On March 8, 2023, China officially submitted documentation to accede to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, commonly known as the Apostille Convention. The Apostille Convention facilitates the use of public documents abroad by replacing the often long and costly legalization process by issuing a simple Apostille certificate. With the accession of China, the Apostille Convention now has 124 contracting parties.
The Chinese government stated that their decision to accede to the Convention is in accordance with their efforts to simplify the use of public documents abroad and expedite international trade. The Apostille Convention will officially go into effect in China on November 7, 2023. The Convention will continue to apply in Hong Kong and Macao. China has designated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Competent Authority to issue apostilles to documents originating within mainland China.
It is important to note that the Convention will not be applicable between the People's Republic of China and the Contracting States that China does not recognize as sovereign states.
Contracting parties who have not objected will waive the legalization requirement for public documents issued by Chinese authorities and accept apostilles issued by China’s designated Competent Authority. Likewise, Chinese authorities must accept apostilles for incoming foreign public documents issued by the Competent Authorities of other contracting parties.
How CT Corporation can help
With so many steps and considerations to take before, during, and after the issuance or execution of a document that originates in one jurisdiction for use in another, it’s important to have the right support.
Whether you already have the document in hand or are somewhere in the process of arranging to have it issued or signed, CT Corporation provides the assistance and support you need to get it done. For more information on our Authentication and Apostille services, contact a CT Corporation specialist today.
