Several ministries recently called to further promote a three-in-one business license to streamline registration systems after Premier Li Keqiang responded to an online story.

This online story said that since business licenses, tax registration certificates and organization code certificates are issued by the administration of industry and commerce, it is indeed convenient for newly-established enterprises. However, it is more difficult for old enterprises to apply for the three-in-one business license, since they have to go to different departments many times to apply for different licenses.

The Premier realized the great importance of this online story and he responded by writing an instruction urging the State Administration of Industry and Commerce (SAIC) to enhance information sharing and simplify business license application procedures.

After the Premier’s instruction, eight ministries, including SAIC, the State Administration of Taxation (SAT), the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) held symposiums to discuss measures to improve procedures for enterprises to apply for a three-in-one business license.

SAIC pledged to step up efforts in promoting invoice receiving and purchasing through online application and offline delivery of invoice paperwork, and enterprises’ original invoices can continue to be used. Meanwhile, it is considering formulating a new plan to simplify procedures for paying taxes.

GAC said that they have enabled enterprises to use a unified social credit code for customs registration and goods declaration. They have also developed an online registration platform. In the second half of the year, enterprises are expected to apply for business licenses in their companies.

The eight ministries all advised listing the files that enterprises have to submit to get a business license and put forward a plan to simplify related procedures to ease enterprises’ burdens.