futures licenses.
  • Telecom license required.

Additional Audit Guidelines

• MVNO Services: Require real-name authentication for number transactions.
• Health Metrics: Apps with blood pressure/heart rate features must display health disclaimer.
• Digital Goods: Must configure correct product type in app stores.

App Filing requirements Updated

Key clarifications:

• Mismatches in app name, package, or entity ID may cause filing failures.
• Case sensitivity and character accuracy (e.g., distinguishing 0 and O) is essential.
• More material required for mismatched filing and AGC info.

December 2024

Updated Qualification Requirements

• Travel Agency Apps: Must provide Travel Business License. If outbound travel is offered, license must include outbound scope.
• Browser Apps: If offering search, must have a telecom license. If via a partner, must submit partner license and agreement.

Meta-Service Qualification Requirements

• Financial Aggregators (Futures, Securities):
  • 3+ cooperation agreements with licensed partners.
  • Telecom license required.
• Travel Agencies: Must submit Travel Business License; outbound travel scope required if applicable.

Contact Us

Have questions about your app’s compliance status or required documentation for Chinese app stores?
Contact us — we’re here to help you navigate the regulatory landscape.