In line with the global shift toward digital document exchange, and to streamline the process of cross-border document transmission while advancing the “One-Stop, Efficient Processing” initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China—the designated authority for issuing Apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention—will begin issuing electronic Apostilles for public documents issued within China.
As part of a pilot program, starting June 18, 2025, electronic Apostilles will be issued for Certificates of Origin issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). Applicants applying for a Certificate of Origin at CCPIT will be able to apply for an electronic Apostille simultaneously, enabling a seamless, “one-stop, no-visit” service experience. The electronic Apostille holds the same legal validity as its paper counterpart and can be verified online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Consular Legalization/Apostille Online Verification System” at the following link: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VERIFY.
The Ministry plans to progressively expand the scope of electronic Apostilles to cover more document types and regions, aiming to deliver faster and more convenient cross-border document services for Chinese citizens and businesses.
Attachment: Sample of Electronic Apostille
For more details, please visit:
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/wjdt_674879/sjxw_674887/202506/t20250617_11651350.shtml
