Application Procedures for Offshore Call Centers Simplified

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Sept. 28 – China’s State Council recently simplified application procedures for foreign investment offshore call center businesses.

Circular 127, implemented on August 12, gives authorization power over the approval of foreign investment offshore call center businesses to local governments.

The circular also outlines specific changes to the application procedure for offshore call centers, consolidating the process and cutting down the steps needed for the company headquarters and respective branches.

According to the circular, an enterprise headquarters must apply for approval of operation for all branches and call centers, and obtain approval by receiving an official “certificate of approval for foreign-invested enterprises.” After obtaining this certificate of approval, the call center branches will not need to obtain separate approval, but only register with their respective municipal and provincial governments.

The new application process will simplify the bureaucratic application process and should create a better environment for the establishment of offshore call center businesses in China.

Under current regulations, offshore service outsourcing companies are exempt from paying business tax in 21 cities through the end of 2013.