Electronic Signatures in China Carry the Same Legal Effect as a Handwritten Signature

The updated Measures and T/CQAE 11034-2025 introduce four requirements: (1) CA direct verification — identity checks by the CA itself; (2) CA direct signing — agreement between CA and subscriber; (3) signing-intent evidence — complete trails, audio/video for high-assurance; (4) private-key management — explicit authorization if custodied. Review your provider's compliance and existing workflows.

The rules govern the certification process going forward and do not automatically invalidate prior contracts. However, review your provider's compliance status and plan migration for non-compliant workflows. Consult legal counsel for contract-specific assessments.

Check whether the provider holds an MIIT CA license, performs identity verification directly (not delegated), signs agreements between CA and subscriber, captures full signing-intent evidence, and maintains proper private-key authorization and logging.

Article 14 of the Electronic Signature Law gives a reliable electronic signature the same legal effect as a handwritten signature or seal. The document must fall within the law's scope and the signing process must meet the four conditions in Article 13.

Article 13 sets four cumulative conditions: signature creation data is exclusive to and solely controlled by the signer, and any change to the signature or to the signed data message is detectable. All four must be met at once.

An electronic seal is applied as a CA-based digital signature bound to the enterprise's certificate. Seal use is permission-controlled, and each use is recorded in the signing evidence for audit.

Bulk send lets you upload a CSV and send to 1,000+ recipients, each with a unique signing link and live status tracking, while every document keeps its own evidence package.

Yes. Electronic employment contracts are recognized when concluded through a reliable electronic signature, in line with guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Reusable templates and real-name verification keep records complete.

An electronic contract generally takes effect when all required parties have signed, unless the contract or law provides otherwise. The signing flow should confirm each required signer before completion.

Retain the completed document with signer identity records, verification method, timestamps, integrity records, signing events, and certificate context. Records should be retrievable for the full limitation and audit period.

Legal validity is a legal, document-specific decision. eSign.AI gives legal and compliance teams the identity routing, integrity records, timestamps, and evidence package needed to make and defend that decision.