1. The common question
An exporter wins a tender and asks whether the resulting service contract needs certification.
The answer depends on what the contract is for.
2. The kinds of contract
Trade contract
The sale of goods. Usually not certified unless the destination requires it or the buyer asks.
Service contract
Supply of services abroad. Some jurisdictions require certification for tax or regulatory reasons.
Agency and distribution agreements
Often certified for registration purposes in the destination.
Construction and engineering contracts
Usually certified for permit purposes in the destination.
3. Where certification is required
Tenders in some markets.
Registration with a foreign authority.
Payment under a contract, where the bank or the authority requires it.
Visa applications where the sponsor must prove a commercial relationship.
4. The scope
Certification attaches to the document, not the service.
Two identical service contracts can be treated differently depending on the purpose for which the certified copy is filed.
5. The consequence for tendering
Contract execution is in the destination. The certification is in China.
If the tender requires the certified contract to accompany the submission, the certification has to precede the tender, which means the contract has to be signed earlier than usual.
6. A scenario
A company submitted a tender without the certified contract, intending to supply it after award.
The tender rules required it at submission, and the bid was rejected.
7. The lesson
Tender rules on documentation are read literally.
8. Closing view
The certification requirement follows the purpose of the document, not the nature of the contract.
Ask what the certified copy is for.
*This article is based on CCPIT commercial certification practice and China’s consular authentication regulations, updated October 2026.*