Published by ChinaMNC · Dehui

How Foreign Founders Can Request Government Information in Changchun: A Practical Guide

A guide for foreign founders on requesting government information from Changchun authorities, covering which agency to approach, how to apply, key considerations, and remedies, based on the revised Regulations on Open Government Information.

Accessing Government Information in Changchun: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

For foreign founders establishing or operating a company in China, access to official government information can be crucial for compliance and planning. The revised Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Open Government Information (effective May 15, 2019) set out the framework for requesting such information. This article provides practical guidance on how to navigate the process in Changchun, based on the city's official disclosure guidelines.

Which Agency Should You Apply To?

The first step is to identify the administrative organ that created the information you need. Each agency produces information according to its administrative functions. For example:

• Planning and Natural Resources Departments handle land expropriation information.
• Education Departments handle compulsory education information.
• Ecology and Environment Departments handle environmental impact assessment information.
• Transport Departments handle approval results for highway construction permits.

Applicants should direct their request to the appropriate agency based on the type of information sought. Following institutional reforms, some responsibilities have been transferred; in such cases, the receiving agency now holds the disclosure obligation. Specific duties can be checked on each agency's official website.

How to Submit an Application

The application process typically involves three steps:

1. Review the agency's "Government Information Disclosure Guide" on its website to understand procedures and precautions.
2. Complete the "Government Information Disclosure Application Form" in accordance with the guide. The form generally requires:

• Applicant's name or entity name, identification details, and contact information.
• The name, document number, or other characteristics of the information requested. Be as accurate and specific as possible to help the agency locate the information.
• Preferred format for receiving the information, including the method and channel.

3. Submit the form and proof of identity to the agency's government information disclosure office. If applying by post, send it to that office and mark "Government Information Disclosure Application" on the envelope to avoid delays or loss.

Key Considerations When Applying

Foreign founders should keep the following points in mind:

• The information requested must already exist; agencies are not required to create new information or analyze existing data.
• Information involving trade secrets or personal privacy (such as others' identity, communications, health, marriage, family, or property status) that could harm third-party rights will not be disclosed. However, disclosure may occur if the third party consents or if non-disclosure would significantly affect the public interest.
• Requests made in the form of petitions, complaints, or reports will not be handled as information disclosure requests; applicants will be advised to use appropriate channels.
• For information such as business registration or real estate registration records, other laws and regulations may prescribe special procedures that must be followed.
• Avoid submitting repetitive requests for the same information.

Available Application Channels

Applications can be submitted in person, by post, or online through the government website's disclosure column (http://zwgk.changchun.gov.cn/ysqgk/zx/). Specific channels are listed in each agency's disclosure guide. If no channel is specified, applicants may choose any reasonable method.

Response Time and Calculation of Deadlines

Agencies must respond immediately if possible, or within 20 working days of receiving the request. If an extension is needed, the agency must notify the applicant, and the extension may not exceed 20 working days. The processing period starts from the day after the request is received. For in-person submissions, the date of submission is the date of receipt. For postal submissions, the date of receipt is the date the agency signs for it. For ordinary mail without signature, the disclosure office will confirm with the applicant on the day of receipt, and that confirmation date counts as the date of receipt.

Handling Requests for Supplementary Information

If the agency sends a notice to supplement the application, the applicant should make corrections or additions promptly according to the specified items and deadline. Failure to do so without justification will be treated as withdrawal of the request. The response period will then be recalculated from the date the supplemented application is received.

How Agencies Deliver Responses

Responses will be delivered in person, by post, or electronically. If delivered by post, the agency must use postal services; other courier companies without national official document delivery qualifications may not be used.

Remedies if Your Rights Are Infringed

If an applicant believes that an agency has infringed their lawful rights in handling the information disclosure request, they may complain or report to the higher-level administrative organ or the government information disclosure supervisory department. They may also apply for administrative reconsideration or file an administrative lawsuit in accordance with the law.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Call to Action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.