Shanxi Elite Coal Safety Information Technology Co Ltd received an electronic business license on June 1, marking the official start of electronic registration of enterprises in Shanxi province.

Shanxi Industrial and Commercial Administrative Bureau started electronic registration of enterprises on June 1 as part of its reform of the province's demonstration zone.

The online registration system covers matters related to all types of businesses, including establishment, modification, filing and deregistration. It helps to reduce the institutional transaction costs of startup businesses, deepen reform of the commercial sector, and build a more efficient business environment.

Enterprises can register at the service window or through an electronic system. However, they can receive a paper business license after receiving the electronic business license.

Electronic business licenses have the same legal effect as paper licenses; both are legal documents of principal qualification for enterprises in the market, said Wang Yibing, deputy director of Shanxi Industrial and Commercial Administrative Bureau.

Paperless electronic registration will be gradually implemented before the end of October 2017. Electronic registration platforms will also be launched on cellphones through APP and WeChat.